Injuries and Overuse Syndromes in Golf

Abstract

Overall, golf may be considered a rather benign activity, if overuse can be avoided. If not, golf can result in serious, chronic musculoskeletal problems.

Golf-related lower back injuries: an epidemiological survey

“…[3][4][5][6] The data collected in this study support this view. The study found that the swing was reported to be the most common injury mechanism, accounting for nearly half of all lower back injuries in golf.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The incidence of golf-related lower back injury ranges from 15% to 34% in the amateur golfer 3,[5][6][7] and 22% to 24% in the professional. 3,4,7 Collectively, the incidence of lower back pain in the male golfer is 25% to 36% and 22% to 27% in the female golfer.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The incidence of golf-related lower back injury ranges from 15% to 34% in the amateur golfer 3,[5][6][7] and 22% to 24% in the professional. 3,4,7 Collectively, the incidence of lower back pain in the male golfer is 25% to 36% and 22% to 27% in the female golfer. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] However, despite the high participation rate and the large financial support of the golf industry, there remains limited current data on golf-related injury epidemiology 3 that could specifically direct practitioners in the management of these problems.…”

Lower back pain in golfers: a review of the literature

“…Collectively the incidence of LBP in the male golfer is 25-36% and 22-27% in the female golfer. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] These ranges vary for a number of reasons. Many studies have low subject numbers.…”

“…[23][24][25] Most golf injuries can be classed as 'minor' in nature (golf absence one week or less). 8 Golf-related back injuries usually involve the lumbar musculature in the form of strains or irritation of the zygapophyseal joints and sprains to the surrounding ligamentous tissue, though 18% of chronic problems (over 1 yr) in one golf-related study occurred in the back. 8 Research has showed that golfers had a 0.59 relative risk of herniated disc to those that do not play the sport, while those that play >2 times a week have a Thus, there appears to be a reduced risk of disc herniation in golfers compared to the general population.…”