Ever wondered why your back pain keeps coming back, no matter how much you stretch?
You’re not alone. Over 50% of amateur golfers experience back pain at some point – but the real problem isn’t just the pain itself, it’s how most golfers try to fix it.
One of my clients, Tom, had spent months doing generic core exercises, hoping they’d fix his back pain. But the pain kept returning because his issue wasn’t weak abs – it was poor hip mobility.
Like many golfers, Tom was making the number one mistake: treating the symptom instead of the root cause.
The Biggest Mistake Golfers Make
Most golfers waste months or even years trying to fix their back pain with stretching, core work, or temporary fixes like painkillers and massages.
While these might offer short-term relief, they don’t address the real issue – your body’s ability to move efficiently during your swing.
Why These Quick Fixes Don’t Work
“I just need to strengthen my core.” A strong core is great, but if your hips, thoracic spine, or shoulders are stiff, your back will still take the brunt of the stress.
“I’ll just stretch more.” Stretching alone won’t fix poor movement patterns. If your muscles are compensating for deeper mobility issues, excessive stretching can make things worse.
“I’ll take some time off and rest.” Rest may reduce inflammation temporarily, but if the root cause isn’t addressed, the pain will return as soon as you start playing again.
The Right Way to Fix Golf-Related Back Pain
Instead of chasing quick fixes, the key is to address the root cause of your pain:
- Reset Your Breathing Mechanics – Many golfers breathe inefficiently, keeping their ribcage elevated and their lower back in constant tension. Learning proper breathing patterns can instantly reduce unnecessary strain on the back.
- Improve Golf-Specific Mobility – Instead of general stretching, focus on movements that restore natural rotation and fluid motion between the pelvis, thoracic spine, and shoulders.
- Balance Muscular Tension & Stability – If one side of the body is overly dominant or restricted, it can pull the pelvis and spine out of alignment. Correcting these imbalances is key to pain-free movement.
- Reinforce Proper Movement Patterns – Learning how to load and rotate correctly, rather than forcing motion through tight areas, will prevent pain from coming back.
Take the First Step to Pain-Free Golf
Tom finally broke free from his cycle of pain when he stopped focusing on generic core work and started improving his movement mechanics. Within weeks, he was swinging freely – without pain.
If you’re tired of temporary fixes, let’s find the real problem.
Book a Golf MOT Assessment today and get a clear, step-by-step plan to fix your pain for good.
