 Back ache after 18 holes |
| Posted On Jul 15, 2008 at 3:38 PM |
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JonJones
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I have a problem playing 18 holes  I start okay, but about half way around I start to get back ache which doesn't go off until I've been sitting down for a while. I love my golf, but don't want to have to start taking pain killers in order to play. Is there anything that pilates can do to help me with this problem 
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 Re: Back ache after 18 holes |
| Posted On Jul 15, 2008 at 6:08 PM |
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nualacoombs
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Hi Jon, Without know your posture and assuming you have no disc or medical problem with your back, it could be that you are just not using your deep postural muscles as well as you could. These muscles are 4 layers down close to the spine and their job is to help to support the low back and help us to stand well with a tall spine. The easiest way to locate these postural muscles is to place your first two fingers on the front of your hip bones and "walk" them about 2" down and 2" in and then cough - the contraction you will feel is part of the large coset type muscle that wraps around your centre to assist with support of the lumbar spine. Become ware of these muscles and before you take your swing, when you address the ball just gently draw your navel backward in the direction of our spine. the contraction should be light so you can sustain it. by using your deep abdominals in this way - to support our posture you will find that your back should start to respond by aching less. When your back aches during play take a moment to bend your knees, place our hands on your thighs and as you breathe out really curl your tail bone underneath to stretch the low back. it could be that your natural posture allows your pelvis to roll more forward than back and so you lumbar muscles are short and strong and as you walk or stand still for any length of time they start to contract more and produce pain. Try these tips out and let me know how you get on.
NUALA COOMBS, The Pilates Consultant
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| Re: Back ache after 18 holes |
| Posted On Jul 23, 2008 at 9:45 PM |
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JonJones
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Thanks Nuala. I have tried the test and found the muscles that you are talking about. I haven't played 18 holes since, but I did go on a long shopping trip with my wife at the weekend (something that also usually brings on my back ache) and had cause to try the exercises you outlined. And it worked, the back ache went and I was able to carry on with the expedition.
I'll let you know how it goes on the course. Thanks again Nuala.
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 Re: Back ache after 18 holes |
| Posted On Aug 9, 2008 at 6:26 PM |
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JonJones
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A bit of an update. I played 18 holes today and the back pain was much better. In fact I got to the 14th green before I noticed any pain, and it was easier to control and went away quicker  I'll keep up with the regime and hopefully I'll soon be playing a full 18 without any discomfort 
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| Re: Back ache after 18 holes |
| Posted On Oct 11, 2008 at 5:35 AM |
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amargison
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Hi Jon,
As someone who also used to get a slight twinge in the lower back when shopping but not when playing golf, I have seen what Nuala had to say and can endorse everything she has said. I have recently started taking a pilates class and feel more supple allready and my posture has improved. One thing I have noticed is that I feel more flexible on my left side than on the right, my instructer said this was common place amongst golfers.
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