Pattern for bad backs

[LLAP]

Mike
Is there a swing or pattern that is best for someone with bulging and slightly herniated discs in the lower back?

Steve

[Michael Jacobs]

Originally Posted by LLAP

Mike
Is there a swing or pattern that is best for someone with bulging and slightly herniated discs in the lower back?

Steve

Steve,
To help you with this, tell me some things:

How much movement can you make pivoting -- A full pivot in both directions? Or are there limitations?

Any problems lifting your arms up and down?

How much lower movement has been compromised? {Lower movement being from thighs up to rib cage....}

Current scores, distances, and ball flight?

[duane]

Originally Posted by LLAP

Mike
Is there a swing or pattern that is best for someone with bulging and slightly herniated discs in the lower back?

Steve

great question, llap ... i am sure there are plenty of peeps that would benefit from a "bad back pattern" ...

[LLAP]

Originally Posted by Michael Jacobs

Steve,
To help you with this, tell me some things:

How much movement can you make pivoting -- A full pivot in both directions? Or are there limitations?

Right now pivot is fair. I would guess it to be 75%. Just over one week ago I could hardly move. I could not bend over and stand up, sharp pain radiating to my right hip, twisting was out of the question.

Any problems lifting your arms up and down?

No

How much lower movement has been compromised? {Lower movement being from thighs up to rib cage....}

Again, right now it is fair. I always have some tightness in my lower back but most of the year it does not affect my game. The severe pain comes about once / year or so.

Current scores, distances, and ball flight?

Well when I feel good I shoot from low mid 70's to low 80's on my home course which in about 5700 yards and a slope of 120. My current GHIN hdcp is 5.7. Driver distance - carry on decent hits is between 230-250. Ball flight with driver is I would say mid traj using an 11º head with an "R" flex Pro Launch Blue.

Thanks Steve

Edit: My replies are hidden in your quote underneath your questions. Sorry!

[Michael Jacobs]

Originally Posted by LLAP

Well when I feel good I shoot from low mid 70's to low 80's on my home course which in about 5700 yards and a slope of 120. My current GHIN hdcp is 5.7. Driver distance - carry on decent hits is between 230-250. Ball flight with driver is I would say mid traj using an 11º head with an "R" flex Pro Launch Blue.

Thanks Steve

Edit: My replies are hidden in your quote underneath your questions. Sorry!

Steve,

Hmmm, not really sure what to prescribe to help you without seeing what you do..... golfers who at times have limited movement generally have a steeper shoulder turn and get the club well over the right shoulder and then usually apply a lot of force across the shaft as their ability to pull on the club-shaft is limited. Got any video of your swing I can look at?

[Rick Nielsen]

Originally Posted by LLAP

Mike
Is there a swing or pattern that is best for someone with bulging and slightly herniated discs in the lower back?

Steve

LLAP,

While working on your new stroke pattern, I would suggest some Pilates sessions. Try to find a Pilates Instructor who has experience with golfers. I also had a back injury and could not swing. Pilates helped me not only to swing again but have an improved pivot with better posture and balance.

With your injuries it is important that when you swing to maintain a neutral spine with limited twisting. Also avoid too much flexion.

[dodger]

Pilates did wonders for my low back. It really changed my swing. If your back is inflexible, I find it really easy to fail to pivot properly and get too flat an armswing. I have found a preset right hip helps, as does a narrower stance. Do the Pilates, I bet your problems go away. They should definitely help you avoid surgery.

[wdking]

Originally Posted by LLAP

Mike
Is there a swing or pattern that is best for someone with bulging and slightly herniated discs in the lower back?

Steve

I have two herniated discs in my lower back, for almost 3 years. For me, almost every day, I stretch and strengthen my lower back, otherwise I would have a hard time walking. Once in a while, I'll overdo it golf wise, but because of the stretching program I'm only a day or two away from getting back into golf mode. One of the best pieces of equipment you can buy is the Swiss ball, and any kind of core exercise alongwith it. Men's Health website has some great stuff and also TPI. I should point out that I'm not an exercise nut or in the best shape, but my core strength is very good and getting better each day. You need to be diligent with these exercises too.

You should make YOUR pattern the swing for your bad back. Anything else would just be compensations. I have an entire physical therapy workout that I can send to you if you want. Also, I firmly believe that keeping your stress levels down can lead to better back health.

Good luck and keep working.
Wayne

[LLAP]

Thanks for the input. I had an MRI a couple years ago that showed one slightly herniated disc and two others bulging in my lower back. There is always some amount of feeling in my low back. I can't call it pain as it is more like a dull ache that doesn't really effect me. Then occasionally it turns to a stabbing pain that can start running to my right hip and if it progresses too far down my right leg.
I know I need to do a better job of building / stretching my core. I have a swiss ball and will look into pilates. However I live in a rather remote area and do not have any classes or trainers near enough that offer pilates, yoga, or anything else so I am on my own with that.

Steve

[wdking]

Originally Posted by LLAP

Thanks for the input. I had an MRI a couple years ago that showed one slightly herniated disc and two others bulging in my lower back. There is always some amount of feeling in my low back. I can't call it pain as it is more like a dull ache that doesn't really effect me. Then occasionally it turns to a stabbing pain that can start running to my right hip and if it progresses too far down my right leg.
I know I need to do a better job of building / stretching my core. I have a swiss ball and will look into pilates. However I live in a rather remote area and do not have any classes or trainers near enough that offer pilates, yoga, or anything else so I am on my own with that.

Steve

I don't go to a gym either. Roger Fredrick's dvds are excellent too. I can send you a whole PT stretching and strengthening program that I "borrowed" off the internet if you would like. One very important exercise with the swiss ball are squats against the wall with the back straight and against the wall. Squats are very important in warding off lower back pain.