Joe Great info. I saw you on CNBC. Hope you expand to include biking/triathlon injuries. .......................................................................................

art really good information .......................................................................................

golfguy Thanks- good video! .......................................................................................

stillswinging good video and great tip on helping the back .......................................................................................

pb I like the rehab exercises! .......................................................................................

JohnyPineValley Great video and good exercises on preventing lower back strain. .......................................................................................

David Jones Good video and information. Still as Bob said, "It's not a matter of if you'll experience back pain, but when." Anyone who bothers to look will notice that most golfers have several common things that contribute to the onset of lower back pain. Improper posture, lack of good physical conditioning, improper swing technique AND the repetitive bending over on the course to retrieve those extra clubs (wedge, chipper, etc.)that they carried away from the bag. These movements are not exercise but are straining movements, executed off balance and are non-condusive to good back health. Back, hips and shoulders, especially in older players, get taxed hard by these movements. These non-beneficial motions, especially over time, in my opinion contribute greatly to overall break down of the golfers physical condition. It is easy to solve this problem. Find a better way to play that saves some of the wear & tear on the back. There are many products on the market that are specifiaclly designed to relieve this repetitive straining motion. I encourage players to find one that works for them and save their back for their swing and mowing the lawn. If not mine, find one that works for you. Thanks, www.theclubcaddy.com .......................................................................................

Hristos K. Giannos, D.C., M.S.(Dr. Hristos “Chris” Giannos) When it comes to lower back strain there is usually not one thing that leads to it, rather several different small components. Some people don’t realize that body composition has a big part to play in both biomechanics, as well as general posture when playing golf, or performing everyday tasks. Even the small “pot belly” could put unnecessary strain on the lower back from the set up phase all the way to the follow through phase. The pot belly could compromise the way your spine is aligned while setting up and also adding to the collapse of your chest. A colleague of mine (Christopher Burden, D.C.) once said that when you set up your body position to the golf ball, your lower back needs to be tilted upwards so as to mimic “holding plates” there; concurrently, your chest raises up and does not slump over. It makes sense since this position is a so called “power position,” and reminiscent of my days of doing collegiate Track & Field throwing events. In this position your legs are the ones that are going to take the brunt of the force, not your lower back; and you’ll be happy to know this will help whether you have a pot belly or not. .......................................................................................

Hristos K. Giannos, D.C., M.S.( Dr. Hristos “Chris” Giannos) Another tip that helps is to do “abdominal hollowing,” which will act as a natural weight belt around your waist. As your setting up, breathe in while sticking your stomach out. Then, exhale and bring in your belly button as far as you can, and hold it there. It’s going to take some getting used to, but it’s highly effective when trying to take the forces and pressure away from you lower back when swinging; and will also train your core. Be sure to breathe normally however, so as not to feel light headed. Another factor missed by beginner and novice golfers is the length of their golf clubs. If your clubs are too short or even too long, it could compromise your setup phase and alter your spine’s biomechanics. If you have doubts about what length your clubs should be, then visit either a pro shop or athletic department store that specializes in golf. Most likely, they will measure the distance from your wrist to the floor and use a chart to determine the club length that fits your wrist-to-floor dimension. .......................................................................................

Hristos K. Giannos, D.C., M.S.( Dr. Hristos “Chris” Giannos) Finally, to get back to the pot belly situation, it would be wise to strengthen your core in order to avoid spinal injury from any activity. You could incorporate some floor as well as Swiss ball exercises in your daily program to strengthen that midsection. Floor bridges are an excellent way to start working on core, so check out the Fitness Challenge week 7 article on golfersmd.com to get more information. Disclaimer: This information was not intended to replace the services of your physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for your own physician’s medical advice. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Any action by the reader in response to the information provided in this web site is at the reader's discretion. Allied Health & Wellness Centers Sports Medicine & Family Chiropractic Hristos K. Giannos, D.C., M.S. 115 Technology Dr., Suite A-200 Trumbull, CT 06611 (203) 445-0795 (203) 268-5801 .......................................................................................

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