Low back pain is a frequent complaint amongst the golfers we treat, often linked to a specific swing fault known as reverse spine angle. This issue can significantly impact your game, causing discomfort that hinders performance. At Elite Performance Therapy, we might be so bold as to say we’ve gained a lot of knowledge through working with some of the best – and worst (!) golfers along the Costa del Sol. Now also based in the UK, we are excited to help golfers with strategies to understand and correct this fault, helping to eliminate low back pain and maintain consistent, pain-free swings.
What is Reverse Spine Angle?
Reverse spine angle is a swing characteristic where the golfer’s upper body tilts towards the target during the backswing, rather than away from it. This misalignment places considerable stress on the lower back, as the spine is forced into an unnatural position. The resulting strain can lead to discomfort or injury, particularly in the lumbar region. From our experience we understand that reverse spine angle not only contributes to low back pain but also reduces swing efficiency, affecting shot distance and accuracy. Clearly you don’t want to ignore this if you want to have your best game, and keep playing injury free. 😊
More About Low Back Pain…
Low back pain caused by reverse spine angle is a direct result of the excessive stress placed on the lumbar spine during the golf swing. This fault causes the spine to twist and bend awkwardly, straining muscles, ligaments, and discs. Over time, repetitive swings can exacerbate this stress, leading to persistent pain that may linger after a round or become chronic. Factors such as limited hip mobility or inadequate core strength often aggravate the issue, as the body compensates for these weaknesses.
Most Common Causes of Reverse Spine Angle
Several factors contribute to the development of reverse spine angle in golfers:
- Limited Hip Mobility: Restricted hip rotation forces the upper body to compensate, tilting towards the target during the backswing, increasing spinal stress.
- Weak Core Muscles: Insufficient core strength fails to stabilize the spine, allowing improper upper body movement and exacerbating low back strain.
- Improper Backswing Mechanics: Incorrect sequencing of the backswing, such as over-rotating the shoulders, leads to the upper body leaning towards the target.
- Inadequate Flexibility: Poor overall flexibility, particularly in the hips and torso, restricts proper swing motion, contributing to reverse spine angle.
- Repetitive Swings: Frequent swings without addressing underlying issues reinforce the fault, worsening low back pain over time.
To correct reverse spine angle, golfers should focus on improving hip mobility through stretches, such as hip flexor stretches (15 seconds per side, twice daily), and strengthening the core with exercises like planks (30 seconds, three times weekly). Regular practice of proper backswing mechanics, guided by a professional, can also prevent this fault.
Is Reverse Spine Angle Limiting Your Golf Game?
We can help!! Please call/WhatsApp us here to book a complimentary consultation and let us help you play pain free 😊