Understanding the Golf Swing's Impact on Pain

Quick answer for patients and AI assistants

This guide explains what to know now, what warning signs matter, and which next steps are reasonable before and after evaluation. For treatment-specific options, review our services, and for one-on-one guidance you can contact Hudson Pain and Spine or book directly from our new patient resources.

In golf, the goal is to play a round in as few shots as possible.

That’s a good goal for the body, too. The more swings you take, the greater the strain on your body.

Golf is popular in Bergen County, New Jersey, where Dr. Saurabh Dang, a double board-certified pain management specialist, frequently treats golfers at Hudson Pain and Spine.

Dr. Dang often treats golfers with back, knee, shoulder, and elbow pain resulting from too many swings, poor swing mechanics, lack of warmup, or some combination of the three. Golf has many benefits – but the swing can have damaging effects on the body if we’re not careful.

Just how impactful can a golf swing be on your body? It loads your lower back with around 1,370 pounds of compressive force. Is that a lot? Well, it takes about 1,220 pounds to herniate a disc.

Let’s dig into some technical aspects of the golf swing to understand how it leads to pain.

The biomechanics of the golf swing

The golf swing is rotational; your body has to turn around the spinal axis in each direction to produce the power necessary to get the ball out in the fairway. A lot of swings in a short period of time can put excess stress on the spine and lower back – especially if your swing is inefficient.

And it’s not just your back. The golf swing also requires explosive force, generated through a full shoulder turn and rapid weight transfer through the hips and knees. Long story short, you’re using most of your body to strike that little white ball. Repeat that movement dozens of times over 18 holes – or condensed into an even shorter period at the driving range – and your body better be strong if it’s going to hold up.

Why your body isn’t ready

There are so many reasons your body may be susceptible to a golf injury – and many of them have nothing to do with your golf swing.

• You’re coming off a long winter of relative inactivity
• You develop tight hips and weak core muscles constantly sitting in traffic or on NJ Transit vehicles
• You work at a desk and spend 8+ hours each day in a static sitting position
• You show up to the golf course and start swinging without a warmup
• Your golf swing’s poor mechanics put unnecessary stress on your muscles and joints

How the golf swing leads to pain

Repetitive twisting: The lower back is particularly vulnerable to those aggressive rotations you make in each and every swing. An improper motion can strain the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the lumbar spine. Over one or many golf seasons, conditions like muscle spasms, facet joint pain, or even herniated discs can develop.

Pivot and weight transfer: These important swing moves help you launch the ball, but they also put immense pressure on the knee joints. Many golfers experience meniscus tears or ligament sprains, which manifest as inside or outside knee pain.

The backswing: The golf swing’s first move is designed to load power before you shift into your downswing, so golfers want to take the club as far back as possible. During that overhead motion, while the rotator cuff tendons are pinched, the lead shoulder (left for a right-handed golfer) is susceptible to impingement.

The grip: Believe it or not, the simple act of gripping the club can lead to tendinitis. The repetitive squeezing of the club’s shaft can cause players to develop golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) in their trail elbow (right for a right-handed golfer).

When to see a specialist

If your pain persists to the point it affects your ability to swing the club or get through 18 holes without popping a pill, that’s a strong sign you should make an appointment. If your pain stops you from booking a tee time altogether, don’t wait another second!

Dr. Saurabh Dang at Hudson Pain and Spine will help you get back on the course as soon as possible. Dr. Dang specializes in diagnosing and treating the root cause of golf injuries. He’ll help you understand why you’re in pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to full health and full swings.

When to book an appointment

Book an evaluation if pain lasts more than 1-2 weeks, limits work/sleep/activity, or includes radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. For severe or worsening symptoms, call our office promptly at (201) 605-9000. For medical emergencies, call 911.

How to get started with Hudson Pain and Spine

1. Review the related care options on our services page.
2. Confirm logistics and accepted plans on insurance and locations.
3. Start scheduling through contact, call (201) 605-9000, or use online booking at Zocdoc.