Golf & Back Surgery

Swinging a golf club generates a tremendous amount of torque, starting in the backswing and moving through the follow through. The torque places stress on the lumbar spine, according to Mark R. McLaughlin, M.D. As a result, it isn't uncommon for a golfer to experience a variety of back problems, some of which may lead to surgery.

Surgery Types

• The two most common surgeries performed on golfer is a lumbar spine discectomy and a lumbar fusion. A discectomy is performed when a golfer has a herniated or bulging intervertebral disc that is placing pressure on the spine, spinal column and nerve root. The pressure leads to pain and possible numbness radiating down into the legs. The discectomy removes the part of the disc that is bulging, releasing the pressure in the area. A lumbar fusion is performed when a condition is so extreme in the lumbar region that there has become vertebrae instability, according to the Mayo Clinic. Surgery places bone grafts or synthetic connectors to connect the problematic vertebrae and the body fuses them together over time.

Recovery Times

• Getting back to golf is contingent on the type of surgery that was performed. A discectomy has a much shorter recovery time compared to a spinal fusion. A discectomy and fusion both require the surgical incision site to heal. Beyond that, the fusion may require up to six months or more to allow the bones to fuse properly. During this period you will be limited in the amount of twisting you will be allowed to do. This is a much longer recovery period compared to a discectomy, which has limitations for up to six weeks post surgery. Realize that your recovery time is not directly associated with the time frame you can return to swinging a club or doing a full round of golf.

Return to Golf

• Your doctor is your best advisor as to when you can return to golf. According to Regis W Haid, Jr., M.D., a neurosurgeon at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care, patients recovering from discectomies may return to moderate golf activity around 12 weeks after surgery. Moderate golf activity may start on the driving range or a short course. Patients may be able to build up to a full round of golf after 16 weeks. Returning to golf after a spinal fusion will be a much longer wait; your surgeon will want to wait at least six months before you begin twisting your lower back potentially damaging the unhealed fusion. Most doctors advise to not ride a cart after surgery either as the jarring may be damaging to the healing process.

Prevention

• Preventing back injuries is always the best medicine. The methods used to help prevent an injury in the first place are the same methods you should incorporate once you return back to the links. Always warm up adequately with stretches and a moderate aerobic activity. Cool down in the same fashion to prevent abnormal muscle contractions. Do not take shots laying in odd angles or in a position where you may hurt yourself. Stop playing if you experience pain. Rest and use the relief from pain as an indicator when you should return. If you are recovering from surgery, talk to your doctor prior to returning to golf or any questions about flare ups or pain.

Prognosis

• According to McLaughlin, the prognosis of most golfers returning to the links after spinal surgery is good. When patients allow for adequate recovery time and perform the required physical therapy to gain flexibility and strength in the core muscles, they increase the likelihood of not re-injuring the area.