Q: I like to golf and usually play three to four times per week.

About three months ago I hurt my lower back while playing. I had to rest for about two months until it went away.

I hear from my friends that a lot of people hurt their lower back playing golf and wondered what I should do to prevent this from happening again.

A: The most common reason for lower back pain and injury in golfers is a poor swing.

The combination of proper swing mechanics with repetitive rotational stresses of the golf swing can place considerable pressure on the lower back and paraspinal muscles. Golfers with poor flexibility and poor muscle strength are also more at risk for lower back injuries.

Strengthening exercises working on the lower back and abdominal muscles can help prevent injuries. These can usually be taught to you by a physical therapist or athletic trainer.

In addition to strengthening, an exercise program should also work on flexibility exercises as well. A golf lesson with a professional aimed at correcting an improper swing should also decrease your risk of injury.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is in private practice in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine at Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables, and serves as team physician for the Miami Heat and Miami Dade College, among others. The Jock Doc column runs every other week.

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