What to Do if You Hurt Your Back Playing Golf

Q: What should I do if I injure my back while golfing?

A: If you feel any kind of back pain during your round, the most important thing you can do is stop playing right away. Set your clubs aside and give your body the rest it needs. Trying to push through the pain can make things worse, especially with the repetitive twisting that comes with every swing.

As soon as you can, place an ice pack on the sore area of your back for about 15 minutes. This will help bring down inflammation and ease some of the discomfort in your muscles and soft tissues.

After that, consider reaching out to someone who specializes in treating injuries like this—a chiropractor who has experience with sports injuries, a physical therapist, or a sports physician. They can evaluate your spine, pinpoint the issue, and guide you toward the best treatment to stabilize your back. Even if it feels like a simple muscle strain, it’s still a good idea to get it checked. Sometimes what feels minor could actually be something more significant, like a torn ligament or a herniated disc.

If you’re lucky and it’s just a mild strain, your provider can help you recover more quickly and safely. They’ll also let you know when it’s okay to return to playing golf. Plus, they can give you gentle exercises to help strengthen and stretch your body, which lowers the chance of re-injury when you’re ready to get back on the course.

Taking care of your back today helps make sure you can enjoy the game you love for years to come.