Sports medicine
In the acute stage of back pain, limiting sports activities is appropriate. Movement is important, but shooting 18 holes is not going to be helpful. Allowing your back to heal will actually allow you to return and stay functional as opposed to going back too soon and having recurrent attacks stretching out your recovery.
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Sport activities can be divided into low, moderate, and high risk for developing low back pain. If you have back pain and are trying to start a new sport, you should speak with your physician before starting a new activity. In general, some of the low-risk sports are compatible with low back pain. These sports are bicycling and swimming. Racquet sports are difficult to start if you are having acute back pain. Also, I have assumed that amateur sports persons are involved with these activities. Professional athletes have greater risks.
The low-risk sports in general put little pressure on the spine. In addition, the risk of continuous twisting is small. The moderate-risk sports are associated with jumping (basketball, dancing, horseback riding, jogging) or twisting (baseball, bowling, golf, rowing). Jumping places increased pressures on discs. Discs are at risk of herniation or more rapid degeneration. Twisting places pressure on the facet joints. Continuous twisting causes increased joint pain that continues after the sports activity is completed. High-risk sports are associated with high velocity impact (diving, football) or hyperextension (gymnastics) or excessive weight (lifting). General recommendations for all sports are to use good technique from the outset. You should learn from a good teacher if you have not had experience with the sport. You should ask a ski instructor about appropriate technique to protect your back. You should use appropriate equipment to decrease your exposure to risk. For example, good running shoes with appropriate cushioning are important. Running on soft surfaces like grass or asphalt is better than running on concrete. |