Everyday Habits That Harm Your Back and Golf Game

Lower back pain is rarely about golf only.  There are usually a number of contributing factors.  This article is very much in list format.  There are so many factors that may be relevant to you, it was easier for me to list them.  To unpack all of these would be a very long article…

This gives you a starting point…

1. Doing Too Much: Overuse, Strain, and Poor Movement Patterns

These habits may cause excessive wear and tear on your back due to repetitive stress, poor movement mechanics, or carrying too much weight.

• Over-Swinging: When More Power Means More Pain – Trying too hard to generate distance can strain your back.

• Carrying a Heavy Bag on One Shoulder – Uneven weight distribution creates muscle imbalances and pain.

• Text Neck: How Looking at Your Phone Strains Your Spine – Constantly looking down puts extra pressure on your neck and spine.

• Wearing High Heels or Unsupportive Shoes – Poor footwear throws off your posture and spinal alignment.

• Washing Dishes or Brushing Your Teeth While Slouching – Repetitive leaning forward can lead to lower back strain.

• Holding in Stress: The Mind-Body Connection to Back Pain – Tension and anxiety tighten back muscles, causing discomfort.

2. Doing Too Little: Weakness, Inactivity, and Neglect

These habits weaken your back over time by reducing mobility, flexibility, and strength.

• Skipping Warm-Ups: A Recipe for Injury – Not preparing your body for movement increases injury risk.

• Sitting Too Much: How a Sedentary Lifestyle Stiffens Your Swing – Prolonged sitting leads to stiffness and limited mobility.

• Ignoring Core Strength: The Missing Link in Your Game – A weak core forces your back to compensate, increasing strain.

• Not Taking Breaks from Sitting – Staying in one position for too long stiffens your back and hips.

• Skipping Hydration: Why Dehydration Affects Your Spine – Lack of water reduces spinal disc cushioning, making movement less fluid.

3. Poor Posture & Ergonomics: Everyday Positions That Hurt Your Back

Some habits involve both overuse and neglect, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.

• Slouching at Your Desk: The Silent Swing Killer – Poor posture while working weakens your spine over time.

• Poor Driving Posture: The Long Commute Problem – Sitting incorrectly for long periods puts stress on your lower back.

• Sleeping on Your Stomach: A Recipe for Morning Stiffness – This position forces your spine into an unnatural arch.

• Lifting Grocery Bags or Kids Incorrectly – Bending at the waist instead of the knees increases injury risk.

• Poor Sleep Posture: How Your Mattress Might Be Hurting Your Back – Lack of spinal support at night affects recovery.

If you’d like help simplifying an approach to relief AND prevention of lower back pain, come to one of our free workshops