This past weekend, Tiger Woods withdrew from a golf competition with severe lower back pains. A symptom that’s nothing new for the returning favorite. He’s repeatedly been struck down by spasms, even falling to his knees during practices and photo shoots. But now that he’s officially withdrew from the Honda Classic, how will the rest of his season fare? And more specifically, can he continue to compete (let alone practice) on a bum back?
The experts say it depends. And on several factors, including his treatment regimen, whether or not he can keep the pain under control, and how often or how severe his flare ups continue to take place. It’s also likely he’ll keep mum about his progress so as to keep his competition in the dark as long as possible. After all, he was able to rally in the past, finishing tournaments last minute while still in pain.
The Cause Behind His Back Pain
While scorned women everywhere are citing karma, others say the pains are a nature of his job. In good company with Phil Mickelson, the duo continues to suffer from back pains on and off of the golf course. Arguably the two most talented golfers of the season, both await a good bill of health before moving forward with 2014 competitions.
So what is it about golf that lends itself to such bouts of pain? Because both are life-long players, it could be the constant twisting motions leading to their aches. Add in the intense ricochet of hitting the ball (which rises up and through the body), and this is motion can send shooting pain throughout the bones. While it’s unclear that their golfing lifestyle caused the pains in the first place (though a distinct possibility), golfing with such injuries would certainly worsen already existing conditions. [Bleacher Report]
Only continuing the season will show what’s in store for Woods – and Mickelson – but for the rest of the golfers out there, remember to keep your back in mind during each swing. It’s an act that will allow you to stay healthy for all of your seasons to come.
In the wide realm of back and spinal health, there are plenty of body parts that don’t get the attention they deserve. And by not tending to all of them, sudden pains or twinges can occur, or lay under the surface only to cause something more serious. And since the whole point of back health is set to include all of the back, why should little or underlying sections be any different?
This is especially true for the vertebrae, which are small but provide the literal backbone of the human body. Without these little puzzle pieces, we wouldn’t be able to stand, bend, stretch, or perform most of our daily movements. A tall order for such tiny bones to take on. But by working as a team, vertebrae are able to provide the strength and support the back needs.
So, are you taking care of your vertebrae as well as you should?
Steps for Better Back Health
According to medical professionals, taking care of vertebrae is as simple as taking care of your body. This means drinking plenty of water, proper resting habits (so muscles and bones can repair themselves), and getting in exercise/movement on a regular basis. Sounds cliché, right? While it may be an over-read list of habits, they’re also listed so often for a reason: they work. With plenty of fluids, the body can properly digest, circulate blood and other liquids, and replenish nutrients throughout the body. By sleeping regularly, the body is able to repair any minor injuries that may have taken place (even the ones we don’t know about). And by moving and getting in plenty of exercise, bones and muscles alike can stay loose and ready to take on a day’s worth of back-moving events.
And most importantly, doctors say to stay aware of any warning signs, such as ongoing aches or pains, which could be a sign of something more significant. [Everyday Health]
To take better care of your back, look to simple tips that focus on the vertebrae to better your back from the inside out.
Dancing has long since been a crowd favorite. Whether skilled or just out to have a good time, it’s an activity that all levels can enjoy. It’s also kid-friendly and an added way to burn some extra calories; dancing is a great way for all ages to let loose, have a good time, and really feel the beat. But what happens when those dance moves actually hurt your level of health?
When it comes to these five more advanced moves, that may just be the case. To save your back – and everyone’s opinion of your dancing abilities – it may be best to steer clear of the following.
The Worm
This classic move is performed by essentially rolling oneself across the floor, stomach first, hands and feet on the floor, and back in motion. To save yourself some serious backaches down the line, leave the worm alone and choose something that allows you to stay upright.
Aggressive Body Rolls
A lesser version of the above, body rolls take place when the dancer “rolls” his or her body in a fluid pattern. Made famous by Michael Jackson in the 80s, this move could also stretch your back farther than it’s ready to flow.
Pretty Much Any Breakdancing
For those who actually can breakdance, it’s an immense source of talent and pride. After all they’re contorting their body into crazy patterns and rhythms while staying balanced (rarely on the feet). However, these acrobatic moves do little to promote back health and should be left to the ultra-flexible.
The Elaine
Made famous on Seinfeld, Elaine Benes’s character danced by jolting her limbs about. Seen as jerky, awkward, and embarrassing, it’s one that’s sure to cause a jarred back – even when performed as a joke.
The Back Spin
Considering this move places your weight directly on the spine, then spins it in a quick, painful fashion, nothing about it sounds bone friendly. Rather than risking bruises or sore muscles, choose a routine that offers more support, and less crowd attention.
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