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Patient Questions  /  Back pain after golf

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Why Does My Back Hurt After Golf?

The golf swing twists your body quickly and with force. If your hips or upper back don't turn well, your low back often ends up doing more of the work. Long range sessions, skipping a warm-up, and bending to tee up add to it. Most golf back pain comes from muscles and joints and gets better with the right changes.

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Common reasons golf hurts your back

  • Stiff hips or upper back. When these don't rotate well, the low back twists more than it should.
  • Weak trunk and hip muscles. These muscles help control the swing. When they tire, the back takes more strain.
  • Too much, too soon. A big bucket of balls at the range, or a full round after months off.
  • No warm-up. Hitting full drives cold on the first tee.
  • Bending and carrying. Bending over many times to tee up and pick up balls, and carrying a heavy bag.

What usually helps

  • Warm up. A brisk walk, gentle trunk turns, hip swings, then a few easy half swings before full ones.
  • Build up range time slowly. Several short sessions are often easier on your back than one long one.
  • Lighten the load. Use a push cart or a riding cart. To pick up a ball, try lifting one leg behind you as you bend, holding a club for support.
  • Train your body for golf. Work on hip and upper back mobility, and on trunk and hip strength.
  • Talk to a golf professional if you want to change your swing.

Do I need to stop playing?

Usually not completely. Many people keep playing with fewer holes, shorter practice, or more easy swings while their back settles. If the pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps coming back, or spreads down a leg, get it checked.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • Numbness in the groin, buttocks or inner thighs, or new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels: get emergency care
  • Weakness in a leg or foot that is getting worse
  • Pain, tingling or numbness spreading below the knee
  • Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
  • Sudden, sharp back pain during a swing if you have osteoporosis

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can check how your hips, upper back and trunk move, and how that fits with the motions of your swing. They then build an exercise plan to calm your back and help you turn with less strain. The goal is to keep you playing.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Sciatica and back pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026