Golf Fitness Academy - Reverse Spine Angle

This week we look at a swing fault called Reverse Spine Angle – one of the leading causes of back pain in golfers.

A Reverse Spine Angle is defined as any excessive upper body backward bend or excessive left lateral (for a right handed golfers) upper body bend during the backswing. In simple terms, a golfer with a reverse spine angle leans toward the target at the top of the backswing. Typically the upper body dominates the downswing - making it difficult to separate the upper and lower body, which disrupts the timing of the downswing, and results in a loss of power.

Reverse Spine Angle, No Reverse Spine Angle

There are several physical characteristics the cause a player to have a reverse spine angle. They may include limited ability to separate the upper body from the lower body – caused by stiff joints in the shoulder and thoracic spine, and tight or shortened back muscles. Joint restrictions of the trail side hip (the right hip for right handed golfers) - which may lead to a lateral sway on the backswing. As well as weakness in the muscles which stabilize the pelvis – the abs and glutes. The combined effect of these characteristics can put excessive tension on the lower back, making the reverse spine angle one of the leading causes of back pain in golfers. The injury usually occurs on the downswing, and pain is often noted on the right side of the low back (for right handed golfers). Look for more on low back pain in a future article.

It is estimated that 39% of players have a Reverse Spine Angle in their golf swing.

Below is a list of other factors which may also lead to a Reverse Spine Angle in the golf swing.

• S-Posture – covered in a previous article
• Lack of forearm rotation on the backswing – causing a player to “lift” the club into position
• The player trying to keep their head still during the swing

Fortunately, many of the muscle imbalances and joint restrictions associated with a reverse spine angle can be corrected with exercise. Click on the link(s) below to find out how.

Bird Dog Hip

Dead Bug Leg Slides

Next time:

Casting, Early Release and Scooping – Major contributors to loss of power in the golf swing

To book your physical assessment with a certified golf fitness instructor, call Cyril at 519.284.2569 or email stonetownphysio@quadro.net. More information about the Golf Fitness Academy may be found at www.stonetownphysiotherapy.ca.