Specific sports injuries: golf and back pain How golf causes low back pain The full golf swing (backswing and follow-through) rotates the spine with a lot of force and little control Lumbar spine muscles strain to help provide force for the golf swing Disc and facet joint loading increases to help provide force for the golf swing Bending over to pick up the golf bag and carrying it can strain muscles Preventing low back pain and sports injuries from golf Learn proper form and posture for playing golf, including a smooth, rhythmic swing in good balance Choose a golf bag with a built in stand and dual straps When picking up the golf ball, bend at the knees or get a device for your putter that lets you retrieve the golf ball from the hole without bending over Consider hiring a golf professional experienced at teaching golfers with bad backs who can explain postures and techniques that reduce back strain and prevent back pain