The Worst Hazard on the Golf Course Is…WHAT?

If you’re thinking of taking up golf, or you’re new to the game, here’s a dirty little secret you should know: This seemingly benign pastime can be murder on your spine! Nearly all golfers develop backaches or suffer from injuries ranging from twisted muscles to pinched nerves, ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. But you don’t have to join the crowd. Just take this handful of simple precautions to keep yourself safe on the links:

1. Make sure your clubs fit you perfectly. If the shafts are either too long or too short, you’re asking for trouble from the get-go.

2. Start s-l-o-w. If you’re a beginner, or you haven’t played for a while, spend some quality time on the driving range before tackling the full course.

3.Condition your body. Focus on exercises that incorporate rotation, as well as strengthen the muscles in your back, abdomen, pelvis, and buttocks.

4. Stretch before, during, and after each round.

5. Rest between games. Swinging a golf club is not a natural human movement. If you play day after day, you put more strain on your body than it was designed to handle.

When a round of golf — or any other activity — leaves you stiff and sore, add a few drops of lavender oil to a hot bath and soak your pain away. The oil’s anti-inflammatory compounds will provide deep-down relief. Plus, the relaxing scent will help take your mind off your aching body.