Golf is one of the fastest growing sports in terms of popularity. It has gained popularity because older patients who have slowed down can still continue to remain relatively active. In addition, people who were never athletic in the past can still get out socially to play. Many golfers are otherwise in poor physical fitness. Arthritic, obese, easily fatigued, they can nevertheless golf regularly. This is not to say that many golfers are not in excellent physical shape; however, golf unlike most sports enjoys a wide gamut of participants.

With the entry of numerous novices into the sport, injuries are increasing as well. Many injuries go unreported since they are self-limited. In what follows, we will review some of the more common injuries.

In more regular golfers, golfing at least several times a week, overuse injuries can occur. In occasional (recreational) golfers, poor conditioning and poor mechanics often lead to an acute injury.

By far the most common region for injury among golfers is the low back. The combination of flexion and rotation has the potential to cause discogenic low-back pain. In addition, the back swing and follow-through push the limits of rotation and tilt in the facet joints and may exacerbate symptoms in those with facet arthritis. Backing off 10 percent on the intensity of the swing can reduce some of the excessive disc pressure. Attempting to hinge at the hips instead of slouching can reduce the flexion moment and reduce pressure on the disc as well. It is important that the golfer keep one’s knees slightly bent to unload the spine, and that the weight shifting from back leg to leading leg assist in absorbing the shock of the swing, thus unloading some of the stress on the spine. Nevertheless, low-back complaints are frequent and often dissuade the golfer from continuing to play the sport. Avid golfers will continue to play while simultaneously requiring rehabilitation efforts. An important component of any rehabilitation program is attention to body mechanics in the golf swing.

Less commonly a major problem, it is certainly not uncommon for novices to develop upper back or mid-back pain. This may be related to frequent divots, striking into the dirt or grass instead of "through". This puts sudden excess stress on the thoracic region, the rib cage, and the serratus anterior muscles. This may result in thoracic facet pain, rib pain, or myofascial pain. There have been reports in the literature, albeit rare, of stress fractures in the ribs, at the attachment of serratus anterior muscles. This is most often seen in the leading arm. Upper-back pain can also be the result of excessive slouch as one addresses the ball.