Golf and Osteoporosis

[WilfMilly]

I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis in the spine. I am a keen golfer. There seems to be conflicting information online as to whether golf should be played with spinal osteoporosis. Some say there is a risk of fracturing a vertebrae. Others say to keep active and continue playing. Does anyone know where I can find a definitive answer on this. Thank you

[Haz58]

I've had a vertebrae compression fracture at T9 with degenerative disc disease. I've been told no twisting and as in golf you twist and hit 8 would personally be very wary but would be best to talk to your GP or physiotherapist to be safe.

[Mongoose59]

I was told at RNHRD Bath not to play golf as the swinging motion can easily over extend your movements. Same with baseball etc. In this case the pain isn’t worth the gain.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Mongoose59]

Hi Neighbour, I go to Bath as well, as you say the pain isn't worth the gain!!

[Mongoose59 in reply to CinnamonRose]

Great place to go they really helped me.

[Rooruby]

I was the same I coughed last year and ended up with spine fracture told no more golf too high risk😫😫

[Mongoose59 in reply to Rooruby]

I put my hand around to my back when I cough and some how it stops pain from cough. dont know where I got this gem from but helps for me. Not sure of science behind it either.

[Missus835]

Check out the ROS (Royal Osteoporosis Society). I have Osteoporosis and currently 10 vertebral fractures. I think it's not so much the golf, but the twisting involved in it. Even lifting the clubs. You have to be extremely careful as you can fracture without knowing it. I went over a pothole. The car did not bottom out, but I kind of did. Boom....another fracture, even though I hold onto the safety handles. Went to sit on the sofa and the usual hard cushion was not there. Someone had moved it, so I sat lower than expected and the compression of it fractured another vertebrae. You do not want fractures as the associated muscle spasms of them trying to compensate to hold you upright, is excrutiating. I now walk rather hunched over and usually with a walker and always with pain. Keep doing slow, light exercise. Tai Chi is great. Be extremely careful in the winter months, because falls are deadly.

[CinnamonRose]

I fractured 3 vertebrae just by twisting round to grab my handbag off the back seat of the car, something I must have done 1,000's of times before. They told me that the twisting movement is just about the worst if you've Osteoporosis.

I'd thought I'd have to be careful not to fall again, I'd not realised that I could fracture bones just by turning round!

Quite frankly it's terrifying.

The golf swing action would be risky, it's the same twisting action, but it's your life, I guess you have to weigh up whether the risk is worth it to you.

It's hard on us all, so many things I'd love to do but no longer can.

It certainly has taken a long time to become used to a new normal.

Hopefully you'll make the right decision for you, take care xx

[Millie93]

I have continued to play golf since my diagnosis of osteoporosis in September 2020. I take care when lifting my clubs and always wear spiked shoes or boots in the winter. I sprained my ankle before diagnosed so always take extra care when the ground is wet. I now lift my left heel off the ground as I take my swing which apparently can help with the twisting. I am 73 and have declined to take meds. My GP sent me to a rheumatologist who checked my DEXA results, I have had two, and after discussion of my lifestyle and the taking of supplements, decided that I didn't need meds at this time. Since then my golf has actually improved this summer.

December 2023 results - Spine T score -2.4 and Femur -1.0. No significant change since 2020. Good luck with what ever you decide. This site gave me helpful hints as to where to read and research options. Thank you.

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi WilfMilly

Welcome to our online community, thank you for joining us here 😊 When we receive a diagnosis it can leave us feeling confused about our next steps, and as you mention, leave us wondering about what activities feel safe to do. This can be especially challenging when we’re thinking about things we love doing! So we would welcome you to get in touch with our helpline of friendly specialist nurses who would be able to chat through your situation. theros.org.uk/information-a...

Just some food for thought for anyone coming across the thread: when thinking about activities, it’s also important to consider all the things we do as part of it i.e. Do I have to carry any equipment? How heavy is it? How do I usually transport it?

Wishing you all the best,

Lulu

ROS Moderator