The Spine
 

I think the spine must play a part in a golfer's ability.

I have always had mild scholiosis. After going to the chiropractor for adjustments for the past 2 years I have a much, much better turn. I have always had a hard time turning and used to slide more than I turned.

The goal of chiropractic is to eliminate subluxations, or misaligments, in the spine, with the end result being a normal spine. A normal spine looks straight when viewed from behind. When viewed from the side, it has three curves- one in the neck, one in the upper back, and one just above the pelvis.

I'm not completely sure if my pivot is improved because I have practiced so much or because my spine is more in line...

...but if you think of it, it makes sense that it would improve. Think of anything mechanical rotating around a bent centre pin. It just doesn't work.

I think there is something to this. What do you guys think?

No one has had any experience with this? C'mon don't leave me hangin' here! :P

Birdie_man:

I think that it is safe to say that proper body alignment is important in all sports, and the spine plays a crucial role in golf. There is a lot of infor out there on this topic. Here is a link:

http://www.coachesinfo.com/category/golf/331/

FYI, you would probably get more feedback in the "Fit for Golf" forum.

Evidence based medicine
 

ask your chiropractor to take before and after xrays and see if you can find a difference--there aint none--makes you wonder

Spine angle and axis tilt is key to the bio-mechanics of the stroke. It moves and adjusts durning the rotation to keep the head in its perferred tripod position. Without the adjustable spine - it would not be possible to keep a steady tripod head.

ANNIKA ! Where are ya?? Fill us in.

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Chiropractors do seem to help some people. I have been helped several times with various back, hip, and neck problems.

I think some of the keys for a good turn are... get the back, hips, and neck feeling well... then get into a golf posture that will promote and allow for good spinal rotation.

I know there are various opinions on what this posture ideally should be, and it may vary from one person to another. However, just slump over in your chair, and see how much spinal rotation you can get. Now sit up taller... try now... it will probably turn better.

The Spine
 

The ultimate cure for back problems is inversion with gravity boots. Cured my back issues several years ago.

Leozevo

Chiros
 

Don't have an answer, but there must be a reason why every US Olympic athlete has a chiropractor in the wings at the games, including the horses!

Horses
 

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I once met a Horse Chiropractor... well, a chiropractor for horses. SHE was interesting to talk to.

By the way... I recently visited the new Kinematics Lab, in Port St, Lucie, FL.. They do Motion Analysis of various movements and joint movements of the body. It's kind of a bio-mechanics lab for golfers. They give you specific exercises, but don't actually teach a golf swing.

What are you trying to say here? I had Scholiosis as a teenager, and also went to a chiropracter *sp. The changes were amazing. Also I had a lower back injury playing football in highschool. As the years went on it got worse. It got to the point where my 30 min drive to work had me in tears just getting out of the car. I went to spine specialists and physical therapists, but nothing worked. When they recommended surgery, I went to a chiropracter *sp, and what do you know, 2.5 months later, no back pain at all. I now go 1 time a quarter for adjustment, mixed with a regimen of stretching and what do you no, no back pain.

Another example. My little girl has had severe earaches about once a month since she started daycare. The docs wanted her to get tubes. Started taking her to, you guessed it, the chiro, and what do you know. NO MORE EARACHES. To me proof is in the pudding.

One last example. Was hitting the ball around 250 to 275yds (on my best drives) and scoring very well except on courses over 6500 yds. Took a lesson from a TGM guy (odd terminology, and told me that 90% of what I had heard about golf was wrong). Every pro I talked to told me he was selling "snake oil" (sound familiar). After 1 month, guess what. I hit the green of a 567yd par 5 (driver, 3/4 3 wood) in 2 with no wind. Proof is in the pudding. Doesn't matter how as long as it does.