Bruce has a problem. It’s his back. Here’s what he wrote.
Surge,
Help please! I am feeling very nervous. I love to play golf. I’m about a 15 handicap and play about once a week, I am scheduled for l-5, S-1 spinal fusion on Dec 17 of this year. It’s all the disc about are very healthy, Do you know anyone in the last couple of years that has this type of surgery and still keeps playing once or twice a week. Do any of the low handicaps or pros you know of still play 2-5 a weeks after a anterior lumbar fusion (that’s doing in thru the stomach)? I am almost ready to call it off and keep on the meds and deal with some pain, due to fact I don’t know anyone playing golf that I can talk to. It would change my whole life in how I am dealing with this if I could hear your thought. Your video instruction has really helped keeping me playing this long w/o surgery. Just would like to know if you have friends or others who have same fusion and are playing well. I want to wait on the surgery for a few years if it is really going to keep me from golfing. I am 59 years old and 5′ 9 ”, 167 lbs and in fairly good shape.
Bruce,
I really am flattered that you wanted my thoughts and opinion on whether you should consider cancelling your back surgery since using the PPGS has helped you to play longer and is giving you thoughts of maybe not needing the surgery and still keep playing golf. I would like to think that since using the PPGS, you have played with less pain to where you are thinking that maybe the surgery is not necessary. This is evidence that your old swing was a definite contributor to your bad back. With that said, I would agree with you that as long as you feel better using the PPGS, I would certainly put the surgery on hold as long as your back cooperates and feels better.
I am the Swing Surgeon and I think that on this subject of cancelling back surgery for me to authoritatively comment would be greatly over-stepping my area of expertise. So, to be sure you get some quality expert advice, I sent your question to my physiology mentor, Dr. Ned Armstrong. Dr. Ned is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with whom I have been studying and working with since 1985. So, you asked for my opinion and I gave it as stated up above. But I will defer to Dr. Ned. Here is his answer. PS: Breathe easy and relax…I think you’ll like it! Here’s Ned.
Bruce,
If your medical doctor confirms your leg reflexes, strength and sensitivity are stable, you have bowel and bladder control, and you can perform daily activities of necessity without leg cramps, urgent surgery can be deferred. Be sure, though, any pain can adequately be controlled with appropriate use of NON-narcotic analgesic and NON-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
A spinal fusion tackles pain and nearby nerve irritation by stopping inappropriate motion of a deteriorating disc and adjacent facet joint. Long term problems can include compensatory stress of discs not included with eventual return of similar preoperative complaints. Combining dynamic bracing with abdominal and back muscle strengthening, and static bracing using a lumbar corset, can mimic a fusion to a certain degree. This is a responsible preoperative test run to see if your symptoms might actually improve before committing to the real deal and its potential operative complications and the added wear and tear on the rest of your spine. Other non-operative options include sophisticated steroid injection techniques around the nerve of the involved areas and the facet joint, depending on the exact source of the problem. Frequently, x-rays and scans can look worse than the voiced complaints and signs, and visa versa.
The lumbar spine bends forward and backward. Some lateral motion occurs, but it is not designed to twist. The thoracic spine above does it all. So you can wear a smallish lumbar corset and execute a golf swing, realizing the torque will be absorbed by the thoracic spine above and the legs below. The corset will also encourage you to bend forward at the hips. Combine this with Don’s mechanics and you should be able to continue to play golf without surgery at this time if you have been assured about the criteria in the first paragraph. It is important you sustain therapy for strength and flexibility and, in the meantime , to be honest with yourself about change in signs, symptoms, and your ability to control your pain, not only while playing golf, but also during your daily activities of necessity, leisure and hygiene. Be sure to warm up before playing – religiously. Keep your weight under control. If you smoke, stop, especially if you decide to have surgery. This is not only for your general health, but also as it interferes with fusion success.
Be prudent about how much you play to avoid needless aggravation of your situation. You might use “The Rule of Thirds.” If you find you are uncomfortable immediately after playing, or within the next 24 hours, cut your play by 1/3 for a week or so. Then return to your routine. You may find you will need to cut back for up to 3 months or more, or indefinitely. But, hey, it would seem better than venturing into surgery which might require a minimum of 3, but typically up to 6 to 12 months before you could attempt to play the way you want to. And remember, you may never really get back to that level.
Bruce, I hope this helps.
The Surge!
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Hi Surge,
After playing some really good golf this year after reading some of your advice (I had one round with 6 birdies my most ever in one round) I have recently stumble into some poor play, shanking, several really dreadful shots and massive loss of confidence I had to visit my local pro. Unfortunately my poor play and ball striking was generally put down to my lack of hip turn. I had been adhereing so much to your advice that I my hips were failing to rotate at all!
After just this one lesson my confidence zoomed right back and my shots were superb so much so that one over par for 9 holes was perfectly acceptable on a cold day! It just goes to show that we can all exagerate our teachers methods to such a degree that we ‘go the other way’.
Cheers Surge keep up the good work. I’ll keep reading your blogs with interest as well as Keeping in touch with my local Pro.
I had fusion 10 years ago, L5-L4/L4-L3. I was 43 and in very good shape. It took 6 months before I could play with senior shafts. About a year later I met an eye MD, who had the same type of surgery. “So did they tell you it takes 2 years for fusion to heal?” No, but 2 years to the date seemed to be accurate. The advice above is good. Don’t do the surgery unless it absolutely required. I am OK now, but I work at my core and legs at least an hour every day. I still get leg cramps from nerve irritation, so don’t think that the fusion is a cure. It is merely a patch. Get in the gym, work with a trainer. Make your back a full time job if need be. BTW: I am a 9 handicap, 6ft 1″ @ 185 lbs.
Sincerely,
Tom
I am a right handed player. Ive had left knee and ankle surgery. after playing about 12 to 14 holes I cant put any weight on right heel. cant shift my weight and now I cant stop from coming over the top Im trying to go up the tree but it seems like all my shots are now blocks to the right. I dont know if im turning enough or how to do that properly. Right now im playing to a weak 6 handicap. any advice would be welcomed and appreciated. thanks tom
Hi,I had my second back operation this year after losing feeling in my left leg and basically being reduced to a wheel chair.It was a herniated disk at the level of L5, which had been damaged by MRSA following my first operation.I had no choice but to have this operation and it has been an amazing success , such that within 9 weeks i was playing golf again and have succeeded in reducing my handicap to 6.8.However , I would say you must consider physical re-education before you have surgery.Even if you decide to have surgery you must get yourself into the very best physical state in order to improve your recovery chances.But do not allow yourself to lose feelings in limbs etc for very long or you may never recover them.I was very lucky .Best of luck to you too.
Surge, I have had two back surgeries. The first did not take so I had it done again.
The Doctors gave me a 15-20 % total disability.
I was told not to jog anymore, no yard work, no lifting 20 lbs or more.
I am doing all of the above.and playing golf on a regular basis.
My only regret is I did not learm of your PPGS until now. I do not suffer near as much since I have started PPGS. THANKS Bill
Im a right handed player thats had left knee and ankle surgery. after playing 12 to 14 holes im cant put any weight on my right heel . Ive tried going up the tree but im hitting blocks to the right. Im s till having problems with the downswing. Im not sure if im not turning enough is causing this any help would be greatly appreciated Im at the point now that im aiming right and pulling everything back ie left some straight and some weak shots to the right. im now at a weak 6 and falling. please help
BRUCE, I HAVE BULGING DISC L5-S1 / L4-L5 STARTED ME ON STEROIDS EASED THE PAIN TIL I WENT BACK TO DAILY ACTIVITIES. NEXT OPTION STEROID INJECTION IT HAS HELPED SO FAR YOU CAN HAVE UP TO 3 WITH 4-6 WEEK INTERVAL. STILL HAVE SOME PAIN AND NUMBNESS BUT NOT AS SEVERE.REALLY HELPED ALOT- I HAVE PRACTISED AND PLAYED ONCE USING THE PPGS THANKS SURGE NO PAIN. SURGE DO YOU KNOW ANYBODY THAT USES A INVERSION TABLE FOR THIER BACK/ PS LOVE THE SWING THANKS TIP
Bruce:
In 2002 I had back surgery because I blew out a disc between L4 and L5 while trying to qualify for the PBA. I did not take the fusion option and still have some back pain and nerve damage down the left leg and foot. When the disc blew it damaged the nerve down the left leg. I still have severe cramps in the left leg once in a while. After surgery I was told I would never swing a golf club again. Off and on I use hydrocodone to knock the pain down, but basically over the counter pain relievers work the best. In 2007 I was giving a PGA golfer bowling lessons and he asked me why I didn’t golf. I related to him my back problems ( I bowl in the PBA with a back brace) and he called me one day to meet him at the golf club. We went to the driving range and he began working with me on a limited rotation swing. I couldn’t hit the ball as far as I used to when I golfed but I really enjoyed swing the club again (I wore a back brace).
To make the story short, I still have back and leg pain but I can control it fairly well with over the counter drugs. When I first ran into the PPGS program this summer while on the net, I was a bit skeptical but decided to give it a try and see what happens. What Surge was saying about the back problems made sense to me so I am giving it a try out. I no longer golf with a back brace on because I don’t need it now. My handicap is still high (29), but in three months it has dropped from 36. I try to play once a week and practice 2 to 3 times a week. Last week on the back 9 of one of our Country Clubs I shot a 43 (I live in Dallas Texas). I suspect you will still have some back pain with the fusion and limited rotation. I cannot rotate to the 70 degrees that Surge recommends, but I rotate to the point where my back does not hurt in the swing, and then come thru the ball with faster arms. My tendency is to hook the ball, but by changing ball placement in my stance I have developed a reasonably straight shot. It is a work in progress, but I am really enjoying the game again. I hope this helps.
Tom.
To Tom Wilson.
You might suffer from heel spurs in your right heel. A good set of orthodic inserts might just cure that in a very short time. It did for me and an added benefit is that you walk more upright and help your lower back out.
Hey Bruce,
I have suffered from L-5 disc compressions since I was 18. Old football injury. I declined surgery and have played golf, racquetball and slalom ski racing. I am 60 now. Surge’s swing techniques will prevent further damage, however it is difficult to argue with an MD.
However, spinal surgery should be the absoute LAST RESORT! As you appear to be in good shape, I would recommend that you try BOWEN Therapy. This is a “non-invasive” treatment that generates the maximum potential of the body’s own healing power. I have successfully used this treatment to cure a torn rotator cuff that was scheduled for surgery.
They will only treat you for four sessions. It is not expensive. The only reason to try this is that, if it works, you may be able to delay surgery for a few more years. As the surgery techniques continually improve, I believe it is worth the investment.
Whatever you decide, Good Luck!
Mike4t9
to the guy having back surgery, I had fusion of L4 L5, and I was playing pitch and putt after 6 weeks and full out golf after12 it is now nearly 6 months and I am hitting every day, the walking is more tiring but if I took a cart it would be fine every day, I shot a 73 and had a hole in one on my first full round with a card , it felt like walking on water, I did work extensively on my core strength in water before and after the op, itis important, I believe s1 fusion gives the best result, if you want to speak then e mail me at player.harry@gmail.com
During the past 6 months, I’ve experienced 2 bouts or painful medial epycondilitus (golfer’s elbow). After laying off my routine of playing 2-3 rounds per week for about a month, I played pain-free for about 3 months. About 2 weeks ago, the condition has returned. The only treatment I’ve resorted to is ibuprofen and ben gay. Can you identify any specific improper grip/swing/etc techniques which can contribute to or cause this problem?
Back in summer of ‘92, age 24, had Spinal Fusion on L3-L4
Docs removed part of left hip to replace L3-L4 that had gotten eaten away by Non-Hodgkins.
Took up bowling in ‘94. Became a scratch bowler: averaged 235.
Bowled for 12 years then got bored.
Took up golf: Now I am a 5 handicap and gowing lower.
Hi Surge
I’m a 15 handicap and my wife is high handicapper. We would like to take lessons together. Do you have a couples program and could you email the costs for them. I have downloaded your cd’s and and am trying to adapt the PPGS . We are in the start of winter and haven’t swung a club in a month. I am going to get both our drivers shortened. I think you could help us both immensel
Hugh
Read the Late Dr. John Sarno’s “Mind Over Back Pain”.(and his other books)
My wife – in her late 70’s – a fit and avid golfer – went through Hell and tried every available
treatment (except surgery) for curing her “back pain”. She could hardly walk, let alone play golf.
From the moment she started reading the first couple of pages I could see her changing.
It was a whole new world.
Naturally the pain didn’t disappear overnight. But her whole attitude changed and within days she was back on the golf course, and she’s never looked back since. 5 years later and she plays 18 holes 2-3 times a week – walking, not in a cart.
I cannot speak sufficiently highly of what this book did for her – and others to whom she recommended it.
Good luck!
Harry
I’ve lived with pain for the past 30 years. I flew in the Navy with practice ejections (yearly re-qualification) every year for 15 years; over 700 carrier arrested landings and cat shots; and running on steel flight decks (on concrete when in port). Tomorrow I go in to have L1 & L2, L3 & L4, and L5 & L6 fused and have stabilizing bars put in on both sides of the spinal column. Yes, I took Aleve (2 in the AM, 2 at noon and 2 at night) for the arthritis that developed in my feet and hips from the physical punishment that I visited on my body – just too much fun in my younger years. I’m now 65, play to a 10, had 2 consecutive 79s Sunday and Monday. The last place I would consider getting advice is from someone not in the medical field. Get advice from all the people you wish in the medical field, and don’t let whether you can golf successfully again be a factor. There are other alternatives to golf – I know that is heresy to some.
Surgery should absolutely be a last resort. If you are having nerve irritation due to bulging or herniated discs (and not a joint that has begun to deteriorate due to prolonged stasis and injury) then vertebral subluxations should be corrected by a course of chiropractic therapy. I know older folks might view chiropractors with some suspicion, but for your benefit (and your wallet’s), I would urge anyone with back pain be evaluated by an experienced chiropractic doctor. That’s right, I said DOCTOR. Chiropractors go to med school and must pass rigorous board exams, just like a ‘regular doctor’.
I guarantee that if you are evaluated and the doctor prescribes a course of treatment, and you follow through with it, then you will improve dramatically. Surgery should only be considered as a last resort in cases where the joints have been severely damaged and medication does not control your symptoms well. I have seen remarkable and incredible recovery in patients that had no hope and lived in constant pain.
Frankly, I’m surprised that Don doesn’t advocate chiropractic care, given that he has spent so much time learning about how the body is supposed to move. Removing nerve interference by correcting spinal subluxations (misalignments) is the fastest, easiest, and least expensive way to remove symptoms and allow the body to heal itself. The human body has a remarkable ability to heal, if only the central nervous system is not being interfered with, and the nerve impulses responsible for directing the healing efforts are not blocked.
I see a lot of reports of playing after injuring the lumbar/sternum; my problem is in the cervical area, where I have several herniated disks and some stenosis. My problem started after I got serious about trying to improve my game, I got my handicap down to the 10-15 range by playing almost every day, but then lost feeling in my left hand, with lots of pain in my shoulder and arm pit area. Months of physical therapy and epidural steroid injections, and I am able to play again. But I am afraid to of the full swing, and tend not to finish. Is there a way to change grip, stance, set-up, or something else that could help me feel more comfortable? Thanks!
i am 66 years old 5′7′” 185 lbs in top physical health 2nd degree black belt i had back surgery october 7,2008 i play golf 4-5 days per week sometimes 36 holes per day my hdcp is 7 without the surgery i would not be playing at all my surgery was L 2-3 do not hesitate get it done
I’m now 80 yrs old, but 2 yrs ago I had lumbar surgery to correct leg cramping problems in both calvews. One deteriorated disc was replaced and L3/L4 were fused. To this day, although I’m no ,longer bothered by leg cramps, my lower back remains in constant pain making it difficult to even stand or walk for more than 5 or 10 minutes at a time without equal time off my feet. Any bending-over aggravates the problem. Early physical therapy 3x weekly did reduce the pain somewhat, but the sessions became too costly to continue. Perhaps your surgeon’s appraoch to the surgery will not affect your lower back muscles, but if I werre you I’d confirm that before proceeding. NSAID”S (Aleve, etc.) dull the pain making it easier to tolerate, but at least in my case their constipating side effect is just as difficult to cope with as the lower back pain..In any case, stick with the PT sessions as long as possible and contimue the relatively simple exercises at home for as long as necessaary. Oddly enough,,full swings with my clubs and hitting balls (which I still do daily to stay loose) remain pain-free. Oh, I should add that at 5′6″ and 148 lbs. I’m not carrying any extra weight that might add to the level of pain. .
my wife has had spinal surgery twice and it did not work out very well, and since have heard about german doctors that have had great sucess with replacement disc surgery, i would ck. into that procedure before fusion of the disc’s.
Hi Surge,
I was 75 when I had back surgery in 2004 to correct a pinched nerve at L4/L5. Surgery went very well, was in the hospital two nights. Started therapy the next week, sheduled for 3 weeks. progress was so good I only had to go twice. The operation consisted of removing part of the spine and cleaning up the protruding disc at L4 and L5. Cutting part of the back muscle made it crucial in doing excersises before teeing off.I was back playing golf in 4 weeks. Learn to relax your back. After 3 years I have had no problem and still shooting in the mid 80’s. Good luck.
I play Woodlake golf course in San Antonio. It’s very difficult and has hosted PGA tour events it’s that good. I’ve only played it maybe 7 times but this time was the best. I had 3 pars and 5 bogeys, several could have been pars but for a few uncharacteristically bad shots for me, going into the last hole which is a par 5..
On number 9 I hit a good drive and then I decided to hit my second shot with my driver. I thought if I could hit it long enough, I might be able to reach the green in three. It’s an uphill fairway and it usually takes me 4 shots to get on. I’m not a long ball hitter. Well it turned out to be a dumb mistake. I hit a poor shot with the driver and it was all bad after that. I ended up with an 8 when a 6 would have given me a 42 instead of a 44.
My advice to amateurs who aren’t low handicappers, don’t try to hit the driver on the fairway. it’s even hard for pros I hear. Next time it’s the 3 or 4 wood for me.
Dear Don
In answer to the gentleman about to have spinal fusion. Sir I have had two spinal fusions & a knee replacement, I am 67 years of age, it was my doctor that advised me to take up golf as a way of getting fit as
he said “walking on grass is much better than the hard pavement
(sidewalk to you).
I have only been playing 5.1/2 years, ok my handicap is not as low as yours mine is 20 & it makes me feel great.
So keep on playing If I can do it anyone can
Good Luck.
Don,
I occasionally read posts by people complaining of either golfer’s elbow (like Ray above) or tennis elbow. I am currently suffering from tennis elbow in both arms. I think I may have been overdoing the firm grip pressure that you recommend (3 on a scale of 1-5). Maybe I’ve been closer to 4 or 5.
What do you recommend for people trying to follow the PPGS who have either of these conditions?
It is hard for me to believe the timing of this article. I was released from the hospital Thansgiving for divirticulitis. This morning I went to the driving range to practive the PPGS swing. It has been coming around much better. I have always had a limited follow through. Today I was hitting the ball quite well and made a conscience effort to chase it up the tree in the follow through. I don’t know if I took the club back too far inside or finished across my body, but I have never experienced a lower back pain that severe. I could hardly drive home because of the spasms. I am 67 and it seems something goes wrong every day. I assume I will be finished with golf for at least two months and then it will be getting cold here. I am extremely depressed and angry with myself. I was hitting the ball well and kept trying to hit it further. The night before I cut my driver down to 43.5″ and was clocking it. Old age is not for sissys.
Bruce,
I have a bone spur between L-2 & L-3 that was causing me so much pain I couldn’t get comfortable in ANY position, much less play golf.
I also have 3 degenerative disks
I have had 20 spinal decompression treatments & I am now pain free, even when golfing.
The doctor mentioned steroid injections, which is a possibility for your problem n& mine.
I know this could dissolve a spur as it worked for a spur on my wife’s heal several years ago.
My wife also had a herniated disk in her back & the decompression seems to have fixed that as she has had no pain or numbness in 3 years.
Try everything you can before going “under the knife” as my dad called it.
My doctor told us when they fuse 2 together the one above & below the fusion go bad & you are back on the table again.
My wife is a nurse of over 25 years & has confirmed that in her observations of patients.
DON’T DO IT is all I can say.
Re: spinal fusion.
I can’t believe none of the respondents mentioned spinal decompression.
I have fought back pain for over 40 years (skiing injuries, sports, etc.)
I had two severely bulging discs, and recently they drove me to the point where I had no feeling in my left leg, except for the excruciating pain triggered by my sciatic and femoral nerves. I suffered a broken leg a few years ago, and believe me the pain of the broken leg was nothing compared to the pain caused by the bulging discs.
I’m finally back playing golf regularly, after utilizing four forms of treatment:
1) steroid injections to reduce the swelling, so I could get started with the other treatments.
2) chiropractic manipulation to correct subluxations, some of which are naturally caused by over-rotation during a golf swing.
3) spinal decompression–essentially localized traction done by an osteopath or chiropractor trained in the use of the specialized computer-controlled equipment
4) physical therapy
and finally…regular visits and religious repetition of my core strength exercises taught to me by the PT.
It’s been two years now, and I’m still pain free and playing at least twice a week.
To me the most important lesson here is that it takes more than one kind of treatment to finally stabilize things.
I’ve talked to many people about back surgery, and I can’t recall a single one who was happy after he did it. Utilize everything you can to avoid it–MD advice, chiropractic, physical therapy and spinal decompression. The secret is to use ALL of them.
Bruce, consider acupuncture to alleviate the swelling and pain. Most back pain is from inflammation and acupuncture can help. It sure has helped me and I have had two herniated disk. http://www.aboutjuniorgolf.com
Bruce;
My son, who is now 55 years old, had that same surgery some 20 years ago. He plays regularly, and knocks the fire out of the ball. shoots in the 80’s most of the time. you will probaly be a 9 or 10 after recuperation.
Surge,
I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your concern for Bruce’s back problem and how you went the “extra mile” in getting Dr. Armstrong’s excellent advice. Back stiffness and aches have plagued my game for several years. I’ll soon be 62 and plan to keep playing until I kick the bucket.
I stretch and hit practice balls when I can, but usually I just warm up as I play. And yes, I could stand to lose a few pounds around the belt. Can you give some suggestions on some easy pre-game warm-up’s and stretches that you personally use? Many thanks. Bill
Hi Don
i am replying from Austrailia and just about to turn 60, first i am using your PPGS and love it, like the people above i have had surgery, twice, once for the fusion when i was 29 and once to replace the disk with a carbon fibre one,when i was 48 i still play and injoy it even more using your method as pain via lack of (limited) movement is drastiacally redused using PPGS.
As the doc above say’s all surgery results vary, one of the realy good bits of advice is get fitter the truth is the fitter the easier the recovery, my advice SWIM in a heated pool my surgon had me do this it not only helps big time with the fitness it also helps with the breathing and pumping the blood around the body during and after surgery.
Cheers Ron
Mr.Strahan,
I am reading your book and trying.So far holding club with 3 fingers of left hand firm is best advice.
Nothing else seems to have improved distance. Not devoid of athletic ability–formerly nationally ranked tennis player–now 82, playing golf heavily since 75 yrs of age. Distance fading each year .
Cut down on backswing (everyone thinks I’m nuts–but as a back sufferer I was glad to do this) .
Can’t seem to drive more than 150-170 on a good day. Pitching wedge-65-80 yards. 5′7″..160 lbs. Chipping and putting not bad.
Thanks for help,
Mort Goodkin .
Bruce,
I had L4/L5/S1 fusion in May last year and the relief was awesome, Before the Op I couldn’t stand up for longer than 10 minutes without pain. Didn’t stop me playing golf though, just had to drive in a cart and sit down between shots.
I’m 6′4″ and weight around the 240 mark and had the surgery when I was 47. By the way when I was 45 I also had a total knee replacement. I play off a 12 handicap down in Australia. After the surgery, about 3months, I started just swinging easy on the practice range then within days was hitting with a full swing.
After discovering Don’s PPGS my golf has improved and I get more grief now from sitting at a desk than I do for golf.
Hope the surgery goes well.
cheers
Mal
To Ray and Jim Wile
I suggest that you Google or Yahoo ‘Golfer’s Elbow’ and you will get an abundance of information on Epicondylitis from the Mayo Clinic, Sportsmedicine, eorthopod, etc. These sites explain the difference between medial and lateral epicondylitis; the cause, symptoms, etc, and they recommend exercises and treatments which include Surgery, applying creams, wearing braces.
You might not be pleased to hear that one of the proposed remedies is to cease doing the activity which gave rise to the problem in the first place. (golf?)
There doesn’t seem to be any escape from the dreaded epicondylitis – even fly fishermen are afflicted!
For what it’s worth here is my advice to Bruce as regards his back problem. After he has done all the physio, chiropractic, massage and accupunture treatments and has rigorously followed a back and core strengthening and flexibility program and is still faced with the last resort of back surgery, I would advise checking out the following website http://www.northamericanspine.com and considering this type of procedure rather than a back fusion.
I had an L5 S1 laminectomy 5 tears ago, declining the fusion. To date I play golf as often as possible and softball every week.
Bruce, I’m not a doctor, but consider myself in great shape for a 56 yr old. Between my wife’s homeopathic remedies and some other energy work, I have been able to keep any aches & pains to a bare minimum. One thing that I have been practising for awhile is” trigger point therapy”, which involves going after the pain, not where it is, but where it originates.. ie: lower back trigger points are found in the glutes. with the proper massage methods, (either self administered or by a massage therapist) the pain can subside & go away.check out a book by Clair davies, namely The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook”. you will be glad you did..
Al
Tip
I use an inversion table just about every night just prior to bed. After a bit of trial and error, a hot shower to relax the muscles, etc, I “hang” from 1 to 3 minutes and immediately go to bed. Flat on your back with spine as straight as you can seems to give the best results (try not to use a pillow or at least one that allows your head to be in pretty good alignment) while your body cools down from the hot shower and begins repairing itself during sleep. Don’t be concerned if you do not stay on your back all night. It is difficult to recommend an inversion table as everyone’s back may have different issues and may respond differently to it. Basically it is a less structured, at home, spinal decompression treatment.
The others that urge PT and Chiropractic are right on target from my experience. That combination allows me to function. The one who recommends surgery because he is going in for surgery TOMORROW… how would a person have the gall to do that???
I am 61 have some regular discomfort in a compressing lower back and just began playing golf this year. Practice may give me more distance in the future but I am very pleased with the accuracy that the PPGS has allowed me to achieve. My lower back feels very tired at the end of walking 18 holes, but the next few days are mostly pain free. I guess the PPGS allows the enjoyment and exercise of golf without the negative impact that golf seems to be known for.
Dave
July this year, my MRI indicated that my 2nd,3rd,4th, & 5th had pinched nerves. The surgeon advised me that I need surgery. I told him that I would avoid surgery if possible as I was enjoying playing golf, and what if surgery could ruin me for the rest of my life. It was Thursday when he told me this. I said no. The doctor said, it will take him 15 minutes and said I could play golf on Sunday. Guess what. I gave him the OK to do it on Friday morning. I went home that night and I was able to played golf on Sunday. I am 84 yrs old and have shot my age 4 times since then.
I have been trying to employ the PPGS system since first hearing about it and then subscribing to the program through your website about two months ago. (I was hooked by the science!) It was sure a bonus where I live in Canada to have been able to play golf outside until November 24! In fact, November 24 was my best game of the year, from the point of view of hitting the ball more solid and straighter with some degree of consistency.
The most beneficial thing about the PPGS for me is that it is comprehensive. Every part of what you do to attempt to launch a golf ball in the desired direction at the correct loft is shown to be be interdependent on all the other parts. You can’t change one thing without effecting every other aspect of the swing. The PPGS shows that and addresses that.
I find that because I trust the science you have taught and the mechanics that you have devised to activate the scientific principles that underly a consistently successful golf swing I am free to visualize “into the mitt and up the tree and sweep the carpet and up the tree in front”. Before I was always thinking about the mechanics, and because there are so many mechanics I don’t know really what I was thinking about and so was totally inconsistent from one shot to the next.
I am making way more good shots than I used to but still tend to slice the drives in particular which seems to correct itself when I remember to close the club face a degree or two before I start the take-away. That’s the last mechanic I think of before I start my visualizing. I am so happy with my fairway woods and irons, and the short game in particular, now that they have improved dramatically.
In one of your promotional bits for your product, you indicated that one would be hitting the ball more solid and straighter and further after two buckets of balls at the range. For me, that is a bit of pie in the sky. It’s taken several games and many buckets of balls over many practice sessions, as well as the pointers that you you provide regularly with your letters, for me to develop some confidence. I feel that things are coming around now, which isn’t bad since I’ve been playing the game for over 40 years (I’m 65) and this is the first time I can say that I’m excited about the real possibility of scores in the 80’s sooner than later.
Bruce,
I had a spinal fusion back around 1970 for a slipped vertebre at my lower back (don’t remember the letters-numbers). I was in high school at the time. Back then the recover time consisted of lying flat on my back for 4 full months and because of atrophy in my legs another 2 months rebuilding my leg muscles and learning how to walk again. Thank God they get you up right away now and the recovery time is significantly shorter. The bottom line is that area of my back became the strongest link. I relate it to a metal weld on a steel beam where that area is now the strongest area of the beam. Within a year of my operation I worked construction and never had a problem since. I am now 54 yrs old and although I have other problems with my knees and arthritis in my hands, my back is still as strong as it was when I worked construction with heavy lifting. Good luck with whatever way you decide.
Gerry
A hught thank to Surge, Dr. Ned Armstrong and all of you the posted responses. I have postponed by surgery until I can get my core stronger and then, at that time may be able to delay my surgery for a 1 – 3 years based on my MRI. Since I posted my question my MD also agreed that getting stronger prior to surgery will make my recovery my quicker and more effective.
My MRI shows I have a L-5 herniated disc with a tear so the fluid has gone out of the disc area and has degenerated, but the process is very slow…you all just confirmed that if I get stonger I will be much better before and after surgery.
I have joined a Gym so I can swim 3 times a week in a heating pool, I am taking yoga and bought an teeters inversion tabel where I hand upside down for about 5 minutes 3 times a day and its it definately helping.
Finally all of your comments will go along way in help me get stonger and delay surgery.
I also like the idea of wearing some type of support on my lumber area when I golf as I go thru the process of getting stonger.
I wlll post an update in 3 months…from the resonse, this is an issue that affects many of us and your reponses and support are greatly appreciated.
Any of you can email me directly as well at bru1231@msn.com and I will update you on my progress and or check out some other comments you may have.
Thanks again, your reponses were great, it was exactily what I needed at this time….Bruce Jones
I have been pulling the ball consistently especially when I try to hammer a drive. I took lessons from a pro and he said my hands were getting ahead of my body and it looks like I am casting my wrists when we look at it on the computer. Can you offer any suggestions on how I can stop getting ahead with my hands?
Richard
First of all, you need to check your alignment to be sure that you are not aiming left or it could have to do with your weight distribution at address, is it possible that you are putting more than 60% of your weight on your right side, thus causing you to stay behind the ball a little longer than normal or it may have to do with your ball position or you may be gripping the club to strong, it could be any one or a combination of several or all of these things. All of these things happen before you ever swing the club which sounds right since the Set Up Determines the Motion in PPGS.
I normally play the ball around the middle of the instep for Driver, but when I am pulling the driver left, it has to do with my ball position which I play around my left toe and the reason I do this is because I am usually trying to block out the right side of the course to avoid an O.B. or water.
Happy Golfing
Ken
To Ray: I had the elbow problem to the point I couldn’t play. After bringing it under control with an anti-inflamatory prescription, I switched to graphite shafts. I haven’t had a problem in the several years since.
I have had 3 back surgeries, 2 cervical & 1 lumbar. My last surgery was 1/2008, I started golfing again this summer after 20 years. I was doing rather well and having no pain. I hope that by using your system, I will improve and it will help me from injurying my self further. So farther I have learned alot of helpful tips. I have notice that I’m not so sore afterwards. Thanks for the lessons. I’m still waiting for my cds to come and get more tips to use.
Thanks,
To Bruce Jones,
You’re welcome. I was real glad Dr. Armstrong was able to respond to your question about should you cancel your back surgery.
It is also great to see all of our readers who wrote in to add support, hope and comments about their surgeries and or exercise programs that helped them.
The Surge!
To Linda: For PPGS to help you with your question concerning the DVD’s I’ll need some more information like last name, E-MAIL address etc: or you can call me Ken Trahan PPGS Customer Service at 888-847-9464, thanks and have a great day, Ken.
Regarding the question about back surgery, I just had my L-5/S-1 fused and my L4 replaced with an artificial disc. Better than I could of hoped for! I have lived on morphine (130mg) a day for the last 2-3 years to deal with the pain. I put off having surgery for my back after having 2 dics fused in my neck. Wasn’t really thrilled with the outcome. Although it did relieve the pain from 1 of my vertabrae rubbing on my spinal cord and the constant migraines, I was just hoping for a little more. My attorney told me about Dr. Rick Delamarter in Santa Monica, CA that was developing this proceedure a few years ago and if I could hold off until they got thru the trial period, might be the best option. Best advice I’ve ever got from an attorney! Even tho it has only been 2 months since the surgery the pain is dramatically reduced, the neck feels a whole lot better, no more migraines/headaches. After having my first follow up visit last week, he thinks I could be totally pain free in my low back. The surgeon that did my neck gave me a 50/50 chance if he did my back of being better, might be worse! Dr. Delamarter’s patients average 90% pain reduction!! I’m not back to golfing yet, another couple of months before he will release me for rehab. This is the best that I’ve felt in years and would highly recomend this proceedure to anyone with serious back/neck pain now that this proceedure is mainstream. I’ve been able to cut down the morphine in half and am slowly reducing the doseage each month. Make sure you really check out any surgeon before making your decission. It was well worth the 4 hour drive to LA for the operation. This guy has done the Emperor of Taiwain, which was good enough for me.
Dear Surge,
I am writing you because I have been recently getting your email instructions and started to read about some people contacting you about back problems and your suggestions relating to surgery and/or PPGS. I am not educated as to your columns to any great extent to know just what PPGS means but I surmise that it is an exercise program or a special program for those golfers with back problems or in need of increased flexibility.
I have had a condition called spinal stenosis and have suffered from the effects of this condition for the last 36 years. The problems increased during my young professional years as a teacher and relegated me to to be taken to the hospital in ambulance on three different occasions due to paralysis owing to this spinal stenotic condition. No one at that time was willing or even able to help me understand my condition or offer me viable options of overcoming the pain and paralysis that went with it until 2005 when my pain became inteolerable. I was then told by my back surgeon that my option was “radical surgery” called a ‘laminectomy’ which encompassed the removal of 50% of my lumbar region in order to extricvate the bone that was causing the impingements to my peripheral nervous system in the Lumber region of my spine.
To be more explicit, my condition was owing to my the boney processes of my spinal column growing inward and impinging on not just the spinal chord but also the peripheral nerves off the spinal cord that serviced my legs, lower back muscles, colon, bladder etc.
IN retrospect I started playing golf for the first time in 2001 when I retired to Florida to a “gated golfing community.” That is when i got the “golfing fever.” I sold a $100,000 boat and a condominium on the Gulf of Mexico after playing the game twice and moved from my Condo to this golfing community.
When I was informed by my back surgeon that I could return to playing golf once again after rehab, I joyfully chose this option for a laminectomy. Six months after my surgery I had rehabbed my back to enable me to play golf once again, and had my first Hole-In-One one week after returning to the game. The experience was doubly enjoyable because I had the Hole-in-One during a Skins tournament.
I played for roughly 2.5 years pain-free, but then the pain returned with a second spinal stenosis condition. This left me in need of more information and so after i questioned “How could my spinal stenosis return?” I was given an MRI and instructed that the stenosis has returned because the Lumbar spinal column has regenerated to its orginal state once again and consequently resulting in a return of more impingements and pain.
My options of course were a second surgery, which I chose not to have done. Instead, I opted for an “epidural injection of cortizone” which was supposed to work. It worked for about a week and then the pain and discomfort returned once again. I was told to return for a second injection but chose to see a chiropractor instead. The doctor I chose had a good deal of success with “Laser treatments” to open up the vascular region to enhance more nutrition to the area and lessen the inflammation in my lower back. This process has taken about a month for me to see a change for the better but my MHO refuses to pay for the tratment which is running $75 /week.- a small price to pay for a reduction in pain and the return to my normal lifestyle of playing golf.
Before a visit to the chiropractor and these laser treatments, I wasn’t able to play or even want to swing a club, but now I am able to play at least twice per week with very little discomfort. Yes, I must take a pain killer so that I can swing freely during competition, but I take a minimal amount compared to the past, and in due time I may not have to do this anymore. I don’t usually take any pain killers after I play golf, and it takes me about a day to fully rehab from playing 18 holes in competition.
My question to you is this. What is this PPGS program? Is it an exercise program to improve flexibility and therefore increase range of movement and decrease pain? Would you please enlightem me as to what you have to offer in this respect as I am passionately in love with this game and would not wish to give it up now that i have finally gotten into it to the degree that I have.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Jim Harris
Sarasota, Florida
Dear Surge,
I am writing you because I have been recently getting your email instructions and started to read about some people contacting you about back problems and your suggestions relating to surgery and/or PPGS. I am not educated as to your columns to any great extent to know just what PPGS means but I surmise that it is an exercise program or a special program for those golfers with back problems or in need of increased flexibility.
I have had a condition called spinal stenosis and have suffered from the effects of this condition for the last 36 years. The problems increased during my young professional years as a teacher and relegated me to to be taken to the hospital in ambulance on three different occasions due to paralysis owing to this spinal stenotic condition. No one at that time was willing or even able to help me understand my condition or offer me viable options of overcoming the pain and paralysis that went with it until 2005 when my pain became inteolerable. I was then told by my back surgeon that my option was “radical surgery” called a ‘laminectomy’ which encompassed the removal of 50% of my lumbar region in order to extricate the bone that was causing the impingements to my peripheral nervous system in the Lumber region of my spine.
To be more explicit, my condition was owing to my the boney processes of my spinal column growing inward, affecting impingements to not just the spinal chord but also the peripheral nerves off the spinal cord that serviced my legs, lower back muscles, colon, bladder etc.
In retrospect I started playing golf for the first time in 2001 when I retired to Florida to a “gated golfing community.” That is when I got the “golfing fever.” I sold a $100,000 boat and a condominium on the Gulf of Mexico after playing the game just twice and moved from my condo to this golfing community.
When I was informed by my back surgeon that I could return to playing golf once again after rehabbing from my surgery, I joyfully chose this option for a laminectomy. Six months after my surgery I had successfully rehabbed my back to enable me to play golf once again, and had my first Hole-In-One one week after returning to the game. The experience was doubly enjoyable because I had the Hole-in-One during a Skins tournament.
I played for roughly 2.5 years pain-free, but then the pain returned with a second spinal stenosis condition. This left me in need of more information and so after I questioned “How could my spinal stenosis return?” I was given an MRI and instructed that the stenosis had returned because the Lumbar spinal column had regenerated to its orginal state once again, consequently resulting in a return of more impingements and pain.
My options of course included a second surgery, which I chose not to have done. Instead, I opted for an “epidural injection of cortizone” which was supposed to work. It worked for about a week and then the pain and discomfort returned once again. I was told to return for a second injection but chose to see a chiropractor instead. The doctor I chose had a good deal of success with “Laser treatments” used to open up the vascular region to enhance more nutrition to the lower back area and lessen the inflammation in back.
This process has taken about a month for me to see a change for the better but my HMO refuses to pay for the treatment which is running $75 /week.- a small price to pay for a reduction in pain and the return to my normal lifestyle of playing golf.
Before a visit to the chiropractor and these laser treatments, I wasn’t able to play or even want to swing a club, but now after 7 treatments I am able to play at least twice per week with very little discomfort. Yes, I must take a pain killer, so that I can swing freely during competition, but I take a minimal amount compared to the past, and in due time I may not have to do depend on painkillers anymore. I don’t usually take any pain killers after I play golf, and it takes me about a day to fully rehab from playing 18 holes in competition since undergoing laser tratments.
My question to you is this. What is this PPGS program? Is it an exercise program to improve flexibility and therefore increase range of movement and decrease pain? Would you please enlightem me as to what you have to offer in this respect as I am passionately in love with this game and would not wish to give it up now that i have finally gotten into it to the degree that I have.
Any help will be greatly appreciated! I realize that this Comment Section is used primarily to assilst in improving your readers golf games and swing paths. If I may make this point clearly; -by helping me understand what the PPGS is I can assure you that you would be greatly enhancing my golf game were you to answer my questions regarding PPGS.
If you can’t do this for me than I am the only loser.
Jim Harris
Sarasota, Florida
Ive had serious back problems for ages…..Then I got an inversion table….Totally GREAT PRODUCT…The chiropractors wont tell you its great because it will put them all out of biz….Please beleive me and give it a try…The teeter is the best one….
Hello Bruce, I suffered a broken C-5 vertebrae in my neck in April this year, also damaged 7 vertebraes from L4-L5 on up. Surgery was required to fuse C-5-6-7 vertebraes in my neck, 10 weeks of physical therapy with a sports therapist helped. My left leg was numb from the knee to my hip and was told the damage to the L-4 disc was the cause. Options were surgery, shots to controll the pain and one day I was a book store and found a book on The Golfers Guide To Pilates. Started doing the core strengthining excercises,along with the flexability excercises and finally broke the news to my physical therapist. He was shocked and only then could understand why I was improving at a faster rate than expected. I’m 51 yrs old and never have been very flexable. the Pilates has increased my flexability and core strength, when I have lower back pain I perform a couple of lower back muscle-vertebre release excercises and the pain goes away. the numbness in my left leg is almost gone now. Find a good sports therapist and check out this book. It might be the thing that will allow you to play golf and go about your normal daily duties. Since switching to the PPGS swing my game has improved. Been playing golf steady for the past 4 months. Had surgery in April this year. Remember it’s mind over matter! You can heal and strenghthen the lower back and inner core muscles. You just have to commit to a daily program and start slow and progress-It will take time and the pain will lessen. Have had no shots in the back and I’m able to put all my vertebrae back in place if they are out, A good therapist can teach you what to do!
Before I would suggest ANY type of surgery, I would try traction. Usually 10-12 treatments will reduce or eliminate numbness and pain. I have been in practice for 34 years and I highly recommend traction over surgery, unless the functions of the bowel and bladder have been compromised. You can also try inversion. I myself use inversion to keep flexability at maximum levels.
I had a disc replaced in my lumbar spine (L4/L5). They went in from the front. I was playing again in few weeks, albeit not at full force. I play off 7, it changed my life and my golf became much more enjoyable, as im pain/drug free. There comes a time when it is worth the risk of an op. For me it has up to now been worthwhile, although some of the people who had it done at the same time as me have not fared quite so well. Only you will know if the time is right and the risk worthwhile. It sounds from your letter that the benefits do not outweigh the risks for you yet. I wish you well and hope that you never need the op. Good luck and happy golfing. regards phil.
I had back sergery back in 1999. I had L4-L5 fused. I had a damanged nerve going down my right leg. It is still numb today. I started back playing golf in the summer of 2000. At first I could not drive the ball no more than 200 yds. I use to kill it out there at 315 yds. I fond if I used the right swing I had no pain and if I tried to hit it too hard it hurt. This got me to swinging as I should with a smooth and easy swing. The next 4yrs. I got to hitting the ball the best that I had ever hit the ball. I averaged getting 4-8 eagles from the fairway anywhere from 80 to 160 yds out. It was a little scarey to be able to hit the ball where I wanted to. So my back sergey helped my golf game a lot. I went from around 14 handicap to around 5handicap. Boy do I love the game of golf!
Surge, can you recommend a good club fitter in the Dallas Texas area?