Whether you’ve seen an entire golf match or not, chances are you’ve seen the signature golf pose, called the X factor swing. It’s not just a picture-perfect pose, but it’s also one of the most renowned and popular ways of swinging in golf, something Betway have done a comprehensive study on.
Most – if not all – players use this technique, but recent studies show that this might not be the best way to play golf; in fact, it seems that swinging in this form could result in severe backaches and pains.
Here’s what we’ve found out so far about the X factor swing and how it damages the back.
What is the X factor swing?
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine in February 2019 elaborated on why this certain swing and pose could result in back injuries; in order to provide the body with energy and cause a thrust force, the X factor creates a lot of tension between the core muscles of the body.
The increase in X-Factor is caused when the pelvis starts the downswing before the shoulders.
The emphasis of this swing is the get the maximum rotation of the shoulders and pelvis in order to create great thrust and force so that the ball shoots as far away as possible.
During the backswing as the muscles of the hips, torso, and shoulders are dynamically stretched, energy is stored. What this results in is increased tension, which results in a more energy release once the golfer swings.
Why does it cause harm?
The immense tension that is created between the muscles and the pelvis, especially the hips and the legs, results in immense spinal cord pain because it adds more stress on the spine.
The position in which the player stands itself exerts immense stress onto the spine which consequently results in back pain, sometimes immediately after taking the swing.
Tiger Woods and X factor Swing
Tiger Woods is perhaps one of the most prominent golfers of all time which is why the entire golfing world was shaken when it was announced that he had suffered from immense back pains.
According to various reports, Tiger Woods, who just won The Masters had to take a break from golfing altogether, and even when he made his comeback, there were various precautions that he had to take, all of which ensured that his back would no longer be in pain.
Why is this important
In various conferences, Tiger Woods emphasised the need for golfers who suffer from back pain (especially that which is caused by the X factor swing) should seek doctors and get physiotherapy.
Tiger Woods had had a fusion surgery on his back after which he was able to return to golf, but only after he had gone to physiotherapy.
It was not easy for him to go back to golf immediately after the injury, and he had to find a way to accommodate his back and no longer compromise his health for it.
The consequences
Tiger Woods is just one of the various golfers who gradually feel affected by the X factor swing. Many younger amateur golfers now find themselves with back pains and severe aches, which result in them getting hospitalised. If not taken seriously, many golfers would have to get surgeries in order to correct this issue.
It seems rather hard to imagine that the X factor swing has so many negative consequences and those too as long-term health-related consequences. One of the best ways to deal with this is to reduce the use of this swing altogether.
