They say that 80% of all amateur golfers will play with low back pain at some point in their playing days. Wow! That's a huge number! What is wrong with this picture?

First off...you need to recognize that the golf swing is a physically brutal movement on the human body. Swinging a three and a half foot implement at up to 80 mph while in this very unnatural golf posture puts a tremendous amount of strain on your lower back.

If you are not at a reasonable level of both strength and flexibility, especially in the muscles of your lower back, you will be in the above statistic probably sooner more than later.

What can you do to prevent it and treat it when it happens?

First issue is current pain. If you are currently experiencing back pain, you must rest and ice immediately. Do not golf for a few days and see if you can get the inflammation down to reduce pain.

Then start some gentle stretching to release those spasmed muscles.