What do Phil Mickelson and more than 75 percent of golfers in the PGA have in common?  They all sing the praises of chiropractic.  But you don’t have to be a professional golfer to benefit from chiropractic.  Amateur golfers also reap the performance-boosting rewards of regular chiropractic care.

Throughout the world — from Scotland to South America — men, women and children of all ages and income levels are hitting the greens.  Golf has long been heralded as one of the best ways to exercise the body and relax the mind.  As in any sport, however, injuries can occur if you don’t take the proper precautions.  Golf can be especially hard on the spine, often triggering back disorders.  That’s why Dr. Smith teaches patients how to keep their spines up to par.

• Focus on posture
• Cancel the cart
• Blame the bag
• Back in shape
• Warm up
• Shorten that swing
• Stop for soreness
• The hazards of painkillers

Golf is a game.  it is also exercise.  The No. 1 rule when embarking on a new exercise program is to call your doctor of chiropractic and schedule an appointment for a checkup.  To go from a sedentary to active lifestyle take time and patience.  Even if you are already actively involved in another sport, your chiropractor may suggest some modifications to your golf game — until your body if fully up to par.