Bones That Golfers Should Know

Bones That Golfers Should Know

Greetings! The author has previously discussed the concept of "living bones," which are studied at the cellular level and require the assistance of a microscope for examination. Now, let us delve into the understanding of bones visible to the naked eye, specifically their significance in the sport of golf.

Within our bodies, we possess 206 bones, divided into two categories: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones, while the appendicular skeleton comprises 126 bones, which form the arms and legs.

The axial skeleton component that golfers should familiarize themselves with is the spine, which consists of 26 bones. It's worth noting that the skull bones and facial bones, despite their presence, hold no importance in the golf swing.

The majority of spinal bones share a similar structure, including:

1. The body, which is a thick, round disc located at the front. The upper and lower surfaces of the body serve as attachment points for spinal cushions. This particular section of the spine carries the weight.

2. The vertebral arch, a curved bony structure located at the back of the body, enclosing the spinal canal.

3. Processes, which are protrusions extending from the vertebral arch. There are seven of them, serving as articulations between adjacent spinal bones and attachment points for muscles, aiding in the movement of the spine.

The cervical spine, or neck region, consists of seven bones. The first and second cervical vertebrae differ from the other spinal bones. The first cervical vertebra, known as the Atlas, resembles a ring without a body, while the second cervical vertebra, called the Axis, has a protrusion from its upper part known as the Dens, which resembles a tooth and extends into the ring of the first cervical vertebra.

Approximately 60% of head rotation occurs at the first and second cervical vertebrae. If you tilt your head down, you can rotate your head approximately 45-50 degrees by rotating it on the first and second cervical vertebrae. On the other hand, if you extend your neck and lift your chin, you can rotate your head 80-90 degrees, allowing your chin to touch each shoulder. This additional 40% of head rotation occurs on the third to seventh cervical vertebrae, collectively. Due to the structural nature of the cervical vertebrae, when swinging a golf club, it is advisable not to hunch over and look at the ball, but rather to extend the neck and lift the chin. This action aids in rotating the neck involving the third to seventh cervical vertebrae, allowing for maximum torso rotation.

The external thoracic vertebrae, numbering 12 pieces, are larger and stronger than the cervical vertebrae. However, due to the attachment of the rib bones to the 12 pairs of thoracic vertebrae, the movement of the external thoracic vertebrae is limited.

The lumbar vertebrae, consisting of 5 pieces, are the largest and strongest. They allow for significant movement, especially in bending forward and backward positions.

The sacrum, composed of 5 fused vertebrae, does not have any movement.

The coccyx, consisting of 4 fused vertebrae, also lacks movement. When the coccyx forcefully hits a hard surface, such as when falling, it may fracture or bend.

The curvature of the spine:

In a normal spine, when viewed from the back, it appears straight. However, when viewed from the side, it shows four natural curves. The neck and lower back curve forward, while the thoracic and sacral regions curve backward. In a fetus in the womb, the spine is initially curved. After the baby starts lifting its head and crawling, the spine curves forward. When the baby learns to stand, the lumbar spine curves forward. As for the external thoracic and sacral regions, they retain their original backward curvature.

The curvature of the spine enhances strength, promotes balance, and reduces impact during walking or running. When swinging a golf club, it is advisable to bend at the hip joints rather than arching the lower back, as it can cause improper curvature of the lumbar spine and restrict rotation. Additionally, it increases pressure on the lumbar cushion, potentially leading to back pain or even nerve compression if the cushion is severely distorted.

By Dr. Virayut Chaopricha

Orthopedic Surgeon at Vibhavadi Hospital

From Golf Lover's Magazine

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