The use of lumbar spine radiographs is important to determine the presence of any disc degeneration, joint subluxation (dislocation or displacement between articulating bones), or osteophyte formation (Figure 3).
These factors can change the biomechanical stress on the joints, as well the range of motion at the different levels. Specifically, the decreased motion in the lower levels of the lumbar spine can have a much greater negative effect on the stability of the spine during the golf swing.
It is very common to see degenerative disc disease present at the L5 level in many of my patients who present with vague low back pain after playing a round of golf.