Tennis and golf may look completely different, but they have one important thing in common: both involve repeated twisting and powerful movement towards one side.

I have seen this pattern in several patients who play tennis, golf, or other one-sided sports. They may feel strong during their swing or serve, but when we assess them more closely, they sometimes have reduced control or stability through parts of the trunk, hips, and lower back.

When the body does not feel well-controlled during rotation, the surrounding muscles may tighten or guard the area. This is the body’s way of trying to create additional support.

Over time, repeatedly loading the same side may contribute to stiffness, soreness, restricted movement, or recurring low back discomfort.

This does not mean that twisting is bad for the spine. Rotation is a normal and necessary movement in sport. The problem usually appears when the movement is repeated frequently without enough mobility, strength, recovery, or control.

Treatment should therefore involve more than simply loosening tight muscles. We also need to identify where the movement is coming from, whether the hips and upper back are contributing properly, and whether the patient can control the spine during rotation.

For athletes, the goal is not to stop twisting. It is to help the body twist more efficiently, tolerate the demands of the sport, and recover properly afterwards.

Speak to our spine care team if back soreness is affecting your swing, serve, training, or everyday movement.