You can absolutely enjoy a game of golf even if you have arthritis pain.
So, you’ve heard the terms arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), or degenerative disc disease (DDD) thrown around by your doctor? Well, they’re essentially different ways of describing similar natural changes that occur in your joints and spine.
When it comes to arthritis, there are two main categories: osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. But when we say “arthritis,” we’re usually referring to osteoarthritis, which happens to be the most common type.
When this osteoarthritis affects your limbs, like your knees, hips, shoulders, or fingers, it’s referred to as degenerative joint disease.
And if it’s in your spine, it gets labeled degenerative disc disease.
Now, here’s a vital point to clear up: arthritis, DJD, and DDD aren’t some random diseases that suddenly strike and relentlessly progress. This is a common misunderstanding. In reality, they’re natural occurrences that come with aging.
As we age, our joints gradually wear down due to everyday activities. Simple movements like bending, twisting, and yes, even swinging a golf club, take their toll on our bodies.
Having Arthritis is Not so Bad for Golf
Here’s some great news for all golfers dealing with arthritis: you can manage it through your actions and by taking consistent steps to counter its effects.
There’s another crucial point to understand as well. The symptoms you experience from arthritis, DDD, or DJD don’t always match up with the extent of damage shown on an X-ray or MRI. This is especially true when it comes to the spine.
In the early to middle stages of arthritis affecting your limbs, and even in the early to severe stages of spinal arthritis, you can significantly or completely alleviate pain.
How? Well, it’s all about strengthening the muscles that support the joints in question and learning how to move in ways that reduce the stress on those joints. These strategies can make a world of difference.
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