[Physioguy]

In my experience, many people with low back pain ironically have very strong and tight low back extensors. Why? Because they tend to do everything with their backs (particularly lifting).

This overuse of the back often is combined with tightness of the hip and thigh musculature, and weakness of the leg muscles, particularly the glutes, which should normally be our most powerful muscles.

Some advise - learn some basic hip and thigh stretches. Common ares of tightness include the hamstrings, hip flexors and quads. With regard to golf, many people lack the ability to rotate through the hips, particularly internal rotation. Now, if your hips can't rotate, where do you think a lot of the torque with the golf swing will take place?

Avoid exercises which will cause excessive compression at the spine. Unfortunately, this includes many exercises which are commonly prescribed for the back, such as prone extension (i.e. superman), resisted back extension, hyperextension bench, etc.

Hope this helps. Of course, you should discuss with a health professional for advice specific to your condition.