Scoliosis & Its Causes
Under normal circumstances, the back of an individual is almost completely straight when looking from behind. However, there are some individuals who do not have a straight spine but rather have a curvature in this area. This bend or curvature may be mild, moderate, or in some cases severe. This curvature is what is termed as scoliosis and the curve which is noted is termed as a scoliotic curvature.(1)
In most of the cases, there is no cause identified as to why scoliosis develops. Such cases are given the name of idiopathic scoliosis. In cases where scoliosis develops as a result of a limb length discrepancy or as a result of muscular spasms, then it is termed as non-structural scoliosis. There are cases where the spine itself is curved. This is what is termed as structural scoliosis and this is an irreversible condition.
When it comes to sports then both scoliosis and sporting activities go hand in hand. There are many young athletes who have known scoliosis, but yet are quite successful in their respective sport.
In cases of children, the parents are usually skeptical about sending their children who have scoliosis into any form of sport as they fear that the curvature may worsen or the scoliosis may progress. This article gives a brief overview of whether you can play sports if you have scoliosis.
Can You Play Sports If You Have Scoliosis?
The answer to this question is while there are many sporting activities which tend to put stress on the spine and may progress the scoliosis and hence are not advised, there are still many sports that an individual or a child can play which will not only help to strengthen the core muscles but also help with the scoliosis.(2)
Studies have clearly stated that any form of exercise is extremely vital for treatment of scoliosis. Any exercise that strengthens the core muscles and supports the spine is good for scoliosis. It also helps in keeping the body nimble and prevents any stiffness from developing.
There are certain exercises that can even stop progression of scoliosis. Sporting activities that do not stress the spine can be safely done in cases of children with scoliosis. Some of the sporting activities that a child with scoliosis can safely participate in are like swimming and cycling.
Sporting activities like long jump, high jump, throwing events like javelin or shot put are something that needs to be avoided as they jar the spine significantly and put excessive stress on it leading to progression of scoliosis.
In conclusion, while there are some sports that an individual with scoliosis can participate like swimming and cycling, there are still some sports which stress the spine significantly and needs to be avoided if you have scoliosis.
Also Read:
- Massage Therapy for Scoliosis: Techniques, Symptoms, Signs, Prevention
- Pediatric Chiropractic for Sports Injuries, Repetitive Activities, Scoliosis, Infants
- Yoga for Scoliosis: 10 Yoga Poses To Correct Spinal Curvature
- Scoliosis: Classification, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Treatment, Brace, Surgery, Prognosis
- Levoscoliosis: Treatment, Braces, Physical Therapy, Surgery, Exercises
- What is Kyphoscoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Surgery, Risk Factors
