Scoliosis and Sports: Staying Active
July 02, 2018
A scoliosis diagnosis doesn’t mean kissing sports goodbye. In fact, it’s recommended that individuals with scoliosis stay active. Here’s how.
Benefits of Sports
Sports and specific exercise have proven to stop scoliosis progression and reduce curvature by retraining the brain to correct the spine’s posture.
Sports…
- Strengthen core muscles that support the spine
- Keep the body nimble
- Prevent stiffness
- Support overall health
- Boost self-esteem
Sports that Help
Sports that require using both sides of the body, are low impact, and utilize burst training, are extremely beneficial for those with scoliosis.
Swimming
Swimming is recommended because it uses the body’s muscles in a balanced and symmetrical fashion.
Soccer
Soccer strengthens the core muscles of the thoracic spine, which is why it’s helpful for individuals with curvature in the mid-back.
Cross-Country Skiing
Skiing minimizes shock o the vertebra and works both sides of the body, which supports a strong and balanced spine.
Strength Training
Individuals with spinal problems shouldn’t avoid strength training. Stronger muscles help the spine. It’s important, however, to increase weight very slowly during strength training to avoid adding stress to the spine.
Stretching
Regular stretching relieves tension, restores range of motion, and counteracts the spine’s curvature. Individuals need to be sure they don’t hyperextend or severely rotate the spine, though.
What to Avoid
Compressing the Spine
- High-impact activities
- Squatting
- Lifting weight over the head
- Hard landings
- Cheerleading
- Gymnastics
- Long-distance running
- More than 400 meters
- Repeatedly extending the thoracic spine
- Back bends
- Ballet
- Gymnastics
- Yoga
- Sports that work one side of the body more than the other
- Figure skating
- Tennis
- Skiing
- Javelin throwing
Hyperextend the Mid-Back
Unevenly Work the Spine
Your spine is important, and you need expert doctors who understand both conservative and surgical treatments. If you need spine care, contact Sonoran Spine.
