Injury of the Week - Scoliosis

Although not medically defined as an "injury" many athletes competing have at one time or another experienced some degree of scoliosis.   This is because scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, can often be functional as opposed to solely congenital. 

Functional scoliosis can be brought about by structural variances in the body such as unequal leg length, excessively contracted low back muscles or a sacrum that isn't level.  If treated early, scoliosis can often be corrected. 

Young, competitive athletes are particularly vulnerable with high incidents most seen in dancers, swimmers, gymnasts and tennis players.  High level and repetitive training can place load stress on the spine.  During the growing process, young adults are most at risk for the stress to affect the curvature of the spine.  According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, young girls are 8 times more likely to experience a curve magnitude that requires treatment.

Besides a generally obvious curvature of the spine, symptoms of scoliosis can include nerve irritation or heart and lung problems stemming from restrictions around the rib cage. 

Conservative treatment for scoliosis includes strengthening exercises usually supervised by a qualified physicial therapist, yoga & pilates.   Studies have found if performed properly at a young age, spinal curvatures can be reduced.  Chiropractic care including traction therapy should also be considered.  Massage can be helpful in treating the chronic muscular stress scoliosis places along the spine.  A skilled therapist can relieve a great deal of the daily tension a patient generally feels. 

If conservative treatment fails, your doctor may recommend treating you with a brace or inserting rods that straighten and fuse the affected vertebrae.  For this reason scoliosis should not be ignored and is best treated early.