La scoliosis is characterized by an S- or C-shaped curve along the spine; it is usually seen in childhood, but can also occur in adulthood.
This condition can occur for several reasons, includinggenetics, wrong positions, previous spinal or joint surgery, knee or foot sprains, and even head injuries.
Let's find out how to manage training and which exercises to avoid in case of scoliosis.
Types of scoliosis
Some exercises may be prescribed by the doctor or physiotherapist, but they do not always help in solving the problem; there are several types of scoliosis, including:
- Lieve: Mild scoliosis usually does not require significant medical attention and is not visible to the naked eye, unlike other posture disorders; this type of scoliosis is diagnosed when the angle of the curvature of the column is below 20 degrees. This type of scoliosis is the most responsive to exercise.
- moderate: Moderate scoliosis can be treated with exercise, but it is often recommended to use a brace prescribed by the doctor; moderate scoliosis has a curvature angle of 20 to 40 degrees
- Grave: severe scoliosis almost always comes corrected only through surgery and diagnosed when the angle of curvature is over 40 degrees.
Scoliosis and training
The difference between a healthy spine and one with scoliosis is that the former can move from side to side; for example, when walking, the column bends and rotates left and right, returning to its central position.
People with scoliosis, have difficulty moving in one direction due to the curvature of the spine. It is often believed that people with scoliosis should not move, however, with the necessary precautions you can train safely without too many sacrifices, but you must pay attention to some movements and exercises to be absolutely avoided.
Scoliosis is a disease that only a doctor can diagnose, so it is always good to ask your doctor for the appropriate treatment and the exercises to do according to your condition and do not rely on DIY!
Exercises to avoid
Among the exercises to avoid for those suffering from scoliosis we have:
- Competitive sports: overexertion and intense training, of any kind, should be avoided in case of scoliosis in order not to overload the spine
- Single-sided sports: these sports could potentially reinforce spinal deviation
- Trunk extensions: for example the bridge position in gymnastics or that of the cobra in yoga; these movements generate excessive compression of the spine
- Squat and lunges: Exercises that strain the lower body also strain the spine, as they require you to stiffen and strain the spine and related group of muscles involved in the exercise
- Vertical on the shoulders: in this position the head is very bent forward, thus overloading the neck muscles; this tends to aggravate the anterior head posture and cervical kyphosis.
And you, did you know these exercises to avoid for those suffering from scoliosis? Let us know in the comments!
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