Scoliosis is a spine deformity in the side-to-side (or lateral)
plane of more than 10 degrees of angulation.
The majority of the time this occurs spontaneously during the pubertal
growth spurt in an individual with normal spine development, up until that
time. Currently this type of scoliosis
is called “idiopathic”, meaning there is no known cause. However genetic researchers are finding more
and more associations between patients’ genetics and the development of
scoliosis.
There is nothing the patient
or caregiver did, or didn’t do, to cause the scoliosis to occur. Most individuals with idiopathic scoliosis
are involved, to some degree, in athletic endeavors whether it be recreational
or high-level competition at the time they are diagnosed with scoliosis. Often sports are interwoven into their
day-to-day activities, so a new diagnosis of scoliosis raises questions about
what sporting activities, and level of participation, a person with scoliosis
may participate. Despite the lateral
curvature of the spine, the bony stability of the spine is normal, without
instability.
There is no increased risk
of damage to the spine during athletic participation when compared to a similar
individual whose spine is absolutely straight.
We encourage all patients with scoliosis to be as athletically active as
they desire, as the benefits of an active lifestyle are well-known. Even patients whose scoliosis requires brace
use we encourage sports participation.
The brace can be removed, they can participate in their sport then the
brace can be re-applied after completion of the sporting event.
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