Spinal deformities are health conditions that greatly compromise the wellbeing of the affected individuals. Scoliosis is one of the deformities that affect a significant percentage of the population of different ages. Asher and Burton (1999) indicate that patients suffering from this condition have an abnormal spinal cord alignment. Scoliosis is defined by a spinal curvature of ten degrees or more. The spinal cord of affected patients tends to assume an S-shaped curve. Another related condition pertains to kyphosis that is defined by a C-shaped spine. Basically, the entire spinal cord of an individual suffering from scoliosis curves into an S shape.
Scoliosis has significant implication on the ability of the patients to participate in sports with ease. Gielen and van den Eede (2008) asseverate that, in most instances, young athletes who suffer from this condition expose themselves to high risks when they engage in sports. Vigorous sporting activities in this regard put an uneven load on the participant’s spine. This culminates to uneven distribution of weight onto the spine. Due to this uneven distribution of weight, scoliosis patients oft experience fatigue faster and are at a higher risk of getting muscle injuries such as sprains (Gielen & Van den Eede, 2008).
Fundamentally, scoliosis is a spinal deformity that is characterized by the curving of the spine. This makes the affected individual to assume a slumping posture because of the lateral curvature of the spine to one side (Asher & Burton, 1999). In most cases, scoliosis is associated with poor posture and engagement in vigorous physical exercises. This is common amongst adolescents. Thus persistent simple slumping posture culminates in scoliosis. For this reason, it is important for one to practice good posture.
References
Asher, M. & Burton, D. (1999). A concept of idiopathic scoliosis deformities as imperfect torsion(s). Clinical Orthopedics, 264, 11-25
Gielen, J. & Van den Eede, E. (2008). Scoliosis and sports participation. International Sport Med Journal, 9(3), 131-140.
