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Thesis Based Research
Driving Question: What are the connections between scoliosis and sports/exercise?
Thesis: The connections between scoliosis and sports/exercise are it helps to reduce back pain,
helps strengthen the spine and back muscles, and also help to keep the person physically
fit.
RESEARCH
Eck, Jason C, DO, MS. Scoliosis treatment. 24 Feb. 2009 <http://www.emedicinehealth/
scoliosis/em.htm>.
A) Exercise for Adolescents. 1999-2009. 3 Mar. 2009 <http://www.scoliosis.org///.htm>.
1. Several programs aimed at correcting or arresting scoliosis have been proposed over the
decades. Programs one attempts to exert corrective forces on the spine by active
contraction of trunk muscles in directions thought to reverse the scoliosis curves.
2. Some programs also include breathing exercises.
3. In general, little scientific evidence exists about the effectiveness of exercise programs
for preventing progression of scoliosis curves, or for reversing curves to any clinically or
cosmetically significant degree.
4. Some short-term reduction of curve angles, and minor improvement in breathing volumes
have been observed for small groups of people with scoliosis who have undergone
exercise programs.
5. Bracing alone has been found to be as effective as bracing and exercise.
6. “Scoliosis is not caused by a deficiency of strength or flexibility, and therefore exercise is
relatively ineffective in correcting scoliosis.
B) Exercise for adults with scoliosis. 24 Feb. 2009 <http://www.scolosis.org///.php>.
1. Avoidance of exercise because of fear of causing harm to the spine is fairly common,
however, in those with scoliosis, especially following spine surgery.
2. Exercise or sport participation will have no effect on non-fused spinal curves.
3. In general however, adults with scoliosis can engage in exercise and recreational sports
without undue risk.
4. Exercise can be therapeutic for adults with scoliosis who have had spinal fusion.
5. In our practices, we also advise exercise for adults with scoliosis who have developed
back pain symptoms.
6. Improving the strength of the back muscles can also help to reduce pain and improve
tolerance for daily activities.
C) Gartner, Margaret, R.N, et al. “Scoliosis and Spine Deformities: A Guide for Patients.”
Center for Young Women’s Health. 1993. 19 Feb. 2009
<http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/article.html>.
1. When the backward curve in the upper spine is too great, the condition is called thoracic
hyper-kyphosis, round back, Scheuermann’s disease, or sometimes simply kyphosis.
2. When there are not enough backward curves in the upper spine, the condition is called
hypo-kyphosis.
3. When the inward curve in the lower back is too great, the condition is called hyperlordosis or swayback.
4. Although the spine does curve from front to back it should not curve sideways very
much. A side to side curve is called scoliosis and may take the shape of an S.
5. The scoliotic spine is also rotated or twisted.
6. The spine twists it pulls the ribs along with it, so that one side of the chest becomes
higher than the other.
7. Some babies are born with spinal defects that cause the spine to grow unevenly, a
condition called congenital scoliosis or congenital kyphosis.
8. Some children have nerve diseases, injuries or other illnesses that cause spinal
deformities, for example cerebral palsy, or myelomeningocele.
9. Treatment without surgery: Exercise and braces, slight curves usually require not
treatment if greater than a 30 degree curve brace treatment may be recommended.
10. Surgery: Some curves do not respond to bracing despite everyone’s best efforts, and
some curves are just too large to begin with.
11. The goal of the surgery is a usually a solid fusion of the curved part of the spine.
12. There are two types of fusion:
 Posterior Fusion- with instruments is the most common operation done for
idiopathic scoliosis.
 Anterior Fusion: performed n the front of the spine, usually by replacing
intervertebral discs with bone chips.
13. Inclinometer or Scoliometer: A simple device using a level to measure the ‘rib hump’.
Useful for detecting and screening for scoliosis.
D) Hochschler, Stephen H., M.D. Exercise and Fitness to Help Your Back. 1999-2009. 27 Feb.
2009 <http://www.spine-health.com//se/and-fitness.htm>.
1. A common (and harmful) misconception is that exercise should be avoided when a
patient is experiencing back pain.
2. For most back problems, exercise and movement are the natural stimuli for the healing
process.
3. By nourishing and repairing spinal structures, exercise helps alleviate existing back
problems.
4. Engaging in exercise and fitness activities helps keep the back healthy by allowing discs
to exchange fluids which is how the disc receives its nutrition.
5. Exercising the back reduces stiffness by keeping the connective fibers of ligaments and
tendons flexible.
6. Improved mobility through back exercise helps to prevent the connective fibers from
tearing under stress, which in turn prevents back injuries and back pain.
7. Another important effect of exercise is that it stretches, strengthens and repairs muscles
that help to support the back.
8. Exercise and fitness are necessary for healing existing back problems, recovering from
back surgery, and especially for keeping the back healthy to help prevent future episodes
of back pain.
E) McAffe, Paul C, Md. Types of Scoliosis Braces. 1999-2009. 24 Feb. 2009
<http://www.spine-health.com///scolosis-braces>.
1. Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO) The most common TLSO brace is the Boston
Brace it is custom molded in plastic to fit the body and is worn 23 hours a day.
2. Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis or the Milwaukee brace- it is like the TLSO
brace but with a neck ring held in place by vertical bars attached to the body of the brace,
it is worn 23 hours a day.
3. Charleston Bending Brace- often called the nighttime brace it is only worn while
sleeping. Patients can go to school and participate in sports normally without their
friends even knowing they have scoliosis.
F) “Scoliosis.” World of Health. 2007. Online ed. 4 Mar. 2009
<http://find.galegroup.com//.do.htm>.“Scoliosis.” World of Health. 2007. Online Ed. 17
Mar. 2009 <http://www.find.galegroup.com//>.
1.
Scoliosis-commonly called curvature of the spine- is a progressive lateral (side-to-side)
curvature of the spine (backbone).
2. Approximately 10 percent of all adolescents have some degree of scoliosis. Though less
than 1 percent has curves that require medical attention beyond monitoring.
3.
Four out of five cases of scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown.
4.
Cause are known for three types of scoliosis:

Congenital scoliosis

Neuromuscular

Degenerative
5. Curve progression is greatest near the adolescent growth spurt. Scoliosis that begins
early on is more likely to progress significantly than scoliosis that begins later in
puberty.
6.
Treatment decisions for scoliosis are based on the degree of curvature, the likelihood of
significant progression, and the presence of pain, if any.
7.
The surgical procedure for scoliosis is called spinal fusion, because the goal is to
straighten the spine as much as possible, and then to fuse the vertebrae together to
prevent further curvature.
8.
Although important for general health and strength, exercise has not been shown to
prevent or slow the development of scoliosis.
9.
Exercise may help to relieve pain from scoliosis by helping to maintain range of
motion.
G) Ullrich, Peter F., JR. MD. Exercise and Back pain. 1999-2009. 3 Mar. 2009
<http://www.spine-health.com///and-back-pain.htm>.
1. A typical response to back pain is taking it easy. This is recommended short term.
2. Long periods of inactivity can actually undermine healing.
3. Active forms of exercise are almost always necessary to rehabilitate the spine and help
alleviate back pain.
4. Stretching should be done daily, perhaps several times a day, to ensure flexibility.
H) - - -. Strengthening Exercise to build muscle support. 1999-2009. 3 Mar. 2009
<http://www.spine-health.com///exercise.htm>.
1. Dynamic lumbar stabilization. This back exercise is designed to help patients find their
“neutral” spine, which is the position that allows the patient to feel the least discomfort.
The back muscles are then exercised to teach the spine how to stay in this position and
help the patient is aware of the position.
2. Walking in general, walking is very gentle on the back, and walking two to three miles
three times per week is very helpful for patients.
3. Water therapy- Exercising in the water provides weightless conditioning, which
minimizes stress on the back and joints throughout the body.
Findings
1) Sports and exercise help to strengthen a person with scoliosis back muscles and spine.
Support: B5, D2, D4, D5,D6, D7, F9. G3, H3.