Hey, I’ve got scoliosis [spinal curvature] and I’ve already had a spinal fusion. But it went bad, so the rods were removed and my back hasn’t healed for over a year now. I’m going to have a fourth and fifth surgery later on in the year, hopefully. But I was wondering if anyone knows anything about working out and putting weight on your back, like squats and up-right rows. Is it bad for people that have scoliosis or what? I don’t know if I should be working out right now.
Also, I’m going to look for some workouts that promote back strength. I’m curious if I can do anything to help the strength of my back, while simultaneously being careful. Please help, thanks.
I’ve worked extensively with scoliosis patients. You should avoid placing any high-load barbell on your traps. This merely forces your abnormal curvature to exacerbate. Instead, hold dbs at your sides, or rest them on the tops of your shoulders when performing leg exercises. Unfortunately, virtually every standing movement causes downward stress on the spine, but this is inevitable. I would recommend that you work with lighter loads and higher reps. In other words, don’t push yourself to high loads on db squats and deadlifts.
You should look into traction since it tends to help scoliosis patients. My client uses it extensively.
Okay, thanks for the help. I think I’ll play it safe and not do any squats or up-right rows for a while. I can do what you suggested too. Now, don’t hate me for asking this, I’m new to body building, but how would I get more traction while lifting?
Ha! You must be new! Nah, we won’t hate you; we’ll just get a good chuckle. Traction would involve suspending your body in some way. Either head down or feet down. You can ask your doctor. I am sure he can help. And use every bit of wisdom you can get from Waterbury, he is a professional!
Stay strong,
Dan
Hmm, if you want to play it safe and not add additional load on your spinal column, what about body weight versions of these things?
It’s the same thing Chad said, low weight and high rep material. Bodyweight squats, broomstick deadlifts and bodyweight good mornings, things like that. Focus on form, add in isometric elements to make them harder.
Maybe add on other non back-load work like horizontal rowing, chins or pulldowns.
Also, as Chad suggested, for shoulders and traps you could probably get a good workout with very light dumbells and higher reps. I’m assuming you can carry a bag of groceries or do other activities with light loads.
It just seems that developing better back musculature, without taking risks, would be a good move.
Anyhow, I think Chad pointed you in the right direction, and I think you can adjust his advice to fit your level of caution.
My sister had Scoliosis, she still has the rods in her back (some 35 years later). One thing she used to do was hang from a “chin-up” bar. My parents bought one of the “screw-adjustment” kind for the door jam and she would hang straight down, with her arms straight.