For anyone with a “normal,” straight spine, it’s hard to imagine life without it. Your back, without your consent, has performed its duties successfully for the entirety of your life. Without even having to think about it, your back has taken care of itself, and therefore, you. But for those with scoliosis, that isn’t always the case. With a spine that curves in C or S-shaped patterns, these patients suffer from the stigma that comes with a “different” type of skeletal structure.
Which is why there’s a growing support group out to help and connect those with scoliosis, specifically young women. Known as Curvy Girls, the group has gained popularity in the U.S. and is now expanding into Canada – citing its main goals as connecting others with the disease and raising awareness about scoliosis.
First manifesting in kids – the group says most don’t even realize their spine curves because it’s so subtle. Even small curves, however, can still disrupt movement and lead to lifestyle changes.
Other, more severe cases often require surgery or the addition of metal rods to keep the spine from increasing its curves over time. This can decrease back mobility and require frequent doctor visits. No matter the severity or the outcome, the group says each chapter looks to reach out to as many girls as possible. So they can spread the word about scoliosis, and to let others know just how normal a curved spine can feel.
Spine Health in your Area
Since 2006, Curvy Girls has been helping those all across the U.S. learn about scoliosis and deal with the process of having a curved spine. With their new growth into Canada, an entire new country of ladies can gain the support of their peers and work to educate others on spinal health, and just how manageable life with an “abnormal” spine can be.
To learn more about Curvy Girls or to offer your support, head to http://www.curvygirlsscoliosis.com/
Last week, the world watched as one of the world’s top athletes was rushed to the hospital after a nasty spill. It wasn’t a head or leg injury caused by the ill-landed ski jump, however, it was a broken spine. Maria Komissarova, a Russian athlete, was taken off the ski slopes by medical professionals after she lay motionless on the slopes (though she did sit up for a short amount of time.) While it’s never a good sight for athletes to fall – especially on such a competitive level – Komissarova’s might just be one of the most severe back injuries in Olympic skiing history. A spokesperson for the International Olympics Committee said Komissarova “fractured the 12th dorsal vertebrae in her lower-middle back.”
After the injury, she underwent an almost 7-hour emergency surgery, before being airlifted to Germany to receive specialized treatment. Officials have since declared the operation a “success,” yet giving few details about what’s next in store for the athlete. And though doctors and spokespersons alike are remaining mum about Komissarova’s recovery, it’s likely she’s in for months of painful therapy and treatments. A process that will help her in the long term.
The Long-Term Effects of a Back Injury
One of the biggest factors contributing to long-term back pains are the initial recovery stages. Depending on how one’s back heals in the first few weeks, and whether or not swelling becomes an issue, Komissarova’s – or anyone with a back injury’s – healing process could take very different paths. The future could hold years of skiing and moving with a healthy back, or it could mean ongoing pains and a spine that never quite works the same again. Perhaps that’s why officials are keeping quiet about the process. [ESPN]
Whatever the outcome, however, the IOC has made clear that they’re on the lookout for other athletes’ safety. By looking into new regulations, checking slope conditions, and more, they hope to prevent this or any other serious injury from taking place in the future.
This past week the world was introduced to Sochi, Russia, the home of the 2014 Winter Olympics. And for days the best athletes have been flipping, skiing, and sliding their way into our daily entertainment. Performing tricks most of us can only consider in cartoon form, these athletes have proven just how much talent and control it requires to become a contending winter athlete.
For the most part, these athletes are young, and there’s a reason for the age discrepancy. After a certain age, we simply can’t perform acrobatics without causing extreme bodily consequences. For the non-Olympic population, here are the top five injury-inducing winter sports. Avoid them to keep your back and your sanity in working order.
5. The Bobsleigh
Cramming four people into a tiny sled looks less than comfortable. Hunching over to obtain maximum wind resistance sounds even worse. Anyone with a back problem should steer ever clear from bobsledding activities.
4. Hockey
Not only does this sport require quick, sudden movements, it’s likely to land you against the wall multiple times per game. Stay off the ice to avoid these competitive smashing movements.
3. Figure Skating
The jumps these figure skaters make send bodies into constant twirls and turns. Not so bad for those who can land them, but each fall looks like it’s a purple bruise and a back adjustment waiting to happen.
2. Skiing/Snowboarding
Again, the jumps and flips look like your spine’s worst nightmare. Even with protective gear and years of training, nothing saves the back from these epic tricks like not attempting them at all.
1. Curling
A sport that combines target practice with brooms, athletes must bend and frantically sweep for long periods of time. Put on repeat and your lower back is likely to be aching something fierce after a single tournament.
This winter, leave these backbreaking events to the pros. Your body – and your future health – will thank you.
