Kettlebell Kettlebells and scoliosis

[Molson]

Hi folks

I had finally checked my back with a doc (postponed due to covid). I always felt that there is something funny and it was confirmed I have a scoliosis. Nothing serious, first degree, with my right hip 23mm above the other. I was told I’m cleared for most sports apart from heavy loading the back axially (I just smiled thinking of Lamar Gant while listing to this). I’m also 34, so not being a teenager I was told it’s nothing I can do with it now.

Now, I’m not really bothered. But I want to understand better if I should train differently now.

My right hand side (non dominant) had been always more powerful with ballistics. My left swing takes a slight turn when I initiate the hinge, which makes the move less dynamic. Should I try to train in a way that would potentially even out the sides, or just don’t care?

Would it be better to check my KB form with a SFG, or do more general training with a broader sport/movement specialist? Probably both .

Any other recommendations? I know I will put more focus on stuff like crawling or McGills big 3 on a daily basis to strengthen the trunk.

Thanks

M

 

[coachnathanwhite]

Would it be better to check my KB form with a SFG, or do more general training with a broader sport/movement specialist? Probably both .

Any other recommendations? I know I will put more focus on stuff like crawling or McGills big 3 on a daily basis to strengthen the trunk.

Yes.

 

[masa]

I have the scoliosis too. It may take a while to find out what works for you, but don’t stop trying. Core muscles need to get strong to support the spine. I hope you’ll figure it out. Best of luck!

 

[Molson]

I have the scoliosis too. It may take a while to find out what works for you, but don’t stop trying. Core muscles need to get strong to support the spine. I hope you’ll figure it out. Best of luck!

Hi Masa,

I would be interesting on some more details of your case. What type of scoliosis do you have and what kind of training do you do, and not do?

 

[masa]

Hi Masa,

I would be interesting on some more details of your case. What type of scoliosis do you have and what kind of training do you do, and not do?

Thanks for asking. I have a structural scoliosis. It was diagnosed when I was a kid, but they didn’t operate it due to risk of become paralyzed. Last 20 years I’ve got multiple herniated discs and L4-L5 exploded 13 years ago causing a nerve damage. My left leg’s quad muscles got paralyzed, but now I can flex them a bit.

There’s also two vertebras that are growing together by themselves due to lack of disc. They’re growing the bridge in between.

I’ve gone through many rehabs and seen a few physiotherapists and orthopedists in my life. But it’s funny how you forget the orders and recommendations over time. Their instructions are complicated in many times and I like simplicity.

I’ve found walking and stretching to be the foundation of my training. Without them I possibly can’t train with weights. I did a lot of stupid things when I was younger, but now I’ve followed S&S. Planning to do it ’til Father Time. Maybe I’ll add barbell deadlift if I ever get to the Timeless Solid.

My long term goal is to practice with the 40 kg bell on both lifts, but it will take time. I’ve had few setbacks, but nothing major.

I can’t do that 90/90 hip stretch at the moment, because it’s causing the sciatica symptoms. I also have problems with the goblet squat too, so I’m using the face-the-wall squat occasionally during the warm up.

I have some overweight, which I try to lose with intermittent fasting. Overweight is not good for the back.

All in all I try to do the minimum effective dose and try not to irritate my back too much. Mornings are the worst due to stiffness.

If there’s something you like to ask, then please let me know. X-ray below, taken from the back side.

 

[Molson]

Thanks for asking. I have a structural scoliosis. It was diagnosed when I was a kid, but they didn’t operate it due to risk of become paralyzed. Last 20 years I’ve got multiple herniated discs and L4-L5 exploded 13 years ago causing a nerve damage. My left leg’s quad muscles got paralyzed, but now I can flex them a bit.

There’s also two vertebras that are growing together by themselves due to lack of disc. They’re growing the bridge in between.

I’ve gone through many rehabs and seen a few physiotherapists and orthopedists in my life. But it’s funny how you forget the orders and recommendations over time. Their instructions are complicated in many times and I like simplicity.

I’ve found walking and stretching to be the foundation of my training. Without them I possibly can’t train with weights. I did a lot of stupid things when I was younger, but now I’ve followed S&S. Planning to do it ’til Father Time. Maybe I’ll add barbell deadlift if I ever get to the Timeless Solid.

My long term goal is to practice with the 40 kg bell on both lifts, but it will take time. I’ve had few setbacks, but nothing major.

I can’t do that 90/90 hip stretch at the moment, because it’s causing the sciatica symptoms. I also have problems with the goblet squat too, so I’m using the face-the-wall squat occasionally during the warm up.

I have some overweight, which I try to lose with intermittent fasting. Overweight is not good for the back.

All in all I try to do the minimum effective dose and try not to irritate my back too much. Mornings are the worst due to stiffness.

If there’s something you like to ask, then please let me know. X-ray below, taken from the back side.
View attachment 10677

Many thanks for sharing your story Masa!

I’m impressed that you are looking to get to timeless solid. You definitely have been walking a tough road there with all those spine issues.

I actually do have a couple of further questions:
1. How does each of your sides react to those swings and getups? Do you find them helpful to strengthen your spine support or to feel better?
2. Your hips seem to be quite even, aren’t they?
3. Do you do specific ab work?
4. Do you practice dead hangs or pull-ups, and of yes, how does that work for you?
5. How often do you get yourself checked by a doc, X-ray, to see if the condition is changing?

 

[masa]

Many thanks for sharing your story Masa!

I’m impressed that you are looking to get to timeless solid. You definitely have been walking a tough road there with all those spine issues.

Thanks! Never give up!

I actually do have a couple of further questions:
1. How does each of your sides react to those swings and getups? Do you find them helpful to strengthen your spine support or to feel better?

I haven’t found major differences of sides. I thought two arm swings to be bad for my back. It was discussed elsewhere. @Anna C encouraged me to go with only two arm until 24 kg and I haven’t regretted.

2. Your hips seem to be quite even, aren’t they?

Yes they are quite even, but my right hip has started to be tricky lately. It gets ”out of align”.

3. Do you do specific ab work?

No specific ab work.

4. Do you practice dead hangs or pull-ups, and of yes, how does that work for you?

I do hangs when ever I remember, but not often. It does good.

5. How often do you get yourself checked by a doc, X-ray, to see if the condition is changing?

X-ray every 1-2 years and MRI every 2-4 years. I see doc at least every six months.

 

[Molson]

Thanks! Never give up!
I haven’t found major differences of sides. I thought two arm swings to be bad for my back. It was discussed elsewhere. @Anna C encouraged me to go with only two arm until 24 kg and I haven’t regretted.

Yes i recall that @Rif did say the same thing. He does only 1H swings and mentioned that he has functional scoliosis.

I also find that my lower back feels tensed after 2HS, but nothing serious and I find them useful in S&S.

Anyway, many thanks again for sharing all the details and good luck with your S&S goal!

 

[masa]

Yes i recall that @Rif did say the same thing. He does only 1H swings and mentioned that he has functional scoliosis.

I also find that my lower back feels tensed after 2HS, but nothing serious and I find them useful in S&S.

Anyway, many thanks again for sharing all the details and good luck with your S&S goal!

Yes, with two-hand swing you can use more power and back might take some time to used to it. Thank you too and I wish you luck.