, , ,

Scoliosis Grades and Their Meanings: What Does the Cobb Angle Tell Us?

What do 10 degrees, 20 degrees or 40 degrees mean in scoliosis? What is the Cobb angle? In this article, we explain the medical equivalents and classification of scoliosis degrees.

Following a spinal X-ray taken due to suspected scoliosis, the most confusing term families encounter in reports is usually the "Cobb Angle" and the numerical value next to it. Questions such as "Is 15 degrees serious?", "What does 40 degrees mean?", "Will this number increase?" form the basis of our outpatient consultations.

Gold Standard: What is the Cobb Angle?

The international measurement unit used worldwide to determine the severity of scoliosis is called the Cobb Angle. This measurement is calculated by measuring the angle between the uppermost vertebra where the curvature begins and the lowermost vertebra where it ends on an X-ray.

This angle gives us the "identity" of scoliosis. All classifications we discuss when following up our patients are made according to this degree.

Degrees and Classification of Scoliosis

Medically, not all spinal curvatures are assessed in the same category. We can examine the degrees of curvature under four main headings:

1. Spinal Asimetri (0 – 10 Derece Arası)

It is the most misunderstood group among the public. Many parents assume their child has scoliosis when the report states "7 degrees of curvature". However, according to medical literature, curvatures below 10 degrees are not considered scoliosis.

  • Meaning: This is not a disease, but a condition of "postural asymmetry" or "non-structural curvature".
  • Clinical Approach: It usually does not require treatment and can also be seen in healthy individuals. Monitoring is sufficient.

2. Mild Scoliosis (10–20 degrees)

When the Cobb angle exceeds 10 degrees, the diagnosis is officially termed "Scoliosis".

  • Meaning: There is a slight curvature in the spine. It is difficult to detect from the outside through clothing.
  • Clinical Approach: This group is the "Observation Group". The progression of the curvature is monitored at regular intervals according to the child's growth rate.

3. Moderate Scoliosis (20–40 degrees)

This stage is when the physical symptoms of scoliosis (uneven shoulders, hump in the back) begin to be more clearly visible from the outside.

  • Meaning: The curvature is now evident not only on X-rays but also in physical appearance. In growing children, these degrees represent the range where the risk of progression is highest (the "risk zone").
  • Clinical Approach: This stage is the period during which non-surgical measures (such as corsets and exercises) are most intensively evaluated. The aim is to prevent the curvature from progressing to a higher category.

4. Advanced Scoliosis (40 Degrees and Above)

Curvatures of 40-45 degrees and above are referred to as "Advanced" or "Severe Scoliosis".

  • Meaning: At this point, the biomechanics of the spine and body balance are significantly affected.
  • Klinik Etki: It is not merely an aesthetic issue; in very advanced cases reaching 70-80 degrees, the rib cage volume may decrease, potentially putting pressure on respiratory capacity. These degrees of curvature represent structural changes that require detailed planning by spinal surgeons.

More Important Than Numbers: "The Risk of Progress"

The most important detail a family needs to know is this: The child's age is as important as the degree of scoliosis.

For example;

  • In an individual whose growth is complete (18 years old), a 20-degree scoliosis generally remains stable and does not pose a threat to life.
  • However, a 20-degree scoliosis detected in a child aged 10 who is still in the early stages of their growth spurt carries a significant potential for progression.

Therefore, the number in the report does not mean anything on its own. Your doctor will interpret this number in conjunction with your child's bone age (Risser stage).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the degree of scoliosis decrease on its own over time? In structural scoliosis (where the bones twist and bend), it is not medically expected that the degree of curvature will spontaneously "resolve" or decrease. However, with the correct exercises and posture corrections, "functional" (posture-related) increases can be reversed, which may appear as a partial improvement in the degree.

Does mild scoliosis cause pain? Interestingly, there is no direct correlation between the degree of scoliosis and the severity of pain. Someone with a 15-degree curvature may experience back pain, while another with a 50-degree curvature may feel no pain at all. Pain usually stems from muscle imbalance.

Can I measure the temperature at home? Home observations (forward bending test) only allow you to detect asymmetry. This degree, known as the Cobb angle, can only be measured on X-rays by specialist doctors using millimetric calculations. Measurements taken using mobile phone applications may be misleading.

Legal Notice: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any health concerns.

Instagram: Prof.Dr.Çağatay Öztürk

Contact: click here

, , ,

How to Recognise Scoliosis in Children: An Early Diagnosis Guide for Families

Scoliosis (spinal curvature), one of the most common spinal deformities, is a structural problem that is particularly seen in children during their growth phase and can be progressive in nature. As Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk, we frequently emphasise in our spinal surgery practice that the key to successful scoliosis management is detecting the deformity before it reaches surgical limits.

In this article, we will discuss how parents should interpret changes in their children's posture and examine the medical symptoms of scoliosis in light of current literature.

The Medical Difference Between Postural Deformity and Scoliosis

Two concepts that are often confused by parents are "postural disorder" and "scoliosis". Medically, the distinction between these two conditions is clear:

  • Functional Postural Disorders: It is usually due to muscle weakness, habits or psychological factors. When alerted, the child can straighten their spine.
  • Structural Scoliosis: It is a condition where the spine bends more than 10 degrees to the side and simultaneously rotates around its own axis. This is an anatomical deformity and cannot be corrected by the child's voluntary movement.

Scoliosis may appear to be a simple posture disorder when viewed from the outside; however, the underlying rotational movement causes asymmetries in the rib cage and back.

The 5 Key Physical Symptoms of Scoliosis

The type we refer to as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), which occurs between the ages of 10 and 18, is generally painless. Therefore, monitoring physical findings is of vital importance. The key asymmetries parents should look out for when observing their children are as follows:

  1. Shoulder Level Difference: When the child looks across, one shoulder is positioned higher than the other.
  2. Scapula (Shoulder Blade) Prominence: When viewed from behind, one shoulder blade protruding or being more prominent than the other.
  3. Waist Curve Asymmetry: When the arms are relaxed at the sides of the body, the distance between the arm and the waist (waist triangle) is not equal on the right and left sides.
  4. Pelvic (Pelvic Bone) Imbalance: The appearance of the hip being shifted to one side or the feeling of unequal leg lengths (false shortness).
  5. Body Shift: The head not being directly above the centre of the pelvis, the torso leaning to the right or left.

Scoliosis Home Screening Method: Adam's Forward Bend Test

The Adam's Forward Bend Test, which we routinely perform during clinical examinations, can be used by families as a preliminary screening method at home.

Application: The child's feet are together, knees bent and legs stretched out in front. Arms are left hanging freely down. Evaluation: The parent should look at the child's back surface from behind. If a height or bump (rib hump) is noticed on one side of the spine (usually on the right back or left waist area) compared to the other side, this is a strong indicator of spinal rotation.

This finding, while not a definitive diagnosis, is the most important indicator that a spinal surgeon should be consulted for further examination and X-ray imaging.

Why is Early Diagnosis Important in Scoliosis?

The decisive factors in the treatment of scoliosis are the degree of curvature (Cobb angle) and the child's remaining growth potential (Risser stage). In a child whose growth plates are still open, low-grade curvatures can be controlled with brace treatment and specific exercises. However, in cases that are detected late and have progressed (over 45-50 degrees), surgical intervention may be necessary.

Scientific data indicates that conservative (non-surgical) methods have a higher success rate in cases of scoliosis detected at an early stage. Therefore, if any of the physical symptoms mentioned above are suspected, seeking expert advice is the most appropriate approach rather than adopting a "it will improve over time" attitude.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does scoliosis cause pain? Scoliosis during adolescence is largely painless. This can lead to the insidious progression of the disease. Pain is more commonly seen in degenerative scoliosis in adulthood or in cases of severe curvature. The absence of pain does not mean that scoliosis is not present.

Does carrying a heavy school bag cause scoliosis? In current medical literature, there is no evidence that carrying heavy bags directly causes structural scoliosis (curvature of the spine). However, heavy loads can lead to postural disorders and back pain. For spinal health, the weight of the bag should not exceed 10-15% of body weight.

Can children diagnosed with scoliosis participate in sports? Yes, people with scoliosis are encouraged to lead an active lifestyle. Swimming and exercises that strengthen the spinal muscles are beneficial for overall fitness. However, for professional-level sports and activities appropriate to the degree of curvature, you must consult your doctor.

Avoid Heavy Necklaces and Tight Corsets

High-heeled shoes, pencil skirts, corsets that make you look slim, heavy wallets, heavy necklaces worn around the neck… Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk, who points out that all of these affect spinal health, explained what precautions should be taken.
Everyone has experienced back pain at least once in their life. The cause of back pain may be tension due to strain on the muscles and connective tissue. There are multiple reasons for this. Therefore, for back pain and spinal health, attention must be paid to many things, from the clothes worn in daily life to the choice of bed and pillow, the type of exercise chosen, and even high-heeled shoes.

Liv Hospital orthopedics and traumatology specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk stated that the first step in protecting spinal health is to avoid clothing and accessories that place excessive strain on the spine, and offered recommendations on what to pay attention to in daily life.

  • High-heeled shoes disrupt foot anatomy and cause serious problems in the body.
  • Wearing high heels causes the body’s center of gravity to shift forward. This disrupts the alignment of the hips and spine.
  • Clothes tied around the neck put the health of the shoulders, back, and neck at risk.
  • If you work sitting down, wear shoes that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor.
  • Even your wallet can put strain on your spine and throw it off balance. Avoid heavy wallets like cannonballs.
  • Heavy necklaces should not be worn around the neck for long periods of time.
  • Pencil skirts make it difficult to walk steadily because they bring the knees together. Restricted movement can cause problems with the discs.
  • Corsets worn to appear slimmer or to shape the body can put pressure on the spine and endanger your discs if they are too tight and inflexible.

What you should do for spine health

Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk offered recommendations on what to pay attention to in daily life to maintain spinal health.

Everyone has experienced back pain at least once in their life. The cause of back pain may be tension due to strain on the muscles and connective tissue, or a disruption in the chain formed by these structures, which can lead to a decline in quality of life. For back pain and spinal health, attention must be paid to many things in daily life, from the clothes worn to the choice of bed and pillow, the type of exercise selected, and even high-heeled shoes.

Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk stated that the first step in protecting spinal health is to avoid clothing and accessories that place excessive strain on the spine, and offered recommendations on what to pay attention to in daily life.

Things to pay attention to in daily life for your spinal health

– High-heeled shoes disrupt foot anatomy, leading to serious problems in the body.

– Wearing high heels causes the body’s center of gravity to shift forward. This disrupts the alignment of the hips and spine.

– Be careful with tight bras and cross-back sports bras. Similarly, clothing tied around the neck also puts shoulder, back, and neck health at risk.

– If you work sitting down, wear shoes that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor.

– Even your wallet can weigh down your spine and throw it off balance. Avoid heavy wallets like cannonballs.

– Heavy necklaces should not be worn around the neck for long periods of time.

– Pencil skirts make it difficult to walk steadily because they bring the knees together. Restricted movement can cause problems with the discs.

– Corsets worn to appear slimmer or to shape the body can put pressure on the spine and endanger your discs if they are too tight and inflexible.

Women are at greater risk.

Spinal problems are more common in women than in men. This is due to genetic and hormonal factors. While osteoporosis is often seen as a problem specific to women, it is known that osteoporotic vertebral fractures are more common in women than in men. Women’s regular nutrition and swimming can greatly reduce this problem.

Don’t Sacrifice Your Health for Fashion!

When your back hurts, don’t look for the problem in your bed, your sitting posture, or your busy schedule. Because, even if it never crossed your mind, wearing high heels can cause a decline in your quality of life.

Everyone has experienced back pain at least once in their life. The cause of back pain may be tension due to strain on the muscles and connective tissue, or a disruption in the chain formed by these structures, which can lead to a decline in quality of life. For back pain and spinal health, attention must be paid to many things in daily life, from the clothes worn to the choice of bed and pillow, the type of exercise chosen, and even high-heeled shoes. Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk, who states that the first step in protecting spinal health is to avoid clothing and accessories that put excessive strain on the spine, offered recommendations on what to pay attention to in daily life.

High Heels Cause Serious Problems

High-heeled shoes cause serious problems in the body by disrupting foot anatomy.

Wearing high heels causes the body’s center of gravity to shift forward. This disrupts the alignment of the hips and spine.

Be careful with tight bras and cross-back sports bras. Similarly, clothing tied around the neck also puts shoulder, back, and neck health at risk.

If you work sitting down, wear shoes that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor.
Even your wallet can put strain on your spine and throw it off balance. Avoid heavy wallets like cannonballs.

Heavy necklaces should not be worn around the neck for long periods of time.

Pencil skirts make it difficult to walk steadily because they bring the knees together. Restricted movement can cause problems with the discs.

Corsets worn to appear slimmer or to shape the body can put pressure on the spine and endanger your discs if they are too tight and inflexible.

When you say, “I’ll follow fashion”…

Everyone has experienced back pain at least once in their life. The cause of back pain may be tension due to strain on the muscles and connective tissue, or a disruption in the chain formed by these structures, which can lead to a decline in quality of life. For back pain and spinal health, attention must be paid to many things in daily life, from the clothes worn to the choice of bed and pillow, the type of exercise selected, and even high-heeled shoes.

Liv Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk stated that the first step in protecting spinal health is to avoid clothing and accessories that place excessive strain on the spine, and offered recommendations on what to pay attention to in daily life.

  • High-heeled shoes disrupt foot anatomy and cause serious problems in the body.
  • Wearing high heels causes the body’s center of gravity to shift forward. This disrupts the alignment of the hips and spine.
  • Be careful with tight bras and cross-back sports bras. Similarly, clothing tied around the neck also puts shoulder, back, and neck health at risk.
  • If you work sitting down, wear shoes that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor.
  • Even your wallet can put strain on your spine and throw it off balance. Avoid heavy wallets like cannonballs.
  • Heavy necklaces should not be worn around the neck for long periods of time.
  • Pencil skirts make it difficult to walk steadily because they bring the knees together. Restricted movement can cause problems with the discs.
  • Corsets worn to appear slimmer or to shape the body can put pressure on the spine and endanger your discs if they are too tight and inflexible.

Fernandao is going to Brazil

It has been learned that Fernandao, who was injured during the 25th week match against Atiker Konyaspor in the Super League and ended his season, will return to Brazil.

In the first half of Fenerbahçe’s 3-2 loss to Konyaspor in the 25th week of the Super League in Kadıköy, Fernandao collided with Konyaspor goalkeeper Serkan Kırıntı and suffered a serious shoulder injury, requiring surgery on his arm. It has been reported that the Brazilian footballer will continue his treatment in his home country and is set to depart Istanbul on Friday.

The 30-year-old player is expected to arrive in Turkey in May. Fernandao has scored 12 goals in 25 matches across all competitions this season.

Seasonal Changes Trigger Joint Pain

Seasonal changes can have adverse effects on humans due to increased electrical charge in the air. Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk points out that neck, back, and small joint pain are common during seasonal transitions and warns that if necessary precautions are not taken, the pain may increase and lead to more serious problems.

In our society, 8 out of every 10 people experience back pain at some point in their lives. These pains increase significantly during seasonal transitions. Factors such as temperature, humidity, wind, air pressure, and electrical charges can cause sudden changes during seasonal transitions. These changes can disrupt the human body’s balance, leading to metabolic and psychological complaints.

These complaints can vary from person to person. While some people experience mild pain during this period, others may need to rest in bed due to severe pain. Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk says that the onset of cold weather particularly increases joint pain and emphasizes that this pain is often overlooked. Öztürk says that back and neck pain can lead to serious problems and lists the following points to pay attention to during this season:

  • Apply ice to the painful areas.
  • If you have a chronic pain condition, take your medication regularly.
  • Don’t take painkillers to relieve pain; don’t take them for every ache.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather. Avoid staying in cold and windy areas.
  • Do small muscle-building exercises.

Öztürk posits that the progression of pain can be prevented with simple treatment methods. “At this juncture, the imperative lies in the implementation of precautionary measures. In cases where bed rest, pharmacotherapy, and physical therapy prove ineffective, surgical intervention becomes a viable option. It is imperative to consult with the appropriate department to ensure the attainment of definitive results and the implementation of the most suitable treatment. Patients with back and neck pain complaints often lack awareness regarding the appropriate department to visit. For this purpose, the most appropriate department is Orthopedics.”

Fernandao will live with screws for the rest of his life!

Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk, the doctor who operated on Fernandao, announced that the screws would stay in the Brazilian star’s arm. Fernandao broke his arm in five places during the Konyaspor match.

Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk performed Fernandao’s critical surgery. Öztürk provided Akşam with the following information about the operation, which lasted for hours:

“He needed to fast for 8 hours before surgery. Fernandao drank water before the match started. We put his arm in a splint. We numbed his arm at night. It was a very complex fracture.”

Öztürk also pointed out that athletes’ muscular systems are not like those of normal people, and continued:

“The surgery is difficult. Hopefully, it will heal and he will regain his former health. Three friends went into surgery. Since his legs are strong, he can do some sports, but it will take at least three months. We fused it with screws. The screws remain in the body. As long as they do not cause discomfort externally, compatible metals can remain.”
Fernandao will live with screws for the rest of his life!

2 BRAZILIANS WENT TO THE HOSPITAL LAST NIGHT

Fernandao’s teammates did not leave him alone in the hospital. Josef and Fabiano visited him on the night of the incident. The next morning, İsmail Köybaşı also stopped by. Since Fernandao was asleep, his teammates visited the Brazilian striker intermittently to wish him well. During the surgery, team captain Volkan Demirel and İsmail Köybaşı were present with Fernandao’s family.

Fernandao will live with screws for the rest of his life!

5 BROKEN PIECES THE END

Fernandao, who suffered a serious injury during the Konya match, underwent surgery at Liv Hospital by Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk. Club doctor Burak Kunduracıoğlu stated that there was a five-part fracture between the elbow and shoulder, adding, “I estimate that the recovery process will take 2-3 months.”

WILL BE DISCHARGED ON WEDNESDAY

Brazilian footballer Jose Fernandao, who underwent surgery for a broken arm sustained during Fenerbahçe’s Spor Toto Süper Lig match against Atiker Konyaspor, will be discharged from hospital on Wednesday.

According to information received from the yellow-and-blue club, the Brazilian footballer, who had a compound fracture in his left arm, underwent a successful surgery. The Brazilian player, who was kept under anesthesia for a long time after the operation, will be able to receive visitors starting tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the yellow-and-blue team, who had the day off, will begin preparations for the Kardemir Karabükspor match tomorrow. It was reported that head coach Dick Advocaat has traveled to his home country of the Netherlands due to the international break, and the team will train under coaches Cornelis Geert Aaldrik Pot and Marinus Antonius Been. It was noted that Advocaat will return to Istanbul on Sunday, March 26.

Sports Season Has Begun, Watch Your Spines!

With the approach of summer, the season for dieting and exercise has also begun. In recent times, in addition to workouts at the gym, home workouts have also started to increase.

Exercising at home using videos and information found online may not be the right choice for everyone. Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk, who states that exercise is an activity that affects not only a person’s physical structure but also their psychology, emphasized that exercising without proper knowledge can damage the spine.

PROHIBITED MOVES

Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk emphasized that movements performed without expert guidance by non-professional athletes and those new to sports can cause serious damage to the spine, and issued warnings about exercising at home. Stating that the spine is an organ that should not rotate and therefore requires great care when exercising, Öztürk said, “”An unconscious movement can have negative consequences for your spine and cause permanent damage. For our patients suffering from chronic back pain and back pain, there are certain positions that we classify as ‘prohibited movements’. In particular, movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure and lifting heavy objects from the ground seriously affect the spine. Performing these movements requires well-developed back and spine muscles,”” he said.

BE CAREFUL WITH AT-HOME PILATES!

Öztürk, who says that Pilates is one of the most popular sports among women, states, “”Pilates is a healthy sport for stretching the body and strengthening the spine. However, we strongly recommend that Pilates be practiced with an expert. This is because maintaining the neutral axis of the spine during movements is of great importance. Performing the movements incorrectly can strain the back, overload it, and consequently cause permanent discomfort. The risk of injury is particularly high in mat Pilates. If your body is not properly conditioned, some of the movements you perform can cause lifelong injuries.””

THE MATERIALS USED ARE IMPORTANT

Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk, who also draws attention to the equipment used for spinal health when doing Pilates at home, said the following about the equipment:

Beginners and those who have taken a long break from exercise should start with very low intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise, gradually increasing these over time. When transitioning to a different exercise, caution should be exercised until accustomed to the new activity. At the beginner level or when returning to exercise after a break, it is very important to support the lower back during lower back and spine strengthening exercises. Care should be taken in the selection of equipment used for these types of exercises. Those with lordosis or scoliosis should be more careful when exercising. In such cases, the thickness of the mat used should be higher. If there are no issues, a thinner mat can be chosen for more efficient results. The area where exercises are performed should be quiet and free from noise to prevent potential injuries during exercise.

Experts warned: Don’t sleep while traveling

Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk said, “When traveling, body weight should be distributed equally between both legs and you should travel in an upright position. Sleeping, even for a short time in a sitting position, can cause muscle spasms.”

Emphasizing that sleeping is not something that should be done sitting down because we lose consciousness when we sleep, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk stated that keeping the head, back, and hips in the same position for a long time can lead to muscle spasms.

Öztürk said that sleeping while traveling can cause back and neck injuries as well as leg cramps, adding, “The nerves in our body are inside the muscles. However, in some places, they come to the surface. If uncontrolled sitting and sleeping occur together, partial nerve paralysis can also occur.”

Do not sleep while traveling on public transportation vehicles.

Öztürk emphasizes that the ideal sleeping position for spinal health is on your back or in the fetal position, stating, “”There is a condition known as Saturday night sickness. People who work during the week and party on the weekend, resulting in sleeping in an unbalanced position, wake up on Sunday morning with stiff arms due to nerve strain. To prevent this, it is necessary to sleep on an orthopedic mattress. Such mattresses minimize strain on structures such as muscles, nerves, and ligaments.””

Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk, who says that it is necessary to sit upright in public transportation vehicles by distributing weight equally on both legs, explained, “Even sitting in a reclined position for a short time can cause muscle spasms. Therefore, instead of sleeping on public transportation, activities such as chatting, listening to music, or reading a book should be prioritized during travel.”

Who should do which sport?

Today’s lifestyle and the working conditions brought about by industrialization are leading people towards a more sedentary lifestyle.

Sedentary lifestyles are linked to an increase in both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, which is proportional to the increase in life expectancy. In this context, exercise is becoming increasingly popular as a factor that positively affects human health, both among healthcare professionals and in a society where health awareness is growing daily. However, it is important to remember that certain activities may be harmful to some individuals. Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk explains which sports certain people should avoid.

Medical examination is required before sports

The growing interest in sports has led to an increase in sports-related injuries. People of all ages who plan to exercise regularly should have their heart and lung systems checked at least once. Excessive exertion during sports can render the system, which functions normally in daily life, inadequate during sports. After this general check-up, the type of sport to be chosen is determined based on a detailed musculoskeletal examination of the patient, the purpose of the sport, and its degree of applicability.

People with back or neck problems should not lift heavy weights.

Individuals with serious back and neck problems should avoid sports that involve weight training. Sports that place excessive strain on the discs between the vertebrae are detrimental to spinal health. The best example of this is sports that involve weight training. These sports are becoming increasingly popular, especially among the younger population. Unconscious or excessive weight-bearing sports can lead to serious injuries. Since these types of sports involve excessive strain on the back and lumbar muscles, they should be combined with protective sports or exercises for the back and lumbar muscles. Otherwise, chronic back and neck pain is likely to occur at a very early age. The most effective sports recommended for spinal health are swimming and Pilates. These types of sports, which eliminate the effects of gravity and work all the back and abdominal muscles while improving fitness, should be prioritized.

If you have hip, knee, or ankle problems, avoid football, volleyball, and basketball.

Individuals with pre-existing problems in weight-bearing joints such as the hip, knee, and ankle will experience an increase in their existing problems when participating in contact sports such as football, basketball, and volleyball. If there are existing problems in weight-bearing joints, sports that strain these joints will cause the problem to worsen.

If you have a problem with your knee joint, running will increase the pain.

Persistent participation in sports involving running by someone with a meniscus problem in the knee joint will increase pain complaints. When designing exercise programs for such individuals, they should be directed toward activities that involve less use of the knee joint. This guidance should be provided by knowledgeable trainers and orthopedic specialists with expertise in athlete health. Which joint will be worked more than normal by which sport should be assessed in advance, and a personalized exercise program should be created for the patient.

If you have back pain, swim instead of going to the gym, do Pilates

Patients with back problems should focus on swimming and Pilates rather than sports like fitness.

If you have shoulder problems, don’t insist on swimming.

Patients with serious shoulder problems should not be encouraged to swim. The chosen sport must be feasible and must not strain the patient’s musculoskeletal system; it must be part of a plan. Regular exercise must be accompanied by regular and controlled nutrition. Otherwise, exercise intended to improve health may fix some things while damaging other systems.

Pay Attention to These Things While Skiing!

Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk gave recommendations to minimize the risk of injury in skiing sports.

The sport of skiing, which adds color to the winter months, can sometimes lead to unexpected results. Experts emphasize the need to take necessary precautions to ensure this enjoyable sport does not threaten our health, noting that knee injuries are among the most common injuries seen during the season. With this in mind, Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk underscores that even a simple fall while skiing can damage the spine. He states that extra attention should be paid to spinal health while skiing and that a specialist doctor should be consulted immediately in the event of an injury.

Skiing is a sport that can lead to various accidents and problems if not done carefully, as it is performed on snow, on uneven terrain, and at a certain speed. Therefore, ligament and knee injuries are among the most common injuries seen during skiing. This is because the ankle remains tight and fixed inside the ski boot during skiing. Although most of these injuries occur due to lack of training, it is important not to neglect what needs to be done not only during skiing but also before skiing.

Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk stated that the risk of injury to the knee and knee ligaments is high due to the body’s weight bearing down on the knees during a fall. He emphasized that as the risk of falling while skiing increases, so does the risk of spinal fractures. Öztürk said, “”One of the most important and risky types of injuries encountered in skiing is neck and spine injuries. This is particularly important because our spine directly affects our quality of life. Therefore, even the simplest fall can cause injury and damage to the neck and spine. Additionally, during skiing, rib fractures, wrist fractures or ligament injuries, injuries caused by collisions due to crowded slopes, and injuries to the spine, neck, and tailbone can occur. In such cases, athletes or skiing enthusiasts need to be taken to a specialist doctor immediately.””

HERE ARE THE TIPS

Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk offered the following recommendations to minimize the risk of injury in skiing, one of the highest-risk sports:

  • Before starting to ski, you should do body exercises and warm up your muscles.
  • You should drink plenty of fluids.
  • You should choose ski equipment according to your body weight.
  • You should choose comfortable clothing suitable for skiing.
  • Special protective wristbands should be used,
  • In case of any injuries or accidents, you should contact the medical staff at the ski center.
  • Especially children must wear helmets.
  • Ski equipment should be selected according to the size,
  • Make sure ski boots are tied correctly and at the right frequency.
  • Snow goggles must be worn.