The Rugby World Cup is currently taking place in Japan, and as a result, global interest in rugby is running high.
Success in the Rugby World Cup often translates to an increase in the winning country’s participation figures, as more and more people look to explore the sport in the wake of the tournament.
But is rugby a wise sport to take up if you have scoliosis?
Can You Play Rugby with Scoliosis?
Rugby is one of the impact sports that scoliosis patients are often advised to avoid, primarily due to the physical nature of the game.
After all, a game of rugby can be pretty hard on even the healthiest body, let alone one that’s hindered by the effects of a spinal curvature.
However, with determination and a sensible approach, even high-impact sports like rugby needn’t necessarily be off-limits for people with scoliosis.
Childhood Scoliosis and Rugby
In the five years after England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, participation figures for 7 to 13-year-olds skyrocketed by an incredible 78%.
The impressionable 7-13 age group coincidentally overlaps with the age at which scoliosis is usually diagnosed (most cases of idiopathic scoliosis are diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 15).
Children and teenagers can be very receptive to sporting trends, and some parents may find themselves in a tough spot if their child wants to take up rugby yet also suffers from scoliosis.
Many scoliosis parents, in the interest of protecting their child, would simply forbid them from participating entirely. However, this isn’t necessarily the only feasible course of action.
In fact, depending on the extent of the child’s spinal curve, they may well be able to enjoy a fully active lifestyle, even if their preferred activity is a contact sport like rugby.
Case Studies: Our Rugby-Playing Patients
At Scoliosis SOS, we’ve encountered numerous rugby enthusiasts who were faced with the unenviable proposition of giving up their beloved sport due to scoliosis. Here are some of their stories…
Marcus Pond, 20
“I knew I didn’t want the surgery and was terrified of losing my flexibility at such a young age…why would you have major risky surgery if you can just do a few simple exercises?”
Read Marcus’s Story >
Hannah Chapman, 15
“Since being at the clinic I have benefited immensely. My pain has decreased and I know how to stand with a corrected posture.”
Read Hannah’s Story >
Patrick O’Kane, 37
“I feel stronger and more confident about how my back looks, and I am looking forward to getting my life back on track. My pain has gone and I have been able to go back to playing rugby, something I never thought would be possible.”
Read Patrick’s Story >
Patient Video: Ben from Australia
Ben Stanton, another keen rugby player, came to the Scoliosis SOS Clinic from Sydney in 2016. Watch the video to find out what he had to say about his Scoliosis SOS experience.
Scoliosis Treatment with Scoliosis SOS
Whether you’re a young aspiring sportsperson longing to take to the field or an older veteran of the sport eager to keep playing, the Scoliosis SOS Clinic has a proven track record for helping rugby lovers with scoliosis and other curvatures of the spine.
We don’t believe that scoliosis should be a life sentence that banishes you to the sidelines. While it may be an obstacle, it can often be overcome if you tackle it head-on with the help of Scoliosis SOS.
Our Treatment Method Contact Scoliosis SOS
