Scheuermann’s Disease and Scoliosis: Is Weight Training Safe?

I've had many questions over the years about whether training is safe if you have deformities of the spine such as those seen in Scheuermann's disease or Scoliosis. The most basic answer is a resounding YES. Strength training is not only safe, but beneficial for most everyone, including those with stable curves as seen with most cases of Scheuermann's disease and Scoliosis.

What do I mean by stable? Basically these are processes that start in childhood or adolescence and once you hit skeletal maturity there is very little risk of these conditions getting more severe. Prior to this point of skeletal maturity, you should consult a professional to give you some advice of how to manage these issues on a case by case basis especially if the curve is severe.

Assuming we are talking post skeletal maturity, there are some basic concepts to consider:

1) With Scheuermann's disease there is a need to keep the Thoracic Spine moving. I like to do this with specific extensions (as specific as you can get) over a foam roller. Keep in mind you won't be "changing the structure" here, but if it maintains it's function with extension there will be less issues associated with the restricted thoracic spine and ribs. Another simple mobility drill not shown in the video is simple deep breathing. This can help keep the tension between the ribs (intercostal muscles) lessened.

From a strengthening standpoint, there may be issues with overhead pressing in general due to the hyperkyphosis of the Thoracic Spine. This means when lifting heavier, I would suggest choosing exercises that take you overhead at an angle instead of directly overhead. This can be done with a landmine press set up.

2) Scoliosis, especially in cases that are mild to moderate, typically are asymptomatic. You can work on opening up the stiffness of the curves using a med ball or physio ball (shown in the video), but again it's for mobility purposes only and you shouldn't consider this a way to "straighten the spine". Offset carries or deadlifts care also a great way to help improve the strength and function of the lumbo-pelvic musculature. Because of the postural distortions, you will theoretically have groups of muscles that have an imbalance of tension and strength potential. A basis training philosophy in this instance would be unilateral training which will help bring to light some of these asymmetries.

MOST IMPORTANTLY:
the vast majority of symptoms experienced with Scheuermann's disease and Scoliosis are shared by peers of these patients that have no spinal abnormalities. The same poor biomechanics that will hurt a more "structurally normal" person will hurt someone with these abnormalities. Which is a very important point because that means a this pain can be fixed with a good game plan of body maintenance and strengthening.

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