Approximately 4% of the world’s population has scoliosis in some form or another. There are many celebrities with scoliosis and many of them are athletes. Some athletes with scoliosis have found relief of symptoms through their chosen profession, while others have experienced setbacks in their sport because of their scoliosis. Below is a list of athletes with scoliosis, some of the names are links to articles about the athlete’s personal scoliosis story. These stories discuss individual triumphs and struggles that can be insightful to individuals with scoliosis who are athletes or participate in sports. Other stories can be interesting for patients curious about the role of exercise in the treatment for scoliosis.
The symptoms of scoliosis can be difficult to endure at times, especially for those with more severe scoliotic curves. There’s a tendency to avoid physical activity for fear that it will exacerbate these scoliosis symptoms or that it will increase pain. On the contrary scoliosis exercise can be a beneficial and useful aspect of a complete scoliosis treatment program so long as it is recommended and approved by the doctor treating your scoliosis and is used in conjunction with your full treatment program and not as a primary means of treatment. It is important to follow specific guidelines provided by your physician to avoid any detrimental exercises or moves that might cause injury or aggravation to the abnormal curvature of the spine. Never attempt to self-treat scoliosis through exercise or sports such as swimming.
Athletes with Scoliosis
Alexandra Marinescu – Romanian Olympic Gymnast
Chanelle Johnson – Australian Dancer
Dudley Hart – Golfer
James Blake – Tennis Player
Janet Evans – Olympic Swimmer
Jeanette Lee – Professional Pool Player
Jenny Thompson – Swimmer
Jessica Ashwood – Australian Olympic Swimmer
Jon Olson – Olympic Swimmer
Katie Spell – Volleyball Player
Katie Webb Pro – Professional Golfer
Lamar Gant – World Record Powerlifter
Louise Sauvage – Australian Paralympic Wheelchair Racer
Maritza Correia – Olympic Swimmer
Robert Loudermilk – Tennessee Football Player
Scott Jurek – Ultramarathon Runner
Stacy Lewis – Golfer
Usain Bolt – World Record Jamaican Olympic Sprinter