Run On a Track and You'll Fall and Break Your Back

By: Audrey Duclos

October 8, 2019

Scoliosis: curvature in the spine resulting in discomfort. Could it also result to unhappiness when it comes to physical education at school? In most schools (middle and high schools) physical education classes have annual fitness testing to track students fitness improvement throughout the year or term. When it comes to fitness testing, the student must undergo a number of tasks such as running a mile, push-ups and sit-ups. These tasks should be relatively easily accomplished by an average student however some of them are much more strenuous for students with scoliosis.

Scoliosis can cause major discomfort in the body. An example of this would be back pain. In cases where an individual has severe scoliosis, their shoulders or hips could appear uneven. There is no official cure for scoliosis. In order to reduce the curvature, patients can be prescribed to a back brace by an orthopedic specialist or even undergo surgery.

To tie scoliosis in with school’s physical education, the curvature of the spine can result to the lungs being pushed against the rib cage thus making it harder to breathe. There is no doubt that breathing is an important factor to exercise. Along with the lungs, the spinal curve can interfere with the digestive system by blocking the food’s way of entrance to the intestine. Without the food healthily making its way through the body, the individual will not be able to get their proper nutrients to stay healthy. There are even cases of severe scoliosis such as kyphosis and kyphoscoliosis that are qualified for Social Security disability benefits.

In an interview that was recently conducted, an anonymous student with scoliosis was asked the following questions:

Do you think it is unfair that students with scoliosis are required to participate in physical education fitness testing?

“Yes, because participating in the fitness testing could result to the students with scoliosis overworking their muscles and put more pressure on the areas of the back that could already be in pain. This could lead to more discomfort for the student.”

Are there certain tasks in the fitness testing that you personally have trouble with?

“I especially have trouble with the push-ups and sit-ups part of the fitness testing. The day after I do the testing for them, my lower back is always hurting. I know that the spine pushing against the muscles in the lower back can cause swelling and pain so that might be the cause of it.”

A solution for the students with scoliosis could be that they do not participate in the fitness testing portion of class, however, they are still able to participate in the class itself. Physical education is important however if it risks the health of a student, they shouldn’t risk getting hurt.