fencing and health
 

My 10-year old daughter has expressed in fencing. I'm all for it, but my wife heard that it may be bad for her back. There is a history of back pain on both sides of our family, and the doctor has already told us that my daughter's spine isn't perfectly aligned.

I've never done fencing so I'd interested to hear any comments.

You might want to go back to your daughter's doctor, with fencing specifically in mind, and ask about potential impacts. Although it would be best to find a doctor who knows something about fencing as well. Not sure where you could look for that.

I can't offer up any other advice on the matter, I'm afraid.

I don't know anything about fencing, but if she wants to try fencing, let her try!

You can always have her try it and if she starts to notice issues with her back, then you could consult a doctor about whether it's an issue. Or talk to a fencing teacher about her possible issues and whether there is a threat for fencing for her.

I'd think muscle tone would help with a back problem. Fencing will definitely contribute muscle tone. Do check with a doctor. I just don't see anything about fencing as an athletic activity that would be harmful.

Definitely find a doctor who is board certified in Sports Medicine. They will usually be primary care physicians with additional fellowship training (Family Medicine or Internal Medicine), but plenty of orthopods fit the bill as well.

If you have concerns at all, you should make sure your daughter has her back examined and that you, as a family, have the opportunity to discuss all of your questions face-to-face with an expert.

Biggest problem with fencing is knee injuries, actually.

How would a 10 year old know what fencing is? Has she been playing Summer Games on her C64?

Seems pretty clear that knee injuries would a problem in fencing.

There are fencing schools cropping up. Not to the extent that martial arts and MMA studios are expanding, but I've seen a couple around, and the one in Fresno is seemingly busy.

Fencing is popular here, and a training facility is a short walk from her school. Fencing and water polo have a strong tradition in Hungary. It probably doesn't hurt that I've turned her on to D&D.

Fencing isn't as popular in the US as it used to be, though it's still strong in Europe, yeah.

I did Fencing at high school for a few years and really enjoyed it.

I think it helped with my general agility and fitness a fair bit (although back in those days I played a LOT of soccer so I was fairly fit anyway) and most importantly was a great laugh :D

Here's the solution: Have someone else pick up the stolen goods that are heavy.

From what I know, it will put alot of strain on the lower back especially if someone has poor form, but you can work on strengthening that. Wish I was smarter about strengthening my lower back when I was younger and playing sports since I have always had lower back pain.

I think a lot of sports/conditioning programs for youth teach kids some bad habits with regards to lifting and strengthening in general. One thing I've realized, in looking back, was that we always did one-sided exercises. We'd exercise the abs, for example, but not the lower back. Or, we'd do front-of-the-shoulder lifting but no rear delts. It can definitely create imbalances and potentially lead to injury.

But that said, I don't think I can blame any of the pain I'm in now for things done while playing soccer growing up, except for my traumatic injuries (like my ankle, which I didn't completely wreck until I was 21). The issues I have now are all induced by either my genetic disorder or me being stupid (I hurt my back by slipping and falling in the parking lot of a grocery store...just being a klutz).

/tk

I fenced for a year or two in college, and loved it. The only way I could see back problems come about is through poor form. My instructors (the club team coaches at UCSB) were nuts about posture and form, though I would imagine that not every coach is. I think the suggestions to specifically ask the doctor about fencing are great. I also think tk brings up an excellent point about 'lopsided' workouts. It's fairly easy to injure yourself if you aren't working out the complimentary muscle groups, and very few people work out their back specifically, while the abs are a common focus.

Tell me about it. My own suffering (as well as my wife's) is what's giving me pause.

thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll definitely run it by her doctor.