Question
I am 30 years old and have had lower back and decided to have a chiropractor look at me. He sent me for x-rays and they showed that I have 'clasp knife deformity'. We talked about it and he said that if I received a heavy blow in the lower back the 'knife' could damage my spinal cord. The pain I have is not from this deformity but from an old football injury. I am interested to know your opinion on how high the risk factor is in sports and daily life from this deformity as I am an avid sportsman and I am very worried! Thankyou

Answer
first of all. you could be born with clasp knife deformity, AKA (Spina bifida occulta). It does not necessarily mean it is from trauma. You should avoid yoga or any postion that [uts your back into hyper extension. stengthen abs and hamstrings and that will help keep posture or pelvis OUT of hyper extension. lastly, you should get chiropractic adjustments to correct any subluxations you may have causing your back pain.
Spina bifida can contribute to back pain or even aggravate it, but if you have a sit down desk job, then that could really aggravate a spina bifida. try using a sacral wedge made by relaxo back  ( i can get you phone number) that will help but see your chiropractor for your back pain. should take 4-6 weeks to ease the pain unless there is something more serious involved.
dont be worried or scared you will be fine as long as there is  no disc problems you should make a full recovery and play sports. just keep your back out of hyper extension (example: back ward bend, sitting on chair long time, etc..)