State-of-the-Art Scoliosis Bracing
Most children with
However, for patients with a moderate degree of scoliosis greater than 25 degrees, about 75 percent can be successfully treated with state-of-the-art scoliosis bracing.
The other 25 percent may go on to have
A scoliosis brace, or spine orthosis, is a device that is worn tightly against the body which puts pressure on areas of the spine and ribs to push the spine into a more properly aligned position.
Some braces are soft with pads inside and some are made of molded plastic specially fit to the body, but they are all custom made to your body and curvature by our highly-trained orthotists who specialize in scoliosis braces.
Bracing is more child- and teen-friendly, as young bodies are still growing. Bracing may successfully halt the progression of scoliosis so future surgery would not be necessary. Sometimes, bracing techniques can actually reduce the curvature of the spine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis Bracing
How long will I need to wear a back brace?
Bracing is important during periods of rapid growth when children and teens have the opportunity to positively affect their degree of scoliosis.
There is no blanket rule for scheduling brace wear. Your doctor will take your unique growth patterns into account when determining how long the brace should be worn and how many hours it should be worn per day.
In general, though, a brace is worn between 12 and 20 hours per day. Some braces are worn during the day, while others can be worn only at night.
Remember: scoliosis bracing is a prescription that only works if used as directed. Research has proven that patients who do not wear their brace as prescribed for the recommended hours per day are more likely to need surgery later on.
Will bracing impact my day-to-day life?
Most patients settle into life with scoliosis bracing after about a few weeks and it becomes second nature after a few months. You can wear your brace under your clothing, so you don’t have to tell people you are wearing it if you don’t want to.
If you participate in sports or other physical activities, your doctor can address how bracing will impact athletic performance.
Generally, patients can take off the brace during practice and competitions, so long as they wear the brace as prescribed, getting their hours in during other parts of the day.
How does a scoliosis brace work?
A brace puts pressure on certain areas of the spine to slow or halt progression of scoliosis and/or correct the curvature of the spine and bring it into proper alignment.
