Medical technology has come so far in the past few decades. There are now cures and therapies for things that many people believed would never be healed. That being said, in order for these therapies to work, we must be consistent in applying them. Bracing the spine of an adolescent to help correct scoliosis is a perfect example.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is the curving of the spine sideways. This means that instead of being straight like a spine that is not affected by scoliosis, those that have this condition are going to have spines that curve at varying degrees. Most cases of scoliosis are diagnosed early in childhood. During well-visits and check-ups, your child’s doctor is going to do checks to determine if your child has scoliosis. A brace is an effective way to encourage the spine to grow straight and to support the muscles of the spine and core as the body grows.
Are There Ways to Encourage My Child to Wear Their Scoliosis Brace?
For those asking the tough questions like, “What can I do to support my child that wears a scoliosis brace?”, it can be difficult to find a straightforward and concise answer. Bracing is an incredibly effective method of stopping the spine from becoming more curved and for helping the spine straighten as it grows. This is a therapy that works wonders when you actually stick to the plan.
For parents who have a child that is struggling with wanting to wear their brace or keeping it on for the required amount of time each day, it is best to take the time to figure out how to encourage them to wear their brace. The first tip that any parent can use is to help your child understand what is going on, and to truly understand the importance of the brace.
Though it might be difficult to talk to your child about what might happen if they do not wear their brace, it is best to be honest about why they are wearing it and what it is doing for them. By being transparent and letting them know that bracing is a must and that it actually does help them, they may be more willing to wear it.
Another tip that might help is to get the whole family involved. Many children and teens that are going through any sort of medical treatment tend to feel isolated and like they are the only ones struggling. Taking the time to show them that they have the total support of their family can help them feel less alone and like they have someone to talk to when things get difficult.
Still another thing you can do is to set a timer so that your child has some independence in the matter. They know when the timer is going to go off and they can take some responsibility for their own health. Letting them decorate their brace is always fun as well and may help to reduce some of the reluctance that they feel wearing it.