The scoliosis brace you receive is designed to hold your spine in a straighter, uncurved position by applying pressure on the outer edge of your curve. This can help to improve your posture and reduce pain. Your doctor or orthotist will prescribe the best bracing for your scoliosis pattern and your unique needs.
When you first start wearing your scoliosis brace, you may feel some discomfort. You may even experience feelings of being “trapped” or the brace is “too tight.” But with time, you will find that it’s not so bad after all. You may also notice some skin problems from the brace rubbing against your skin. To prevent this, wear a snug-fitting shirt that absorbs sweat, and do not use any creams, lotions, or powders underneath your brace.
The biggest worry for parents is that a child will become discouraged and refuse to wear their brace. A parent who understands the bracing process and supports their child’s commitment will make this a much easier experience for the whole family. For kids in the early stages of scoliosis growth, doctors recommend a brace for 20 hours per day to help stop curve progression. Some kids are able to wean themselves off of bracing completely by the age of 16. The most important thing to remember when wearing a scoliosis brace is to always wear it as prescribed by the doctor and brace specialist. A scoliosis curve will only worsen if a brace is not worn for the recommended amount of time.
Most kids can easily transition to brace-free life once their treatment is finished. Some need physical therapy to build up muscle strength, but they can return to sports and other regular activities. The professionals at Prothotic Laboratories, Inc. will use their skills and experience to give you the best treatment possible for your child’s condition. This will be a big part of keeping your child’s scoliosis in check and preventing them from needing spinal fusion surgery down the road.