Back problems can be debilitating, which is why it’s so important to address potential back issues as early as possible. Take scoliosis, for example. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often begins during puberty when children have their growth spurts.
When treated early, scoliosis can be mitigated or rendered a nonfactor. The standard treatment for scoliosis is a back brace. There are several different types of back braces for scoliosis, and with medical technological advances, they’re becoming lighter and less intrusive.
This article will cover some top FAQs and facts about scoliosis braces and clue you in regarding what you need to know about scoliosis braces.
What is a scoliosis brace?
A scoliosis brace is a medical device worn around the torso that is intended to slow or stop the curvature of the spine that is occurring. It is most effective when patients are still growing and not as effective when bone growth has stopped.
Can a scoliosis brace reverse any curvature that’s already occurred?
Not usually. A scoliosis brace is meant to slow or stop the curvature of the spine that happens when a patient is undergoing a growth spurt. Slowing or stopping the curvature of the spine is important because it can prevent surgery or chronic pain later in life.
How does a scoliosis brace work?
Rigid scoliosis braces work by applying pressure to the patient’s spine in certain places to slow or stop the curvature of the spine. Dynamic scoliosis braces are a bit different in that they aim to change the posture of the patient in such a way that it stops the spine curvature from getting worse.
What are the different types of scoliosis braces?
There are several different types of scoliosis braces in various sizes, shapes and functions:
- Boston Brace: This brace is the most used today. The patient wears it like a jacket, and it’s made from lightweight plastic. It spans from the patient’s armpits to their hips and can be worn underneath clothing. Each Boston Brace is custom fitted to each individual patient.
- Wilmington Brace: This type of brace is a lot like the Boston Brace. The chief difference is that it closes in the front, while the Boston Brace closes in the back. It’s custom made using a plaster mold for each patient.
- Milwaukee Brace: This is an old-school brace that was invented in the 1940s. It has a metal superstructure and is larger and bulkier than the other braces we’ve mentioned. It’s worn on the outside of the patient’s clothing and is used now only for higher curves in the thoracic or cervical spine.
- Charleston Bending Brace: This is a corrective brace worn only at night. It is designed to overcorrect the spine into a better position and is more effective because the wearer is lying down and the brace doesn’t have to allow a full range of motion like other braces.
How effective are scoliosis back braces?
Of all the facts about scoliosis braces, this one is the most important. They’re effective in 80 percent of patients who wear them, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Call for your scoliosis brace today
Now that you know what you need to know about scoliosis braces, call us at Prothotic Laboratories, Inc. We’ve been the leading specialists in prosthetics and orthotics in Farmingdale, NY since 1988, and we’d be happy to help you find a device that can significantly improve your life.