When is scoliosis bracing prescribed when treating scoliosis?
Scoliosis Treatment Options: Scoliosis Bracing
As we covered previously, scoliosis bracing is usually recommended when the affected person has a spinal curve between 25 and 40 degrees. It is a treatment of choice especially for those who have a minimum of two years of growth remaining, as well as those with bones that are still maturing. The method entails fitting the affected person with a device covering the torso to hold the curve in place and prevent it from progressing further to the point where surgery may be needed.
Scoliosis braces are usually custom-made from fiberglass or plastic and can be fitted from the armpits to the hips. In certain cases, they can extend even to the neck. Depending on the doctor’s prescription, you may be required to wear them for up to 22 hours a day. The good thing is that well designed and fitting braces are usually very comfortable to wear, so you have nothing to worry about.
Hard vs. Soft Scoliosis Braces
There are two main types of braces – hard and soft braces. A hard or static brace is usually molded from hard plastic and is used to hold one’s body in place so as to stop scoliosis from worsening. It is designed to act the same way as a body cast to immobilize one’s spine in order to keep the bones within the spine from deforming further and to stop scoliosis from progressing. While this may seem like a good idea from the surface, it can lead to muscle atrophy. That is why soft braces are preferred in the treatment of this condition in both adults and children.
Soft or dynamic braces are designed to move freely with the body while strengthening the specific weakened muscles in the spine. It also helps significantly to reduce scoliosis curvatures. However, note that for this type of bracing to be effective a child needs to have a neuromuscular system that is relatively normal.
There are many benefits of using soft scoliosis braces in the treatment of scoliosis. Unlike a hard or static brace that immobilizes the spine, a soft scoliosis brace moves freely with your body while supporting your deformity, halting the progression of your spinal curve and re-directing your body into a normal physiological position.
Ultimately, it is all about what works. Consult your scoliosis chiropractor.
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1355 S Higley Rd #102
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 892-0022
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