A scoliosis brace is a medical device that is used in the treatment of scoliosis by preventing spinal curve progression. This article will cover scoliosis and some treatment options including bracing.
Scoliosis and Soft Scoliosis Bracing
A soft scoliosis brace is one way to treat scoliosis. Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine curves sideways, adopting the shape of an “S” or “C”. The spinal brace or orthosis does not correct the curve, but it will prevent it from becoming worse by holding the back in place. Scoliosis usually begins in the childhood or adolescent years and hence braces are usually worn at this time until the child is deemed to be skeletally mature.
The adolescent and early teenage years are when the body grows most rapidly thus increasing the risk of spinal curves getting larger and becoming worse. Spinal braces should therefore be worn until full height has been achieved, which happens about two years after the onset of periods for girls and at the age of about sixteen years for boys. The brace will be designed to fit the child’s body shape and curve type well to ensure that, as much as possible, the spine will return to the normal alignment, without affecting the quality of life. A new brace has to be fitted at least once a year, with minor adjustments every 3-4 months as the child keeps growing.
Wearing a Scoliosis Brace
Most cases of scoliosis are not serious and the condition will rectify itself as the child develops. As such treatment is often unnecessary, but the doctor will recommend X-rays to be taken every 6 months to monitor the progress of the curve.
When the spinal curve measures 25-40 degrees, or when there is a lot of bone growth remaining, bracing will have to be done to stop the growth of the curve. A curve of 45 degrees is considered the threshold for surgery because the scoliosis brace will not be effective, and there is a significant risk that the curve may affect physiological functions like breathing.
In the conservative management of scoliosis, the orthotist aims to design a properly fitting scoliosis brace that will achieve the interventionist goal of reducing/holding the curve angle (also called the Cobb angle) and improve the clinical outcome of the patient at the end of skeletal or bone growth. He or she will keenly assess any changes in the curve pattern every 4-6 months and make appropriate adjustments on the brace to ensure that correction becomes successful. A chiropractic expert can help you to find the right scoliosis brace for your curvature.
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Pivonka Family Chiropractic
1355 S Higley Rd #102
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 892-0022
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