Before we can
discuss a back brace for scoliosis, it is important that you know what
scoliosis is. It is a medical condition in which a person has an abnormal
side-to-side or lateral curvature of their spine. When a person has scoliosis
the curves of their spine can be classified according to their shape. These
include:
• Levoscoliosis-it
forms a "C" shape and the curvature is towards the left.
• Dextroscoliosis-it forms a backward "C" shape and the curvature is to the right.
• Dextroscoliosis-it forms an "S" shape and there are two curves in the spinal column.
• Dextroscoliosis-it forms a backward "C" shape and the curvature is to the right.
• Dextroscoliosis-it forms an "S" shape and there are two curves in the spinal column.
The scoliosis back
brace is generally the treatment that is used for any curves which attain
twenty-five degrees. Once the physician determines that wearing a brace is the
right treatment then the child will usually have to wear a back brace until
their spine quits growing, which can mean that it will be worn for many years.
Most of these braces have to be worn all the time, even during sleep. They can
be taken off when they take a shower or bath. It is very important that they
wear the back brace all the time because the objective is to keep their spine
aligned properly at all times. This helps encourage the spine to grow straight.
Some may be permitted to take the brace off for sixty minutes each day to take
part in activities like swimming.
In times past the
Milwaukee brace was the only available type of scoliosis back brace. It was an
effective brace but it was bulky. It also had metal bars that immobilized the
neck and was impossible to cover the brace. Today the brace most commonly used
is called the Boston brace. The brace starts under your arms and is able to be
totally covered with some type of clothing. It is considered a low-profile
brace. It is a form-fitting back brace and made of plastic, which is a bit more
comfortable. Some braces, like the Providence or Charleston were worn only when
sleeping but they are not used as much as the Boston brace.
Generally the
scoliosis back brace is worn over an undershirt or t-shirt to help prevent
irritation to your skin. It is preferred that the shirts be one hundred percent
cotton. You will also have to do brace maintenance and cleaning along with
monitoring your skin to make sure there is no irritation or other issues. At
first it can seem uncomfortable but as you get use to it you can resume all
your normal activities. Wear it as tight as possible to keep it from rubbing
against your skin.
