Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can range from mild to severe and affect individuals of all types and ages. Scoliosis can be detected in childhood, with treatment choices including scoliosis braces and physical therapy. The treatment choices for scoliosis depend on factors like age, severity of the curve, progression of the curve, and type of scoliosis. If detected early, scoliosis can often be treated through scoliosis exercises or bracing. Scoliosis that goes untreated may result in back pain or abnormal posture, which can cause difficulty with everyday tasks like sitting, standing, or walking.
Scoliosis braces are worn over the clothing to halt progression of moderate curves in children. Unlike other orthotic devices, most are custom-fitted and meant to be worn for long periods of time (up to 23 hours per day). They help control curves by applying pressure on the spine that straightens it. Exercises are done along with the orthosis to ensure that muscles around the spine are strong enough to support the brace and help reduce curve progression. Scoliosis-specific exercises also helps improve posture and movement quality. There are different types of scoliosis corsets based on how they’re worn (full-time or nighttime), their design (rigid or soft), and who should wear them (children or teens). This blog will help you understand what scoliosis is, how treatment works with a back support, and how they affect daily life.
What Is a Scoliosis Brace?
– Types of scoliosis braces: There are many types of scoliosis brace, and the one you choose depends on your child’s age, condition, and preferences.
– Wearing the back brace: A scoliosis brace is worn by children with scoliosis to stabilize their spine and improve posture. Some brands of scoliosis braces include posture correction braces, rigid back braces, and curved back braces. The brace is worn for as long as necessary to improve spinal balance. Depending on the type of brace used, patients wear them for hours each day or for short periods of time.
– Adherence: To maintain a routine, it’s important to adhere to your child’s scoliosis bracing schedule. This includes wearing it as prescribed by your doctor and reviewing your child’s scoliosis treatment plan regularly to ensure it is providing effective support and guidance. Also, be sure to track your child’s progress using a scoliosis tracking tool to monitor how his or her brace is helping to improve posture and spine balance.
– Monitoring progress: As with any medical device, it’s important to monitor how well a scoliosis brace is working for your child by regularly checking his or her spine for signs of scoliosis progression. If any issues arise with the brace, such as irritation or pain from wearing it too long or soreness from wearing it too frequently, speak with your doctor immediately.
Why Is Bracing Done?
Spinal corsets are used to help slow down the progression of scoliosis in the spine. The brace is designed to provide support and stability to the spine, helping maintain a more normal shape. It is typically worn for approximately two weeks at a time, with periods of rest in-between. It may be used as an alternative to spinal fusion in certain cases; however, it can also be used in conjunction with surgery for more severe cases. Scoliosis braces are most effective when started early on in the development of scoliosis. They can also be worn after surgery to help prevent progression of the curve and maintain improved spinal health.
It is important to note that bracing is most effective when started early on in the development of scoliosis. It can also be beneficial to wear an orthosis after surgery to help prevent further progression of scoliosis. However, patients must understand that wearing it does not guarantee complete recovery from scoliosis or prevent future spinal changes on x-ray.
How Does Bracing Work?
Scoliosis bracing is a treatment choice that is used to help slow or prevent the progression of scoliosis. A spinal corset is designed to hold the spine in a straighter position and help reduce the abnormal curvature of the spine temporarily during growth. The brace can be worn for many hours each day, and it typically consists of a device worn around the chest and back that supports the back and helps keep it aligned during growth spurts.
Bracing can work best when it is worn for a prescribed amount of time (23 hours) throughout the day. It is important for children to be monitored regularly while wearing it in order to ensure that it is providing adequate support. A scoliosis corset may require several months of frequent wear, so it is important to start this therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Does bracing work?
– It is a common treatment choice for scoliosis in children. It can help reduce the curve of the spine and improve posture temporarily.
– It involves wearing a device, corset-like garment, that limits movement and supports the spine.
– The benefits for scoliosis include relief of back pain (adults), and decreased risk of deformity progression.
– However, braces can have side effects, such as skin irritation, pain, and restricted breathing. They also aren’t effective for everyone with scoliosis, so they should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
– There are alternative treatments that may be helpful, such as scoliosis exercises. A specialist can help determine the best approach for each individual patient based on his or her symptoms, age, and other health issues.
To learn more about how to treat the whole scoliosis condition and not only the curve, connect with our passionate providers at ScoliSMART. To explore a non-brace/ non-surgical treatment for your child’s scoliosis problem, you may schedule a no-cost Zoom or phone consultation with a ScoliSMART doctor. Please get in touch with us today!
Common Questions About Bracing
The types of braces available for scoliosis vary, but include metal frames and soft supports. These types of corsets help to hold the spine in curve in check and provide support as the spine heals. They are worn for several weeks at a time, and can be adjusted as the child grows.
How a brace helps manage scoliosis depends on which type of brace is used, as well as any additional treatments such as surgery or exercises. Generally, wearing it might help to prevent spinal deformity, back pain, and progression of the curve, but it must be worn consistently and correctly.
Generally, children don’t experience any side effects from wearing a brace other than discomfort, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that it is worn properly.
How Long Do Kids Wear a Brace?
Wear time depends on the specific condition of the patient. In general, children with spine curves will wear a brace for at- least 18–20 hours daily for up to two years or until skeletal maturity. Brace wear time depends on the severity of the curve, the age of the patient, and other factors. Generally, brace wear time ranges from 6–12 hours per day for mild curves to 23 hours per day for severe curves. Some patients may require a custom-made brace that can be worn for shorter durations of time or continuously throughout the day. Most are designed to help improve spinal alignment and prevent the need for scoliosis surgery, but only when worn as prescribed and monitored regularly by a doctor or specialist.
What Problems Can Happen?
A spinal corset for scoliosis might help to slow the worsening of the condition. However, it has some potential risks and complications. Skin irritation, pain, and difficulty breathing can be common side effects of wearing a corset.
A properly fitted corset can help to minimize these risks, but it is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. It’s also important to follow instructions for wearing the brace and make sure that your child wears it as prescribed by the doctor. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with your healthcare provider.
What If My Child Won’t Wear It?
It can be hard for kids to wear braces, especially at first. It’s important to explain the benefits of wearing a brace in terms that your child can understand. You can encourage them by setting an example and showing them how to take care of their brace.
You may also want to create positive reinforcement and reward systems when they wear it properly or for extended periods of time. This will help reinforce their commitment and improve their compliance. Besides, it’s important to have support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals who can help them adjust to the brace. Ultimately, a brace is only effective if the patient wears it properly, so make sure you engage with your child about its use and benefits.
How will bracing affect my daily life?
Bracing does not cure scoliosis; it only helps manage the condition. In general, brace treatment involves wearing a brace at night (making it difficult to sleep) and during physical activity (making it difficult to play sports) to keep the spine in alignment. It also may be a source of social embarrassment during the teenage years when “fitting in” is already difficult.
One of the most important aspects of bracing is understanding how it will affect a child’s daily activities and lifestyle. While some physical limitations are common, every child is different and may experience different effects from their treatment. For example, some children may need to wear their brace constantly while others may be able to wear their brace only during certain times of day. Parents should discuss any concerns with the orthotist before beginning a bracing regimen.
What Else Should I Know?
Bracing is not a cure for scoliosis, but it may help slow the progression of the condition. Bracing can help children with mild to moderate scoliosis maintain correct posture temporarily. Many children with scoliosis require some form of therapy to stay in alignment and lead a healthy lifestyle.
It is important to find a brace that fits comfortably and provides adequate support. A good fit ensures it provides support where it’s needed and avoids constriction around the arms or legs. This can help reduce pain and increase comfort.
Over time, exercises may be recommended to improve strength and flexibility in areas affected by scoliosis. The therapy can help build muscle endurance and improve posture, which in turn can help prevent future problems from developing.
What are the different types of braces?
Wearing braces can be an effective treatment option for scoliosis. The kinds of braces that are used vary depending on the location of scoliosis and the age of the child being treated. Several types of braces include rigid braces like the Boston brace TLSO, Charleston bending brace, Milwaukee braces, Rigo-Cheneau brace (pictured below) and spine cor brace.
The Boston brace TLSO (similar to the Wilmington brace) are designed to reduce curve in the spine with a plastic shell that fits around the torso. These braces can help prevent vertebrae wedging and improve posture. Charleston bendable braces use metal rods and straps to squeeze the spinal curve straighter.
Milwaukee bracing is designed to limit movement of the spine while allowing adjustment over time. These braces gently stabilize the spine, preventing worsening of scoliosis. Finally, Spinecor brace uses elastic straps and bands to allow for more natural movement. All of these braces require a significant number of hours per day, everyday, until skeletal maturity to prevent spinal fusion surgery.
Full-time braces
The kinds of braces that are available for children vary depending on the location of their scoliosis. For children with severe curvature of the spine, full-time braces are often required. These braces use metal rods and bands to apply pressure and keep the spine in alignment. They may be uncomfortable at first, but many children adjust to them over time. The main advantages of full-time braces are that they are more effective in keeping the spine in alignment and can help strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility.
Regular physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility while wearing a brace. Additionally, scoliosis exercises can help patients regain movement and improve their posture after treatment is complete. Scoliosis treatment typically requires several kinds of braces, so it’s important to choose the one best suited to treat your child’s specific condition.
Nighttime braces
Nighttime braces are worn by children with scoliosis while they are sleeping. These braces help to gradually correct the curvature of the spine over time. These braces are typically made of rigid plastic and have adjustable straps that can be adjusted to fit the shape of the body. The Rigo-Cheneau brace is and example. These straps help keep the brace in place while providing support to the back. Nighttime braces are designed to be comfortable and provide support while still allowing for mobility during the day. They are often prescribed in addition to other treatment options, such as exercises and nutrient therapies. Night only braces may be necessary for a child with scoliosis depending on the location of the curve.
What to expect from bracing
– Bracing is a type of treatment for scoliosis that involves wearing a brace to correct the curve of the spine. This treatment helps to straighten the spine and improve posture.
– There are several kinds of braces on the market, but they all work in the same way. These braces help to support the spine and keep it straight. They keep the back in its normal position and reduce bending and rotation of the spine.
– To choose the right brace, you should consider your child’s age, gender, and medical history. Also, you should consider factors such as pain level and ability to walk as well as how much time you want your child to wear the brace.
– When choosing a brace, consider factors such as pain level and ability to walk as well as how much time you want your child to wear it. Additionally, be sure that the brace fits properly and does not cause pain or irritation. Finally, follow all instructions provided by your doctor or brace manufacturer.
– Scoliosis is a condition of spine curvature in which the spinal column curves to one side more than the other-often causing back pain and other health issues.
– There are different types of scoliosis, including thoracic scoliosis (a curve on the left- or right-side of the spine), idiopathic scoliosis (a curve that doesn’t have a known cause), and congenital scoliosis (when a child is born with a curved spine).
– The clinical risk factors of scoliosis varies based on factors like age, gender, and race. However, milder forms of scoliosis may not require braces.
– Some children with mild scoliosis may only need bracing for relief of pain and to improve posture. Others might also benefit from rehabilitation or surgery.
– If you suspect your child has scoliosis, speak with your child’s doctor about all of the types of scoliosis and what options are available for treatment.
“Scoliosis Braces Are No Longer the Only Option for Scoliosis Treatment.”
- Clayton J. Stitzel DC
Alternatives to scoliosis bracing
Scoliosis bracing is still the most common treatment for scoliosis in children, but there are alternatives. Physical therapy and exercises can help to reduce the curvature of the spine and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Non-invasive treatments, such as the ScoliSMART Activity Suit, can also be beneficial for curves of all sizes and any patients of almost any age. Whether you are opting for bracing or other types of treatment, it’s important to consult with a ScoliSMART doctor that specializes in scoliosis to determine the best course of action for your child’s individual situation.
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The ScoliSMART Activity Suit alternative to scoliosis bracing
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is a non-invasive, evidence-based alternative to traditional scoliosis bracing. It uses targeted exercises, postural correction, and posture training to help improve scoliotic curves. The suit provides gentle traction to help realign the spine and reduce the curvature of scoliosis.
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit has been proven to be effective in reducing scoliosis curves in children without the need for bracing or surgery. It is made from lightweight, breathable material and can be worn comfortably under clothing. The suit is a cost-effective and easy way to treat scoliosis without the risks of surgery or bracing.
Genetic, Neurotransmitter, and Hormone Testing
Treating scoliosis requires a multidisciplinary approach, and genetic, neurotransmitter, and hormone testing can help tailor treatment to the specific needs of individual patients. In some cases, a brace may be recommended as a way to slow or stop the curvature of the spine. Physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications can help manage pain associated with scoliosis. Surgery may be necessary if other treatments are not successful in relieving symptoms. A thorough treatment plan takes into account patient-specific factors such as age, gender, and level of worsening of the spinal curve.
Ultimately, scoliosis treatment seeks to safely restore normal posture and function while reducing pain and improving quality of life. With a tailored treatment plan that takes into account patient-specific factors, individuals with scoliosis can live comfortably and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Opportunities for combined treatment
Scoliosis treatment options have greatly evolved over the years and now include a wide range of treatment possibilities, including bracing. However, bracing is not the only option when treating scoliosis. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment are both viable treatment opportunities that can help to reduce progression of the curvature in a child’s spine. In addition to physical therapy and chiropractic treatments, other types of alternative therapies, such as massage therapy and acupuncture, may work well for some children with scoliosis. When deciding on scoliosis treatment options, it’s essential to discuss all available treatment options with your doctor. It is important to understand what different types of treatment might be right for you and your family. Whether you choose bracing or another form of therapy, it’s always important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and work together to achieve them.
