What is a Scoliosis Brace?

A scoliosis brace is a device worn to help prevent the progression of scoliosis, a condition in which the spine has a sideways curvature. The brace is a stiff plastic jacket that fits around the torso, from underneath the arms down to the hips. It is designed to apply pressure to the spine to encourage it to grow in a straighter, more normal position. It is typically worn 16 to 23 hours a day, and is most commonly prescribed for children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with scoliosis but have not yet reached skeletal maturity.

When is a Scoliosis Brace Needed?

Orthopaedic doctors typically recommend scoliosis bracing for kids and teens who are still growing and have a curvature of 25 degrees or more. This is due to the flexibility of the spine when a child is still growing. If the curvature of the spine reaches over 40 degrees, then a scoliosis brace will be an unlikely option for treatment as the progression of the curvature will be considered "severe" and will most likely need surgical correction.

Can a Scoliosis Brace Completely Correct The Curvature?

Scoliosis braces will usually only slow or stop the progression of the spinal curvature. It typically will not get rid of the curve or straighten out the spine. However, in some cases the curve can actually be improved with bracing. This depends on a number of factors, including the degree of the spinal curvature, the age of diagnosis, the consistency of wearing the brace, and how the body of each unique child reacts and responds to the treatment of bracing.

How Does a Scoliosis Brace Work?

A brace will be moulded specifically for every child as the curvature of the spine is unique in each case. The brace will hold your spine in a straighter, less rotated position. It achieves this by putting pressure on the outer edge of your curve. This will cause you to stand up straighter with better posture as you pull away from this pressure.

How Long Do You Need to Wear a Scoliosis Brace?

The period of time a scoliosis brace is needed to be worn depends on the curvature of the spine and how much longer a child will be in the process of growing. In most cases, the brace will need to be worn between 16 to 23 hours a day and will need to do so for the rest of the child's growing period. This is because the spine will stiffen up a little once the child has stopped growing, causing the spine to stay in its corrected position. If you are to stop using the brace whilst still growing, it can lead to the spine returning to its original curvature.

What Are Some Downsides of a Scoliosis Brace?

Skin irritation- Always wear a thin and tight-fitting shirt underneath the brace to prevent blisters, sores and rashes.

Children will not want to wear the brace- To help your child through this tough time, try to be understanding, compassionate and supporting. It can be a difficult change for children to get used to but if they know you are there with them every step of the way, it will make the process easier to cope with.

Restricted movement- Due to the brace being made out of stiff plastic, it will prevent some movement (e.g. bending the torso). This can be difficult to get used to at first but the aim of the brace is to restrict the spine from moving in certain directions to stop the progression of the curve.

Restricted breathing- Your child might find it harder to breathe than it otherwise normally would be, especially if they have just eaten. This is because our diaphragm expands when we breathe and our stomach can feel bloated after eating. Overtime this is something that they will get used to and wont notice but if they are finding it difficult, you could practice some breathing exercises with them which will help oxygen flow and also help them to stay calm.

Thank you for reading! I hope you found this post to be informative on the topic of scoliosis braces. I will be continuing to use this blog to help educate those who are wanting to learn about scoliosis and everything that is involved with the diagnosis.

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-Katelan Pittick

myscoliosis.

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