Why would a kid need a back brace?
Why Is Bracing Done? Wearing a brace is often the first step for kids who need treatment for idiopathic scoliosis. Doctors prescribe a brace hoping it will stop the curve from getting worse and help kids avoid spinal fusion surgery.
Are back braces good for kids?
A scoliosis brace won’t help everyone. Luckily, some children still in the growing process can benefit. A brace is most effective when the abnormal spinal curvature falls between 25 and 45 degrees. It’s important to note that scoliosis bracing won’t straighten a curve that already exists.
How many hours a day should a child wear a brace for treating scoliosis?
How long do I have to wear the brace? The brace needs to be worn 23 hours each day until the team determines that the patient has reached skeletal maturity. At that point, you might be switched to wearing the brace at night only. The patient is slowly weaned from the brace when it is deemed appropriate.
Are back braces a good idea?
A back brace can help alleviate muscle tension by reducing pressure on the spine, thereby reducing the amount of strength needed in the muscles to support the spinal column. Additionally, heat from the brace can help relax tense muscles, contributing to pain relief.
Does a back brace cure scoliosis?
How effective is bracing? Braces have been used to treat scoliosis for over 450 years, but there are still questions about their effectiveness. Braces can only slow or stop the progression of a spinal curve. They can’t get rid of the curve or straighten out the spine.
How uncomfortable is a scoliosis brace?
It’s normal for a brace to be uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks, but the brace shouldn’t hurt. If it does, the family probably needs to go back to the orthotist to have it adjusted. Also, the patient’s skin should not be red or blistering.
Can scoliosis be corrected with a brace?
If your curve is severe enough to require a scoliosis brace, physical therapy (PT) alone will probably not be enough to stop your curve from progressing further. For most people with moderate scoliosis, wearing a brace is both more effective and more practical than PT alone.