A Scoliosis Brace is used to stop the progression of the spinal curve. This treatment is generally applicable on children, as their backbone is still growing and can be molded into the right shape. There are several types of Scoliosis Bracing. Here are the three main types:
Charleston Bending Scoliosis Brace:
Charleston Bending Brace is worn when there is a problem in the lumbar or thoraco-lumbar area of the spinal chord. These braces are molded to the patient while they are bending to the side.
Charleston Bending Brace has many advantages. Firstly, it is worn only at night and the patient does not have to carry it along, which helps avoid negative stigma. Secondly, studies prove that these braces are as effective as the 24-hours a day brace, which tends to take a toll on the patient at times.
Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO)
These are the most common form of braces. They are fitted to the patient’s body in such a way that they come underneath the arm and all-around the lower back, rib cage and hips. TLSO put pressure to the curve to prevent progression.
Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis looks like a corset and can be worn under the clothing, making them invisible. Moreover, they can be removed when a person wants to play, or do any form of physical activity, which requires full movement.
Milwaukee Brace
A Milwaukee brace is worn 23 hours a day and can be removed while swimming, gym, and other such activities. It is very similar to TLSO but has an additional neck ring.
They are generally worn when there is a problem with a thoracic spine.
Bracing treatment is known to be the best non-surgical treatment to treat Scoliosis. The main aim of this treatment is to prevent the curve from progressing.
The kind of Scoliosis brace that will be recommended to you depends upon your curve and which part of the spine it is affecting. It is very important to have the braces on for the duration they are prescribed as otherwise their effect will remain minimal. However, even then there are times when even after proper compliance braces do not do a good job. In such cases, a spinal surgery is recommended to the patient.
Nonetheless, Scoliosis Brace is the right way to go to start the treatment for Scoliosis. It does help to delay the progression of the curvature and let the patient grow more before having a spinal blend.