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Scoliosis Bracing

The objective of bracing treatment is to prevent the curve from progressing as a child grows, and studies have shown bracing is effective in stopping the progression of the majority of adolescent scoliotic curves.

There are several types of commonly used scoliosis braces:

  • » Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO)
  • » Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (known as a Milwaukee brace
  • » Charleston Bending Brace

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Additional Information

Wearing a brace is a big commitment, one that parents and children need to work together on. Here are some key points to remember if you want bracing to be as effective as possible:

Just what the doctor ordered: Your doctor will decide what type of brace is best for your child's curve and how long he or she should wear it every day. Some children must wear their brace up to 23 hours a day, and while that's an intimidating number, it's absolutely crucial that your child wear the brace for the full time. Your doctor will work with you to figure out when your child doesn't have to wear his or her brace. If he or she likes swimming, for example, the doctor will probably arrange the brace schedule so that he or she is out of the brace during your swim team practices.

Wear it well: Your child may be in and out of your brace a few times during the day—during gym class, for example. It's important that every time he or she puts the brace back on, it's tight enough and properly positioned. If it isn't, it won't do as much good.

Watch what you wear: Underneath the brace, your child should wear a shirt that fits well and doesn't wrinkle. This will help protect his or her skin because otherwise, it can get irritated from the brace. Over the brace, your child can wear normal clothes, although you might have to get clothes a size or two bigger in order to fit over the brace.

Bracing can be uncomfortable—both physically and emotionally. At a time when kids don't really want to be different, a brace is a very noticeable difference. But with support from family, friends, and medical professionals, kids get through it just fine…and usually with a healthier back at the end of it!

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