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You probably know that scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, can be caused by many things, including poor posture and muscle imbalance. But did you know it can also be brought on by obesity? And that back braces for scoliosis can help reduce the curvature of your spine to prevent further worsening of your condition? If you are diagnosed with scoliosis, you’re probably given instructions to wear a back brace to help alleviate your symptoms and prevent additional back issues. Many people don’t know how long to wear the brace, though, which can lead them to wear it incorrectly or not at all! Here’s everything you need to know about when and how to wear your back brace for scoliosis.
Types Of Braces
It is recommended that patients wear a brace for 8-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, this varies depending on what type of brace you are using and the severity of your scoliosis. The best way to know whether or not your back brace is doing its job is by consulting with your doctor or physical therapist.
Types Of Brace Materials
The materials that make up a back brace for scoliosis will vary by individual and by a doctor. A typical brace is made of fiberglass or plastic. The fiberglass material is molded to the shape of your body with the help of a mold, while the plastic material is custom-made to fit your needs. The main difference between these two types of braces is their rigidity and weight, as well as how long they can be worn. Fiberglass braces are heavier than their plastic counterparts, which makes them better suited to people who can't wear a brace all day long without it being uncomfortable. Plastic braces are more flexible and lighter, which makes them better suited to those who need to wear a back brace all day long to maintain good posture.
When To Wear A Back Brace For Scoliosis
The length of time you wear a back brace depends on the severity of your scoliosis and how much pain or discomfort you are experiencing. If your back pain is severe, it may take months to see any improvements. It's not uncommon to experience pain relief after wearing a brace for as little as two weeks, but this can vary from person to person.
There are other factors involved in determining how long you should wear a back brace. Your age, weight, physical activity levels, and the curvature of your spine will all play a role in how quickly your condition improves. In general, younger people with less curvature or slight curvature that doesn't cause much pain should be able to see some improvement within two months.
How To Choose The Right Back Brace For Scoliosis
Are you looking to start wearing a back brace, but aren't sure which one to choose? The first step is to consult your doctor. Ask them what type of brace they recommend and how long they think you will need to wear it. Your doctor will be able to tell you if the type of back belt that you are interested in is effective at addressing your condition.
Next, make sure that the belt has an appropriate fit. This will ensure that the pressure is distributed evenly and doesn't restrict any mobility or movement. When trying on a back belt, make sure that it fits comfortably around your waist and chest without being too tight or too loose.
Tips For Wearing A Back Brace For Scoliosis
To get the most benefit from wearing a back brace, it is important to make sure that you wear one as often as possible. The less time you spend without your brace, the better. When trying on a back brace, remember to tighten it up as much as you can so that it provides the best support and relief while sitting, standing, or even sleeping. Make sure that your belts are comfortable and not too tight or too loose. It is always important to clean your back belt regularly so that bacteria don't build up inside of it. In addition, consider wearing a small t-shirt over your belt to protect it from sweat and dirt when going about your daily activities such as cooking or cleaning.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Wearing A Back Brace For Scoliosis?
There are no risks associated with wearing a back brace. The brace can be worn under clothing and during physical activity, sleep, and for extended periods. The duration of treatment is determined by your doctor based on the severity of your condition.
How To Improve Your Posture With A Back Brace
A back brace can be a great way to help improve your posture, but it is important to wear the brace correctly. Follow these tips to learn how to correctly put on and wear a back brace for scoliosis.
- When you buy a back brace, make sure that it has shoulder straps that are wide enough to go over your shoulders, and hold the front of the belt tightly against your chest so it will not slide down or up.
- Try the belts on with just a t-shirt on so you can feel the fit of the straps and understand what they will feel like when you have clothes on too. The fabric should be tight against your skin, but not uncomfortably tight.
- The belt should come up high under your armpits, cross in the middle of your chest, and then wrap around both sides to meet at the small of your back.
- Use a measuring tape to measure around your chest where the straps cross in the middle as well as around both sides where it wraps around at the small of your back and compares those measurements to those given by the manufacturer's size chart so you get an accurate size for the best possible fit.
- Start wearing your belt as soon as you get home from the store.
Conclusion
I hope this has helped you understand the importance of wearing a back brace for scoliosis and how long it should be worn. The most important thing to remember is that there are many different types of braces and they're not all the same. Find one that best suits your needs, gets fitted by a professional, and wears it as directed.
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