Is Wearing a Back Brace the Best Treatment for Scoliosis?

If you have scoliosis, your spine curves abnormally. You can be affected by this condition to different degrees, depending on how curved your spine is. Scoliosis can also progress, worsening over time.

Scoliosis can result in pain and become debilitating without the correct treatment. You need the support of an expert medical professional when living with this type of spinal irregularity.

Dr. Beejal Y. Amin has experience providing care and support to his patients with scoliosis. Dr. Amin sees new and existing patients from his locations in Oak Lawn, South Holland, and Orland Park, Illinois.

Could you benefit from wearing a back brace for your scoliosis? Are there any risks associated with bracing? Is a back brace the best approach for you to take to address your scoliosis pain and slow the condition’s progression? Here’s what you need to know.

Who should use a back brace?

Your scoliosis can be mild, moderate, or severe based on how your spine curves. Back braces are often an effective treatment option for moderate scoliosis. In severe cases, you may need surgical correction.

Your provider makes a recommendation for a back brace if you have a spinal curvature of 25-50 degrees or if your condition is progressing rapidly.

It also matters how old you are. Studies show that bracing can be very helpful during adolescent growth spurts when scoliosis can worsen significantly.

Not everyone uses a back brace all the time. Dr. Amin may recommend that you only use your back brace at night.

The pros and cons of back bracing

Back braces can provide support for your spine. But, using a back brace has potential downsides, as well.

One of the main advantages of back bracing for moderate scoliosis is that the brace can potentially stop or slow the progression of your condition. The back brace doesn’t correct the curvature of your spine. However, by using a brace, you may be able to prevent the curvature from becoming more pronounced.

In terms of disadvantages, back bracing can be uncomfortable. Long-term use can also result in atrophy in your back muscles or shifting of your scoliosis curve to other areas of your spine.

Your back brace is custom designed for as much comfort as possible. Talk to Dr. Amin to answer your questions and concerns about using a back brace with consistency.

Other approaches to scoliosis

In addition to using a back brace, you may benefit from scoliosis treatment approaches, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery. Dr. Amin typically recommends the most conservative treatment plan that works for you.

Lifestyle changes like switching to a more supportive mattress, or eating an anti-inflammatory diet, may give you relief from discomfort.

Strengthening your core muscles can make a big difference in managing discomfort! Forms of exercise like swimming and yoga provide excellent muscle strengthening and support for your spine.

For the support you need to deal effectively with your scoliosis, contact Dr. Amin for your initial consultation today by scheduling over the phone or requesting an appointment online.