Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. This can be caused by neuromuscular conditions and birth defects, but doctors aren't always able to find a cause for scoliosis. When this happens, it's referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. Although surgery may be necessary in some cases, back braces can be used to treat spinal curvature and help scoliosis patients avoid more invasive treatments.
Night Braces
Nighttime scoliosis braces are worn while a patient sleeps, and are removed so that daily activities are easier to perform. The ability to remove the brace before socializing, working or playing a sport makes it more likely that a scoliosis patient will comply with the brace treatment. The Charleston Bending Brace is a popular night brace used to treat scoliosis. Made out of molded plastic, the brace is held in place by three straps that also allow for adjustment. Another type of nighttime brace is the Providence Nighttime Scoliosis System. According to Barry McCoy of Northeast Prosthetics and Orthotics and James Benelli of Spinal Technology, this night bracing system takes advantage of a teenager's natural growth hormone production. Because growth hormone release peaks between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m., using a night bracing system may have the most lasting impact on spinal curvature.
Full-Torso Braces
The Milwaukee brace is a full-torso brace that's worn for 23 hours each day. This brace consists of a wide, flat bar in the front. Two smaller bars in the back attach to a ring that is around the neck. The ring has a chin rest and a rest for the back of the head. The Milwaukee brace can only be removed for bathing and short periods of exercise, which makes treatment compliance very difficult. The New York Times Health Guide cites a 15 percent compliance rate. Teenagers may resist wearing the brace because of the way it limits mobility. Discomfort caused by the brace and teasing from classmates when the brace is worn are also reasons teenagers might not wear their Milwaukee braces as directed.
TSLO Braces
Thoracolumbar-sacral orthoses (TSLO) are molded back braces that can be fitted close to the skin. The Boston brace is the most common TSLO brace used to treat scoliosis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, TSLO braces are most effective when used to treat curves of the middle back and low back. Several problems are associated with the use of this type of brace, making compliance difficult. These problems include temporary changes in kidney function, reduced lung capacity and increased discomfort due to the tight fit of the brace. Although this kind of brace can be uncomfortable, it's important to comply with a TSLO brace treatment plan. Spinal curves can worsen if the brace is not worn as directed.
Flexible Braces
Flexible braces are being used as an alternative to the form-fitting metal and plastic braces that cause discomfort and problems with treatment compliance. These braces are relatively new, so their effectiveness hasn't been firmly established. SpineCor is a flexible brace that uses adjustable bands and is made of a cotton vest that doesn't limit motion as much as other types of braces. The TriaC brace is easier to hide than older forms of scoliosis bracing. This brace is made up of components that exert pressure on specific areas of the spine. This allows for a greater range of motion and increased flexibility.
