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Spinal Braces

Spinal orthoses (Back braces) are provided to compensate for muscle weakness, paralysis or skeletal problems which cause spinal instability by aiming to:

  • Control joint instability
  • Prevent excessive joint motion
  • Improve joint alignment
  • Reduce back pain

Many models of spinal brace are available, all with different functions and aims. The prescription of spinal orthoses is dependent on the condition it is treating.

What conditions are Spinal Braces used for?

Post-operative healing - following surgery, a rigid back brace may be prescribed with the goal of reducing pressure on the spinal column, adding stability, and limiting movements and micro-motions to provide a healthy environment for recovery.

Juvenile Arthritis - These braces can be most useful during a flare up of the condition. Holding the spinal column in a stable and support position can help reduce pain and enable a child to carry on with life until the flare up settles down. Restricting vertebrae joint movement can also reduce the opportunity for destructive joint damage.

Vertebral fractures - in order to reduce micro-motions and reduce pressure on the spinal column, a rigid or semi-rigid back brace may be prescribed.

Scoliosis - (an excessive lateral curvature to the spine) - while a rigid back brace cannot improve a curved spine, there is strong evidence to suggest a spinal brace can often prevent the progression of a spinal curve. The curvature commonly worsens in children when they begin to grow, it is for this reason that early intervention is important. Please visit our Scoliosis page for further information.

Schoeman’s Kyphosis - this condition is caused by abnormal growth of the vertebral bones of the upper part of the spine. Visually it can make the upper back look rounded and hunched over. It's sometimes called Scheuermann's disease. There are different types of custom made spinal brace options for this condition depending on age, stiffness of curve and aims of treatment. The braces are normally only worn until the child has stopped growing. Early intervention will almost certainly provide a better clinical outcome. Braces are normally only worn during growth. Spinal braces can be worn once growing as stopped but these braces are often aimed to help with pain management or to enable a certain activity.

Muscle tensions and strains - flexible back braces are prescribed when a child has an acute injury which requires temporary support. These help alleviate muscle and joint tension by reducing pressure on the spine as less muscle strength is needed to support the spinal column. Additionally, heat from the brace can help the muscles relax.

Isthmic spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebrae slips forward over the vertebrae below) - prescription of a rigid back brace has shown to reduce the amount of vertebral slippage whilst reducing pain levels and increasing the ability to walk. The rigid brace limits excess motion, helping to control pain and lessen damage to the joints, nerves and muscles.

Spondylolysis (a stress fracture to a specific part of the lumbar vertebrae) - a semi-rigid or rigid brace may be recommended to minimize micro-motions, helping to reduce pain and promote recovery of the fracture.

Spinal Stenosis (caused by the gradual narrowing of the spinal canal) - bracing for lumbar spinal stenosis aims to reduce pressure and limit micro-motions in the lower spine. In some cases, the brace can help adjust postural or weight shift to abdominal with the goal of unloading the pressure from the spine.

Different types of Spinal Brace

  • Halo - often used after surgery or an accident, the halo vest immobilises and protects the cervical spine and neck. This device surrounds the head and is attached by pins to the out portion of the skull (some halo’s are pinless).
  • Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) - this corset style brace is designed the limit movement of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. Most commonly used to treat fractures or after surgery.
  • Cervical thoracic orthosis (CTO) - the CTO is a cervical collar (neck brace) with an extension that also supports and protects the thoracic spine. Most commonly, it aims to limit movement after fractures and help manage pain.
  • Cervical thoracic lumbosacral orthosis (CTLSO) - this brace provides stability to the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine to prevent unwanted extension, flexion and rotation. This device is most commonly provided for children who have sustained both spine and neck fractures.
  • Hyperextension orthosis - support the healing of fractures in the area of the middle and lower thoracic spine as well the upper lumbar spine. Hyperextension orthoses work by using a proven 3-point pressure system, relieving the upper lumbar spine as well as the middle and lower thoracic spine. In doing so, this alleviates pain and allows you to return to an upright position.
  • Scoliosis bracing - There are a number of braces that can help with Scoliosis. The most effective type of bracing solution is determined by age, curve size, flexibility of curve and compliance. Please see our Scoliosis page for more in depth information.

Spinal Brace Benefits

  • Effective pain management
  • Help in preventing further progression of spinal curvative
  • Proven to aid the recovery process after injury or surgery
  • Provides extra support and stability where needed

What is the process to receive a Spinal Brace?

The process to receive a spinal orthotic would be:

  • Initial assessment
  • Fitting appointment
  • Review

To ensure your child receives the most appropriate orthotic for their condition, our paediartic orthotists will complete a full assessment. This assessment will explore your child’s condition with the requirements needed for the treatment. Based on this discussion, your paediatric orthotist will be able to suggest the most appropriate spinal brace for your child. A series of measurements will be taken to make sure the devices is chosen in the correct size. A cast or scan of the torso may also be taken in order to design a custom made orthoses. Once the device has been made, a fitting session will be arranged in which your child will be shown to correctly fit and remove the device. You and your child will also be given direction on how to look after the spinal brace. After a period of time, a review appointment can be made. The appointment can cater for any changes that need to be made to the device or to answer and queries you and child may have.

To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.

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