Back Brace for Scoliosis

A back brace for scoliosis is used to stop a spinal curve from getting worse. The two types of back braces for this condition include the Milwakee brace and the thoracolumbosacral orthosis. In order to have its intended effect, a back brace must be worn every day for the full number of hours prescribed by the doctor until the child stops growing.

 

Back Brace for Scoliosis: An Overview

Many children who are sent to the doctor by a school scoliosis screening program have very mild spinal curves that do not need scoliosis treatment. However, when a child does need scoliosis treatment, the doctor may send him or her to an orthopedic spine specialist.
 
Doctors will suggest the best scoliosis treatment for each patient based on:
 
  • The patient's age
  • How much more he or she is likely to grow
  • The degree and pattern of the curve
  • The type of scoliosis.
 
Different scoliosis treatments the doctor may recommend include:
 
  • Observation
  • Bracing
  • Surgery.
 

Scoliosis Treatments: Bracing

Doctors may advise bracing in order to stop a curve from getting worse. Bracing may be used when:
 
  • The person is still growing and has a curve of more than 25 to 30 degrees
  • The person is still growing and has a curve between 20 and 29 degrees that is getting worse
  • The person has at least two years of growth remaining and has a curve that is between 20 and 29 degrees.
 
However, females who have started their monthly period should not use bracing.
 
As a child nears the end of growth, the indications for a back brace will depend on how the curve affects the child's appearance, whether the curve is getting worse, and the size of the curve.
 
(Back Brace for Scoliosis Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD