Some spinal disorders and deformities can be helped through the use of a supportive brace. The spine specialists at The Spine Care Center in Manassas emphasize conservative treatment options prior to surgery for back pain. As a result, back and neck braces are sometimes used as a part of treatment plans for our patients.
Neck and back braces are most commonly used to treat:
The brace supports the spine and holds it in position (neutral, upright, flexed, hyper-extended, or lateral-flexed). We may prescribe the use of a spine brace for several reasons, such as:
Neck braces are used to stabilize the cervical spine after a neck surgery or neck trauma. They can sometimes be used as a safe, non-invasive alternative to surgery. Depending on your injury or specific needs, there are several different types of neck braces available, including:
Speak with your physician at The Spine Care Center to determine which brace is right for you.
Back braces prevent the lower spine from moving around after an injury. When the lower spine is in motion and does not stay in a set position, it takes longer for it to heal properly. In addition to helping the spine heal faster, braces can also relieve pain and discomfort. While there are a variety of types of back braces, the two most common types are:
Rigid braces are form-fitting and can stop as much as 50 percent of the spine from moving. Rigid braces are often used when treating broken bones and to aid recovery after a fusion surgery. We recommend that you wear your rigid brace while standing, and take it off when laying down.
Corset braces are used to restrict the motion of your spine following a lumbar fusion. A corset brace allows the fusion to heal properly by limiting the motion of your spine. The less forward-facing motion there is, the easier and faster your spine will heal, particularly when there are no other devices used to stabilize the area. Some people who have to lift heavy objects at work wear corset braces to help them maintain proper form when lifting. Since the brace limits your ability to bend forward, it encourages you to bend down using your leg muscles to lift, instead of bending forward and lifting with your back.
At The Spine Care Center in Manassas, we will provide you with complete instructions and answer any questions you may have about neck or back braces during your appointment.
Get in touch with us today for a consultation!