Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine. It is a progressive disease. Little evidence has been found on the effectiveness of exercises on scoliosis, though there are reports that show some improvement in the degree of curvature. What so far has not been determined is whether the improvement is permanent in nature. The lumbar scoliosis brace is a device to support the spine and check further deterioration of the condition.
People wearing a lumbar scoliosis brace are often suggested exercise to correct scoliosis. These exercises are aimed at helping the wearer adapt to the brace, to allow for correction of the spinal deformity, and to improve trunk muscular tone during the period braces are worn. Braces tend to lead the muscles into losing muscle tone. The physical therapist suggests other exercises for trunk and pelvic correction, which are required to be performed everyday.
Types of Lumbar Scoliosis Brace
Here are some of the common types of lumbar scoliosis braces used to prevent scoliosis from degenerating.
Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO) brace:
The TLSO brace comes in many styles, but the most commonly used TLSO brace is the Boston brace. The Boston brace is also known as the underarm brace. Made from molded plastic, the Boston brace is custom made to fit the patient’s body. It is usually worn under clothing and is not easy to detect whether the patient is wearing one. This lumbar scoliosis brace applies three-point pressure to the curvature to prevent it from degenerating further.
Charleston Bending Brace:
This lumbar scoliosis brace is also known as the nighttime brace, since it is used only while sleeping. The molding of the brace is done when the patient is bent to the side. It helps in applying more pressure against the curve of the patient to correct the curvature.
Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis brace:
This lumbar scoliosis brace is popularly known as the Milwaukee brace, and is quite alike the TLSO brace. Additionally, it has a neck ring attached to the brace. It is worn all the time, though it can be removed for any sporting activity.