Spinal Bracing

Liverpool Orthotics provide off the shelf and custom made spinal bracing for adults and children with conditions that affect the spine or trunk. Spinal bracing bracing can offer correction, support and stability to the spine. Liverpool Orthotics have access to every available spinal brace solution on the market, this will ensure you are given the most appropriate solution for your condition.

What conditions are spinal braces used to treat?

Spinal braces can be used to support and treat a number of conditions including:

What types of spinal supports are there?

Rigid spinal bracing

Rigid spinal braces provide complete stabilisation of the spinal so are often used in the management of spinal fractures, post surgical procedures, low muscle tone, high muscle tone and severe or rapidly developing scoliosis. Rigid spinal bracing can be made from thermoplastics, 3d printed materials, lightweight metals and have padding for comfort.

Semi Rigid

Semi rigid devices are often prescribed to provide stability and comfort to long term spinal conditions. The semi rigid devices can be used to manage arthritic pains, lower back pain, postural issues and Osteoporosis. Semi rigid devices normally have a rigid rear support and a softer frontage and can be worn comfortably for long periods. The rear sections are normally made from thermoplastic or lightweight metal boning and the frontage from cortil cotton.

Flexible

Flexible spinal bracing is normally made from either strong elasticated material or neoprene. It can offer a moderate amount of support and may be used to manage arthritic pains, lower back pain or postural issues. Flexible supports can be effective in managing pain during or after sporting activities.

Spinecor

Spinecor is a flexible spinal brace solution for both children and adults to effectively manage scoliosis. The brace is made up of a series of elasticated straps that fasten around the trunk of the body to help correct or reduce the progression of a scoliosis curve. Spinecor aims to reprogram the body's central nervous systems and doesn't weaken spinals muscle to produce lasting improvements to the spinal curve.

Scoliosis

There are a number of effective custom made and 'off the shelf' solutions for the treatment of scoliosis. The most effective solution can depend on many variables including:

One of our experience orthotist's can identify the most effective scoliosis bracing solution considering any condition and individual cumstances.

Corsets

Corsets are often considered a traditional way of supporting the spine however they can be a very effective solution in the treatment of certain conditions. These conditions include scoliosis, arthritis, spinal injuries and postural issues. Corsets are made of breathable but strong cotton material and can have a number of adaptations to offer stability and corrective force in specific areas. The material is also softer so can conform to the body shape and be a very comfortable choice.

3D Printed Jackets

This technology has presented new opportunities to design spinal bracing in a way that hasn't been possible before. One of the main advantages is that 3D printed devices can be made lighter but also stronger in the specific areas that require more strength to apply corrective forces.

Sitting Jackets

Sitting jackets are specialist spinal supports for individuals who frequently use manual or powered wheelchairs. Sitting jackets can offer stability to the lower back to improve the overall posture when using the wheelchair. These supports are normally custom made from cortil cotton type material and can have specific thermoplastic or aluminum boning supports strategically placed for additional support.

How often will I have to wear my spinal brace?

The length of time that you will be required to wear the spinal brace will vary depending on the condition being treated. Spinal bracing worn after a fracture or surgical procedure is normally worn for 6-8 weeks, however this can vary, so consultant advice is always advisable.

For conditions to which the objective is to manage pain or arthritic conditions it may be possible to wear the spinal brace for a period of the day or when the spine is under most stress i.e gardening or sport.

If the spinal brace has been designed to correct the spine due to muscle weakness or scoliosis the likelihood is that the brace will be worn for the majority of the day and removed at night.

What is the process to receiving a spinal brace?

The first step is to book an initial consultation with one of our orthotist's at one of our clinics or at your home. The orthotist will take your medical history, social history and establish the goals of your treatment. The orthotist will then carry out a physical examination of your spine and discuss with you the best spinal support for your condition and circumstances.

The orthotist will then take measurements, a scan, or plaster cast in ordered to have a spinal brace made for you. Suitable fitting appointments will then be taken to fit the spinal brace and to advise you on the best fitting process and how long you are required to wear it. For custom made spinal braces it is possible there may be more than one fitting appointment.

To enquire about the range of Spinal supports that Liverpool Orthotics can provide or to book an appointment, contact us today on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@liverpool-orthotics.co.uk

To arrange an appointment call Liverpool Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@liverpool-orthotics.co.uk