Week Eleven Day Two: Bracing

As the project is coming to a close, my last day being tomorrow, I wanted to make sure I addressed the other form of treatment for scoliosis: bracing.

Bracing is usually done when a child's curve is not yet high enough to be operated on, but still at risk for progressing, which is dependent on age, the degree of the curve, and physical maturity.

The brace is a full back brace that must be worn 16+ hours a day. It does not reduce the curve by any means, however it does slow the progression of the curve, and hopefully prevent children from having to go through the surgery.

Most braces can be worn under clothes, and Doctor Shindell recommends that it's worn all day and night except for school. It's formatted personally to each kid's body, by a professional.

Generally this brace is called a Boston brace, and does not necessarily look like the one above, but similar, with straps to hold it in place.

Although it does not reduce the curve, it is a much less invasive option that can slow the road to surgery, or even stop it completely.