Spinal Orthoses

Spinal pain is a challenging condition seen all too often in the active and aging population. Fortunately, a wide range of devices are available to assist with treatment.  A spinal orthosis may be prescribed as a treatment following an injury, post surgery or to treat the symptoms of a progressive disorder.  Precision Prosthetics provides both prefabricated and custom spinal bracing based on your specific needs. An in depth evaluation of the diagnosis, your physicians treatment goals, and your lifestyle will be used to formulate the optimal treatment. Our goal is to provide patients with the most effective device, but also take into consideration comfort and lifestyle. 

Scoliosis Bracing

Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal lateral (and sometimes rotational) curve of the spine.  Scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and degeneration of the intervertebral disks.  Scoliosis in adolescents during early growth is called idiopathic scoliosis. The cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown.  Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but in some cases the spinal deformity will continue to progress getting more severe.  Severe scoliosis can be very disabling.  An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs and other vital organs to function properly.

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis often presents during growth spurts just before puberty.  About 3% of adolescents are diagnosed with scoliosis. Most cases of idiopathic scoliosis are described as mild, but in some cases the spinal deformity continue to progress in severity as the child grows.  Children with mild scoliosis are monitored regularly with imaging such as X-rays, to see if the curve is changing or getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. If the curve continues to progress a child may be prescribed a scoliosis brace to stop the curve from progressing. In extreme cases surgery may be necessary.

The goal of idiopathic scoliosis bracing is to slows the rate of progression of an undesired curve during skeletal growth.   Adjusting to the concept of wearing a brace during school and activities can be difficult for a young person.  This can create both emotional stress and a reluctance to wear the brace as prescribed. Our orthotists are sensitive to the discomfort patients may feel about wearing a spinal orthosis in the community, and are prepared to provide support and education to assist patients throughout their treatment.

Degenerative Scoliosis

Degenerative scoliosis (also known as adult-onset scoliosis) is caused by degeneration of the facet joints in intervertebral discs (moving parts of the spine). This degeneration and resulting spinal asymmetry can occur slowly over time as a person ages.  A spinal orthosis may be prescribed to treat symptoms such as pain, abnormal posture, and corrections of torso alignment reducing stress on internal organs.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is an exaggerated posterior curvature of the spine, characterized by hunching or rounding of the back.  Age-related kyphosis is often due to weakness in the spinal bones causing them to compress or crack. Other types of kyphosis can appear in infants or teens due to malformation of the spine or wedging of the spinal bones over time. Causes of kyphosis include spinal fractures, osteoporosis, vertebral disk degeneration or DJD, Scheuemann’s disease, birth defects, cancer, and other conditions.  Kyphosis can cause pain, breathing problems, limit physical function, cause digestive problems, and create poor body image. Treatment for kyphosis depends on your age, and the cause and effects of the curvature.  Multiple spinal devices (orthoses) are available to treat kyphosis.  These devices can encourage musculature strengthening, improve posture, correct alignment, improve body image and reduce pain.  Discuss with your orthotist what device will best fit your individual needs.