Back Brace Facts & Information
Supporting the spine with a back brace has long been known to provide relief from low back pain. Current clinical research has shown that supporting the lower back can reduce pain, improve functional status, and lower the need for medication. Recently conducted bio-mechanical research indicates that braces can provide significant relief to patients by reducing excessive trunk muscle co-contraction, which prevents muscle spasm from compounding the original pain. With modern materials and new compression technology, today’s braces bring pain relief to a new level. The GS Medical Center serves patients in Ocean and Monmouth County, NJ, with locations in Toms River, Brick, and other cities.
A back brace is an external support your doctor may prescribe to reduce movement, provide extra support, keep the spine in a fixed position, and to treat particular types of spinal deformity. Depending on your spine problem, a spinal brace may help reduce pain too. Spinal braces are used to treat many different spinal disorders such as neck or back sprain/strain, spondylosis, adolescent scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, fracture, and after certain types of spine surgery. The goal of bracing is to provide support and promote healing.
A back brace or spinal brace (which your doctor may refer to as an orthotic or orthosis) can accomplish a number of treatment goals. It can limit motion, stabilize weak or injured spinal structures, and/or prevent the progression of spinal deformity. Because it’s such a multi-purpose treatment, bracing may benefit many spinal conditions.
Back braces should be considered one of the first options to manage your pain. This is because they are non-invasive, totally reversible (they may be removed), and can prevent the need for potentially addictive pharmaceutical medication.
Doctor-prescribed spinal brace treatment
Your treatment plan may involve wearing the brace all the time for a certain number of weeks or months. To benefit fully from brace treatment, it is important to follow your doctor’s prescribed plan. Treatment may include an exercise program to build muscle strength, endurance, and increase flexibility.
Our pain specialists are trained in the design and fit of braces, so he or she will determine the right type and fit of brace for you. It’s essential that the fit of the brace is customized. A spinal brace is not as effective if it doesn’t have the proper fit. If you have questions about your spinal brace and how it might help your spinal condition, don’t hesitate to talk to contact one of our pain specialists today.the anesthesiologist. On the day of the procedure you will be seen by a nurse, who will take your vital signs, start your intravenous line (if necessary), and answer any questions you may have.