overview

If diagnosed with a spinal disorder, deformity or potential problem that can by helped through the use of external structural support, a patient‘s physician may recommend the use of a neck or back brace. Neck and back braces are most often used to treat low back painback painNon-specific term used to describe pain below the cervical spine, traumatraumaPhysical injury., infections, muscular weakness, neck conditions and osteoporosisosteoporosisWhen people age - particularly women -- there often comes a loss of height and weight, and the development of .... They immobilize and support the spine when there is a condition that needs to be treated. Depending on the model that is used, they can put the spine in a neutral, upright, hyperhyperExcessive, above normal.-extended, flexed or laterallateralSituated away from the midline of the body.-flexed position.

Spinal braces are used for a variety of reasons—to control pain, lessen the chance of further injury, allow healing to take place, compensate for musclemuscleContractile connective tissues that affect movement; a component of nearly all organs and body systems. weakness and prevent or correct a deformity. They offer a safe, non-invasive way to prevent future problems or to help a patient heal from a current condition. Though the effects of bracing are primarily positive, they can lead to a loss of muscle function due to inactivity. Bracing can sometimes lead to psychological addiction, so that even when a person is healed and ready to be taken off the back brace, he or she feels dependent upon it for physical support.

The use of braces is widely accepted. They are effective tools in the treatment of spine disorders. In fact, more than 99% of orthopedic physicians advocate using them.

Braces are not new—they have actually been around for centuries. Corsets for the lower back were used as far back as 2000 B.C. Bandage and splint braces were used in 500 A.D. to treat scoliosisscoliosisAll spines have curves, but occasionally the spine twists and develops curves in the wrong direction - sideway.... Recently, braces have become a popular way to help prevent primary and secondarysecondaryAnother condition that develops as a consequence of the first condition. lower back pain from ever occurring.

There are more than 30 types of back supports available for spine disorders. Some of the most common types are discussed in the Neck Braces and Back Braces tabs.