Episode 57: How Long Do Scoliosis Braces Have To Be Worn?

What’s a scoliosis brace?

Scoliosis bracing has a rich history, being one of the oldest treatment options available. There are many types of braces and they're typically worn around the body.

• Traditional Brace - aims to slow down the progression of scoliosis. It is commonly used for adolescents with progressive idiopathic scoliosis. The two most common types of traditional braces are Boston Brace and Providence Brace.
• Corrective Brace - designed in such a way as to try to produce forces into the body to actually try to reduce spinal curvature. One such brace is called the ScoliBrace. Unlike the traditional brace, this type of brace can be used for patients of all ages, including adults, infants, and juveniles.

How long do braces have to be worn?

How long braces should be worn is highly individualized, taking into account factors such as curve size, location, age, and treatment objectives. Depending on these factors, the recommended duration can range from full-time (18 to 23 hours a day) for curve reduction to part-time options for pain control and postural improvements.

For adolescents in the progressive stage of scoliosis, brace duration is primarily determined by their growth period. Wearing a brace until the growth stage is complete is crucial to prevent curve progression caused by sudden growth spurts. In contrast, adults wearing braces focus on pain relief and curve reduction. Typically, they wear braces at a higher dose for around 6 to 12 months, gradually transitioning to a maintenance dose or discontinuation based on their individual progress.

To maximize the benefits of braces, they should be complemented with appropriate rehabilitation exercises and therapy. Rehabilitation helps optimize the performance of even the best-designed braces by enhancing their effects on scoliosis reduction. Also, effective brace management is crucial for long-term success. Similar to braces on teeth, scoliosis braces require regular adjustments, such as tightening, wire changes, and repositioning, to align with the changing nature of the condition. These adjustments, typically performed every 90 days, aim to manage the curve actively and achieve the best possible reduction.

Check out Dr. Tony Nalda’s podcast to understand how brace selection, proper management, and integrated rehabilitation can be crucial in scoliosis treatment.

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