Corset for scoliosis: pros and cons
A scoliosis corset is a device that allows you to fix the spine in a certain position. It is prescribed for children under the age of 12 years, since only in this case this device can have a significant impact on the formation of the spinal column, preventing its further deformation. However, it should be borne in mind that even the best and most expensive device is not able to cure the disease if the child does not receive additional treatment at the same time.
Content:
- How does a corset work for scoliosis?
- Corset selection rules for scoliosis
- The main types of corsets
- When is a corset indicated for patients?
- How to wear a corset correctly?
- Pros of wearing a corset
- Cons of using a corset for scoliosis
How does a corset work for scoliosis?
The principle of operation of any corset is reduced to maintaining the spine in a given position.
The main tasks that the posture corrector solves:
- Putting pressure on those parts of the spinal column that have undergone curvature. This allows you to stop its further deformation.
- Fixation of the spine in the anatomically correct position.
- Reducing the load on the part of the spine that is affected by scoliosis.
- Decrease in the pathological activity of the spine.
- Developing the skill for the correct physiological posture.
Corset selection rules for scoliosis
It can be quite difficult to choose the right corset for the treatment of scoliosis on your own. Moreover, it carries a high risk of complications. Therefore, the selection of the supporting device should be handled by the doctor.
The main points to consider when choosing a corset:
- The age of the patient.
- The type of scoliosis and the exact place of its localization.
- The degree of pathological curvature.
The modern medical market is filled with corsets of various types. However, for the treatment to have the desired effect, it is often necessary to make a custom-made orthosis. As a rule, the higher the degree of scoliosis, the more rigid the corset should be.
To correct deformities at the level of the thoracic spine of grade 3 or 4, a Chenot corset is used. For thoracic scoliosis of the 2nd degree, a Lyons corset or a Milukoni corset can be used. With a curvature in the lower back, preference is given to the Boston corset.
The main types of corsets
The following types of braces can be used to treat scoliosis.
Supporting devices
They are needed in order to relieve the load on the spine, to ease the pain that scoliosis provokes. In parallel, the tone of the muscles in the places of their maximum tension decreases. A support corset can be used in the first or second stage of scoliotic disease. It can be worn for 6 months.
Other indications for wearing a support device:
- Preventive therapy, if there are prerequisites for the development of scoliosis and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
- Maintaining posture with diseases of the spinal column.
The support corset allows you to reduce the load on the curved areas of the spine, preventing them from further deforming. Such corsets can be made to order, or they can be purchased ready-made.
The main advantages of supporting corsets are their lightness, accessibility and versatility.
The therapeutic effect of the use of a supporting corset can be seen only if the child is engaged in exercise therapy, visits a masseur and undergoes physiotherapy procedures. Swimming is very useful for scoliosis.
Reclinator corsets. They are represented by belts in the shape of a figure eight. Such correctors allow you to support the spine in the thoracic region, forming the correct posture. When wearing a corset, the shoulder blades will be brought together and the shoulders will be pulled back. Therefore, the load on the back muscles is evenly distributed, which allows you to stop the progression of scoliosis. Reclinators are prescribed when diagnosing stage 1 scoliosis. They are also convenient in that they can be combined with other types of corsets.
Chest corsets that allow you to strengthen the muscles of the back and form a physiologically correct posture. The corset is equipped with rigid ribs, which are made in the form of inserts located along the spine in the thoracic region. Such a posture corrector can be prescribed for patients with stages 1 and 2 of scoliosis.
Another type of support corsets are thoracolumbar devices. They are made to order. These corsets have a rigid back that is designed to support the thoracic and lumbar spine. The device is additionally equipped with belts in the shape of the number eight, which allow you to take your shoulders back.
Corrective corsets
These devices are used to correct the curvature of the spine, and also prevent scoliosis from developing further. Corrective corsets while wearing them cause some discomfort, therefore they are prescribed only to those patients in whom scoliosis reaches the second, third or fourth stage. They are made according to individual measurements, based on plaster casts of the patient's torso.
Corrective corsets are worn throughout the day, taking them off to perform basic hygiene procedures. During treatment, the patient should regularly visit the orthopedist and undergo x-rays.
- A type of corrective device is the Chenot corset. It is often prescribed for children with advanced scoliosis. Such a corset can be used for curvatures in the lumbar and thoracic regions. It is represented by a rigid frame made of thermoplastic. Outside, the device is sheathed with foam rubber pads. They are designed to support the back in the correct position, aligning the existing bulges. The Chenot corset can be adjusted depending on the progression of the disease. Such a device is highly demanded by patients with scoliosis, as it is highly effective. Often, with the help of such a corset, it is possible to correct even grade 4 scoliosis.
- The Milwaukee corset can be used to treat and prevent the progression of scoliosis in children and adults. It is used to treat diseases of any part of the spine. It is presented with a semi-rigid base, equipped with supports to support the back of the head and chin. With such a corset, you can change the height, which is important for the treatment of children who are rapidly gaining in growth.
- Lyon corset or brace corset. It is recommended for use by patients diagnosed with scoliosis in all parts of the spine. The device is represented by a frame with inserts, which are reinforced with metal supports.
- The Boston corset is used to treat scoliosis in the lumbar region and sacrum. It is prescribed for patients with the last stages of the disease.
When is a corset indicated for patients?
If a patient is diagnosed with grade 3 or 4 scoliosis, then the corset is not prescribed to him immediately. First, they try to cure the disease with the help of gymnastic exercises, physiotherapy. Exercise therapy a person should do daily, for several hours. If the ongoing therapy does not allow achieving the desired effect, then as an additional method of treatment, the patient is prescribed wearing a corset. However, this does not mean that the patient should stop treatment.
How to wear a corset correctly?
Depending on the type of supporting device, the scheme of its use differs. So, support corsets are worn for 2 hours a day during the first week. In the future, every week the time of wearing the corset is increased by one hour. The maximum time to use the corset per day is 6 hours. This therapy lasts for 2-4 months. Then the time of its use is gradually reduced: by one hour, every 10 days. After that, the use of the supporting device is abandoned altogether. If the patient's posture begins to deteriorate again, then the next course of treatment lasts 2 months. In this case, the corset is worn for 4 hours a day.
If a corrective corset was chosen for the treatment of scoliosis, the process of adaptation to the device takes 21 days. They wear it for two hours, then take a break for two hours, then put it on again. This pattern continues throughout the day. Smoothly, the wearing time of the device is increased, bringing it to a day. If the doctor permits, you can remove the corset for several hours a day to give the body a rest. At this time, a person can relax, visit a massage therapist, or perform hygiene measures.
Basic rules for wearing corsets for scoliosis, regardless of the type of device:
- The corset must not be worn on a naked body. Either a shirt or a tight-fitting T-shirt should always be present under it.
- It is forbidden to lift weights while wearing the structure.
- You should gradually get used to the corset.
- While wearing the device, you must regularly visit your doctor to monitor the therapy.
- You should give up wearing a corset gradually.
Pros of wearing a corset
Thanks to the use of a corset for scoliosis, you can achieve the following positive aspects:
- Stop further development of the disease.
- Develop a strong skill of keeping the spine in the correct position.
- Stretch the spine if necessary.
- Improve the functioning of internal organs, in particular, lungs and heart.
- Unload the back muscles that are in hypertonicity.
Despite the fact that corsets for scoliosis can have a pronounced therapeutic effect, their use may be contraindicated in some patients. For example, they cannot be worn for diseases of a dermatological nature, when the skin needs regular care and treatment. Friction of the corset can lead to aggravation of the existing pathology. Therefore, before deciding to purchase a corset to correct posture and treat scoliosis, you should consult a doctor.
Cons of using a corset for scoliosis
The main disadvantages of corsets for the treatment of scoliosis include:
- Any device will impede the patient's movements to some extent.
- If you do not follow the doctor's recommendations and wear the corset for a long time, it will lead to the fact that the muscles will weaken and will not be able to support the spine.
- If the support device was not correctly selected, the disease will progress.
- In places where the corset exerts maximum pressure, the skin can chafe and become irritated.
- Corset wearing may be contraindicated in some patients.
Author of the article: Kaplan Alexander Sergeevich | Orthopedist
Education: diploma in the specialty "General Medicine" received in 2009 at the Medical Academy. I. M. Sechenov. In 2012 completed postgraduate studies in Traumatology and Orthopedics at the City Clinical Hospital named after Botkin at the Department of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Disaster Surgery.
