What Is a Scoliosis Back Brace?
Scoliosis is a lateral or side-to-side curvature of the spine, which is a column of small bones called vertebrae that are stacked upon one another. The spine, or vertebral column, is the main skeletal support of the human body; it begins at the back of the neck and extends to the top of the buttocks. Though every spine has natural front to back curves, if lateral curves form as the spine grows during adolescence, a scoliosis back brace may be prescribed to correct the curves. Left uncorrected, pronounced curves can cause imbalance, muscle weakness, and pain, and even interfere with breathing in extreme cases. A scoliosis back brace is the typical treatment used for curves that reach 25 degrees. Once it is determined this is the appropriate course of treatment, a scoliosis back brace is generally worn until the spine stops growing. This often means a brace is worn for several years. Most braces are worn at all times, including during sleep, though they can be removed when bathing. This
