Scoliosis Bracing

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this condition that affects millions of people worldwide. At Westcoast Brace and Limb, our expert scoliosis orthotists treat hundreds of patients each year with scoliosis bracing options. Scoliosis is a medical condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. This creates an abnormal posture and potential health complications. While scoliosis can affect people of all ages, it is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents.

If you suspect that you or your child may have scoliosis, it is important to know the signs and symptoms. Some of the most common signs of scoliosis include uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, uneven hips, and a noticeable curve in the spine. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to see a physician, preferably an orthopedic specialist, for a scoliosis evaluation.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for scoliosis. One of the most common treatments is bracing. Treatment with braces involves wearing a specialized brace to help correct the curvature of the spine. There are several types of braces available. At Westcoast Brace & Limb we use braces with the best proven outcomes. These include, amongst others, the Boston brace, Boston 3D brace, Providence brace, and Whisper brace.

The Boston TLSO brace is one of the most well-known and widely used braces for scoliosis. It is a rigid brace that is custom-made to fit the patient’s body. A patient wears the Boston for up to 23 hours a day. The Boston 3D brace is a newer version of the Boston brace. The design is more comfortable and effective. It uses 3D scanning technology, which creates a more precise fit. Additionally, the material is lighter and more breathable.

Another commonly used scoliosis brace is the Providence Nocturnal Scoliosis® System. It is a custom-made Night Time Only TLSO that overcorrects the spine. It is designed to be worn for up to 10 hours a day, while the child is in bed. Due to the patient only having to wear it in their home, it traditionally has better compliance rate.  The Providence brace has a unique design which let’s it be worn over a patient’s clothing. This results in a more discreet and comfortable wear.

The Whisper TLSO brace is a newer scoliosis brace. The Whisper Brace design claims to be more comfortable and effective than traditional braces. It uses similar 3D over corrective Asymmetrical design that the Boston 3D uses. The difference being, it is a flexible TLSO that improves comfort and compliance.A lightweight, breathable material makes it is easy to wear for up to 18 hours a day. The Whisper brace is also unique in that it is adjustable, allowing for a more precise fit and greater comfort.

In addition to treatment options for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, our team also provides orthotic options for Neuromuscular scoliosis. This type of scoliosis typically presents as a C-curve. Commonly seen in those with underlying conditions such as spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other syndromes. Treatment for these conditions include experience in both adolescent and adults scoliosis bracing. Our team is well versed in accommodative TLSOs to manage neuromuscular scoliotic curves. This includes the customizations needed for unique breathing patterns, bolus feeding tubes/buttons, wheelchair accommodation, and more.

Scoliosis is a significant medical condition that requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If you or your child are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of scoliosis, seeking medical attention in a timely fashion is important. A specialist will be able to determine what course of treatment is best for you or your child’s individual situation. Since bracing is one of the most common treatments for scoliosis, and there are several types of braces available, our team will work with your physician to decide which brace would be best. Our ability to provide a wide range of scoliosis braces including but not limited to, the Boston brace, Boston 3D brace, Providence brace, and Whisper brace means you can rest assured that you are receiving the best care. Contact a WCBL office today at info@wcbl.com or call or text 813-985-5000 to schedule an evaluation.