Patients who suffer from Scoliosis have several options including surgery and bracing to help correct the curvature of the spine.

When the severity of Scoliosis is minimal, treatment often isn't necessary, and a patient's health can often be ensured by medical observation.

However, if the curvature of the spine continues to present problems, deformity may progress and become severe enough to warrant bracing or surgery.

The Spinecor Brace from the Spine Corporation is one option that is highly regarded for treating Scoliosis. Compared to other bracing systems, the Spinecor Brace is widely considered more comfortable and less obtrusive for the patient. This is because the Spinecor Brace is made of lightweight plastic and elastic bands, and can be freely worn underneath clothes with the addition of a bodysuit.

What is the Spinecor Brace?

The SpineCor Dynamic Corrective Brace is a plastic and elastic brace made up of two sections: the base and anchor bands, and the elastic bands and fittings used to apply pressure to the spine.

The base includes three plastic anchor points that attach to elastics bands for the crotch and thighs. These anchor points also serve as attachments for the torso bands that can be tightened to correct the spine.

Each patient that uses the spinecor brace is fitted for corrective bands depending on the curve of his or her spine.

Who should use the spinecor brace?

Typically, only patients who experience Idiopathic Scoliosis will find positive benefits from wearing the Spinecor Brace.

Idiopathic scoliosis is an "S" or "C" curvature of the spine from side to side that has a sudden, unexpected onset.

The onset of idiopathic scoliosis primarily affects children, young teens, and most often girls or young women.

Studies have shown that patients who suffer from Idiopathic Scoliosis can begin to see correction of spine curvature within as little as one month. However, other patients may take several months to see benefits. The effectiveness varies between patients. Adolescent patients who are still physically developing may see benefits faster than young children.

How does it work?

The Spinecor Brace enables correction of spinal curvature due to a precise and gradual pressure on the vertebrae meant to guide them into alignment.

In addition to the physical brace, chiropractic doctors who use the Spinecor Brace may also use the Spinecor Assistant Software developed to assist doctors, orthotists and physiotherapists by allowing them to accurately classify the patient's specific spinal curve type and choose the correct brace fitting.

Several clinical visits are required when using a Spinecor Brace.

The visits include:

1. Brace fitting:

During the brace fitting, a chiropractic doctor will measure and fit a patient for the Spinecor brace. The doctor may place marks on your back with a makeup pencil to record anatomical points.

2. First clinical evaluation:

The clinical evaluation is help the medical professional evaluate a patient's growth patterns and detect posture problems.

3. Radiological evaluation:

The radiological evaluation is to determine the extent of scoliosis and its potential to worsen. During this evaluation, a doctor typically takes three sets of x-rays.

4. First clinical evaluation in brace:

The clinical evaluation is help the medical professional evaluate the body's response to the Spinecor Brace, along with the patient's comfort level.

5. Second radiological evaluation in brace:

The second radiological evaluation is to determine how well the spine is responding to the treatment. A chiropractic doctor may recommend several sets of x-rays to measure the progress.

Patients should expect regular follow up visits to ensure proper fit and effectiveness of the Spinecor Brace.

In addition:

Patients are encouraged to participate in sports and activities (except for swimming) while wearing the brace to maximize its benefit.

Patients may be asked to undergo a special physical therapy program designed specifically to accompany the action of the Spinecor Brace.

Patients may be prescribed a shoe lift that must be worn during all activities to accelerate the effectiveness of the brace.

Finally, patients are encouraged to use a lycra or nylon bodysuit underneath the brace for hygiene and comfort. Wearing a bodysuit typically enhances comfort by preventing the brace from rubbing and chafing due to friction. Using a bodysuit also promotes hygiene by preventing moisture, dead skin cells, and bacteria from building up on the plastic and elastic framework of the brace.

How long should a person wear a Spinecor Brace?

The SpineCor brace is worn for 20 hours per day, and must be worn while sleeping. A patient may take the brace off for four hours per day, and it's recommended to split those 4 hours into two or more intervals during the least active times.

The length of treatment will depend on the severity of the curve, age at start of treatment and its progression, but it is always a minimum of 18 months.

Outcomes are typically favorable, and vary by the anatomy of the patient, age, genetic predisposition, and other factors.

About Author / Additional Info:
Dr. Travis Cunningham is a Boise Chiropractor and owner of Spinal Dynamics Chiropractic. To read more about his services and meet his staff, please visit his website by going to: http://www.spinaldynamicschiropractic.com.