Our spines all have a natural curve to them, but if this curve becomes too pronounced, it can lead to a condition called scoliosis. One of the most common times for this curvature disorder to develop or worsen is adolescence and puberty when your spine is going through a more rapid period of growth. When the early stages of scoliosis are detected in a child or teen, oftentimes the first step is to prevent the curvature issue from worsening, as stopping this progression can help to prevent the need for surgery later in life. One of the most common forms of treatment at this stage is regular spinal bracing.
It can take a little while to get used to wearing a spinal brace, but the sooner you help your child become comfortable wearing one, the better it will be for their spine in the long term. In today’s blog, we share some tips for helping your child adjust to wearing a spinal brace.
Spinal Bracing For Juvenile Scoliosis
While all children and teens are different, research shows that early bracing during the spinal developmental stage can go a long way in helping to prevent the need for corrective surgery down the road. In fact, statistics show that bracing can help to prevent the need for surgery in upwards of 80 percent of developing kids with early stage scoliosis. So we know that a brace can do wonders for their spine, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be completely receptive to it. Although braces have become less bulky and more comfortable in recent years, children may not want to wear them for a variety of reasons. Braces will inherently restrict some movement, feel a little uncomfortable at times and may contribute to some social anxiety. All of these potential issues can be managed by helping your child get used to the brace. Here are some pieces of advice for helping your child get accustomed to wearing a spinal brace:
- The On/Off Process – Even for teenagers, getting a spinal brace on and off can be a little difficult, so take some time to help your child practice getting the brace on and taking it off. Children feel a greater sense of ownership and are less likely to be frustrated by the process if they are able to get the brace on and off with ease.
- Gradually Increase Time In Brace – We want to get to the point where your child is wearing the brace for hours at a time, but getting to this level won’t happen overnight. It’s important that you gradually increase their time in the brace. This ensures that they are less likely to be overwhelmed by the process, and their skin needs to get used to the way the brace puts pressure on different areas. Forcing your child to wear it for too long in the beginning stages can lead to sores, blisters and bruising, so ease into it.
- Keep Cool – One of the most common complaints from children and teens who use a spinal brace is that they cause them to become warm or overheated. These braces aren’t always very breathable, and if your child is moving around or outside on a warm day, it can be hard for sweat and heat to escape their body. You can talk to your child’s spine specialist to see if airholes can be added to the brace or a more breathable option is available. Also, help your child find ways to stay cool. Let them ditch their brace during the warmest parts of the day and keep them well hydrated.
- Take Them Clothes Shopping – Some children feel self-conscious about the appearance of their brace or how their clothes will look while they are wearing the brace. Take them shopping or go through their closet and find some options they feel comfortable wearing. There are a lot of different clothing options that can help to minimize the appearance of a brace if your child is self-conscious, so help them find some outfits they are comfortable in.
- Check In – Finally, although they may not love talking about their spinal brace, it’s important to check in with your child regularly about their brace. If they are dealing with skin issues or they are finding it particularly uncomfortable during certain activities, you need to know so that you can help find solutions. Get in the habit of asking how their brace is feeling and if there’s anything you can do to make the process a little more comfortable. They may not outwardly appreciate it, but it will serve to make the process a bit easier for everyone.
For more information about spinal braces, or for help with a different back condition, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
How To Make Home Recovery A Breeze After Spinal Fusion
