Brace Yourselves... It's Time to Talk About Back Braces!

I know what you're probably thinking: what in the world is a back brace? In simple terms, a back brace is designed and built for children or young teenagers with Scoliosis (typically pre-pubescent) who's spinal curves are considered moderate to severe (at least 25 degree Cobb angle). The reason why back braces are (in most cases) only suggested for children or young teens is because they're still growing, and a back brace can positively influence the curvature of the spine in a growth-spurt (adolescent growth-spurts typically worsen the degree of curvature). Back braces don't necessarily 'correct' the curve, they just help prevent it from worsening. I like to think of the spine and back braces as a young tree (the spine), and the anchoring (bracing) technique as the back brace.

Phillips, L. (2017). Tree Bracing [Model]. Retrieved from http://gibneyce.com/8-read-about-follow-up-care.html

I got my back brace when I was 13 years old, and it cost me around $2,000. When I first started wearing my brace, it was hard to adjust to, but I eventually got used to the feeling of sleeping in it and wearing most of the day. Towards the end of wearing the back brace, it started to get very uncomfortable. It often compressed my abdomen, resulting in gastrointestinal troubles. I kept wearing my brace because at the time I thought it would ensure that I didn't need surgery.

Pictures of my back brace from the front, top, back, and side.

My brace was sometimes noticeable through my clothing, and I had to wear larger sized pants or skirts to fit the extra width of the brace. Since my spinal curves are relatively balanced, my back brace mimicked my natural curves. All that being said, there were also some good times to be had with my back brace. When I would be in class, sometimes my friends would knock on my brace, and the teacher would think that it was the door. Sometimes my friends would also jokingly hit my back brace with things as they were amused that I couldn't feel it.

I also must confess that I was not always the most compliant back brace-wearer, and I definitely should've worn it more often. If you have an opportunity to wear a brace for a couple of years in order to avoid surgery, I'd strongly recommend that you put up with the slight uncomfortableness for the short period of time.

This blog is my own personal experience and journey with Scoliosis. It is not a medical blog, and if anyone has concerns about their own health, they should see a physician.