Your Scoliosis Brace

A brace helps stop the scoliosis curve in your spine from getting worse as you grow. It may also help keep you from needing surgery. To do the job, the brace needs to be worn almost all the time until you are fully grown.

A typical underarm brace.

Fitting the brace

An orthotist is the person who makes and fits the brace to your body. Before the brace fits you right, you will most likely go to the orthotist a few times to have it adjusted.

Tips for wearing a brace

Here are some suggestions:

• Wear only a soft, clean T-shirt under your brace to protect your skin. Choose a shirt that fits tight so there are few wrinkles. Change the T-shirt every day and when it gets dirty or sweaty.

• Keep your skin clean and dry. Shower daily.

• Don’t hide the brace from your friends. Tell them what it is and why you have to wear it. You will most likely find that your friends will be great support.

• Ask your orthotist about the best way to clean your brace.

• See your healthcare provider as often as instructed so they can check how well the brace is working for you.

Keeping active

Your healthcare provider may ask you to do some exercises to help keep your back flexible and make it stronger. Do them as often as you're instructed. Stay active by walking and doing other activities. You can still play sports if you want to. You can take your brace off for certain sports, such as swimming and running. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about this.

When to call your healthcare provider

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You gain more than 10 pounds

• The brace starts fitting differently

• The brace hurts you or rubs your skin, causing redness or a rash

• Something keeps you from wanting to wear your brace