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Wearing a spine brace may be a new experience for you and your family. The purpose of your brace is to help keep your spinal curve(s) from progressing to a level where surgery is needed. This information, as well as guidance from your care providers, will help you know what to expect.
General Guidelines for Your Spine Brace
- Your brace is like medicine; it only works if you use it as prescribed. The number of hours you need to wear your brace each day will depend on the degree of your curve(s) and your stage of growth. Your spine provider will determine what is best for you. Generally, people with scoliosis or kyphosis wear a brace between 18 and 23 hours daily.
- To protect the skin, you must wear a close-fitting shirt or body sock under the brace. Pull it tight so there are minimal wrinkles under the brace. Change your shirt daily or more often if excessive sweating occurs. Moisture can cause skin breakdown, infections, and body odor.
- You must check your skin frequently for red or pink marks. A red or pink mark that stays on your skin for longer than 30 minutes could indicate too much pressure, and you should contact your orthotist.
- Avoid using lotions, creams, and oils on your skin under your brace. These products soften your skin and may lead to blisters or other skin irritations. If bruising or blisters develop, contact your orthotist immediately.
- You should remove your brace for bathing and physical activities.
Cleaning Your Spine Brace
It is important to keep your brace clean. Plan to shower daily. Wipe down the brace at least once a day with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and let it dry for at least 10 minutes before putting it back on. You can also wipe down any pads that may be glued in the brace.
Spine Brace Wearing Schedule
Always check your skin after removing your brace. If any redness persists longer than 30 minutes, consult your orthotist.
By 2 weeks, you should be wearing your spine brace for the prescribed number of hours.
| Day | Wear Time | Wear to Bed? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 hour on, 30 minutes off Repeat until bedtime | No |
| 2 | 2 hours on, 30 minutes off Repeat until bedtime | No |
| 3 and 4 | 3 to 4 hours on, 30 minutes off Repeat until bedtime | No |
| 5 and 6 | 5 to 7 hours on, 30 minutes off Repeat until bedtime | Yes |
| 7 through 14 | Increase your wear time until you reach ____ hours each day | Yes |
Follow-Up Appointments
After you get your brace, you will see your spine provider for routine follow-up appointments. It is important to see your orthotist on these days to make sure the brace fits well as you grow and is functioning as well as it can. When scheduling appointments, be sure to request an appointment with OPS to have your brace checked.
Do not wear your brace for 24 hours before any spine X-ray appointments.
If you have any questions or concerns about your brace, you should contact OPS to speak to a spine orthotist.
OPS: 651-229-3800
Scheduling: 651-290-8707
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This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team.
If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.
