Are you considering treatment options for your child’s scoliosis? If your doctor has recently recommended a scoliosis brace, you might wonder if back braces work to help correct scoliosis. Find out everything you need to know about this treatment option below.

What Is a Scoliosis Brace?

Scoliosis is a spinal condition in which an individual’s spine curves in an abnormal way. To help correct the curve or prevent further progression, people with scoliosis may wear a brace. A scoliosis brace is a medical device worn around the torso to help straighten the spine.

Benefits of Bracing for Scoliosis

Children and adolescents with scoliosis typically wear braces to prevent the progression of their condition. A scoliosis brace may prevent or put-off the need for spinal surgery.

How Bracing Works

Scoliosis braces are designed to apply pressure to specific areas of the spine. The brace compresses certain areas to prevent them from growing while allowing other parts of the spine to develop more naturally. While a brace may not completely straighten the spine, it can delay the need for surgery with early intervention.

Types of Braces

Scoliosis bracing often requires the individual to wear the device for up to 23 hours per day. Still, some people only brace during the day or at night to help straighten their spines. Many different scoliosis brace types exist, including:

  • Boston Brace: An evolution of the Milwaukee brace, this is the most prescribed scoliosis brace. It has straps to help it fit securely and may come in custom colors and patterns.
  • Wilmington Brace: Created from a mold of the patient’s body, this brace is reinforced and made to fit like a glove.
  • Green Sun Medical Whisper Brace: A flexible and adjustable brace that corrects in 3 dimensions. allows doctors and caregivers to monitor patient use. The device includes a Bluetooth monitoring system and mobile app.
  • Rigo-Cheneau Brace: A 3D brace that is custom printed to fit the patient. It opens in the front, and you can order it in custom colors.
  • UNYQ Align Brace: A 3D-printed brace that offers more flexibility than traditional bracing options due to its shape.
  • The SpineCor Brace: Without using hard plastic, this brace allows for flexibility and is customized to each patient.
  • The Charleston Bending Brace: Meant to be worn at night, this brace puts pressure on the spine to bend it in the opposite direction of the curve. Some patients only use a night brace.

Knowing which back braces work to help correct scoliosis may help you make the right decision for you and your child. The right brace may depend on the progression of the condition and personal preference. Talk to your doctor about which scoliosis brace is right for you.