Scoliosis brace
Chêneau brace · orthopedic brace · spine brace · brace treatment for scoliosis
The brace is a rigid corset made to fit your child's body. It supports the spine while your child grows and stops the curve from getting worse.
Usually for children and teens whose scoliosis is clearly getting worse while they grow.
⏱ Duration: making the brace usually takes several visits; the brace is worn for months or years
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- X-rays. Bring the spine X-ray. The doctor decides which brace is needed from it.
- Clothing. A thin, close-fitting seamless T-shirt, worn under the brace.
- Talk. Talk with your child beforehand: the brace is treatment, not a punishment.
What to bring
- X-ray images
- The orthopedist's report
- A thin seamless T-shirt
How it goes
- The specialist examines the back and takes measurements or a scan of the torso
- The brace is made from them
- At the fitting it is adjusted so it does not press
- You are shown how to put it on and take it off
- Wearing time is increased gradually
- After some time an X-ray is taken in the brace
What you'll feel
- At first the brace is tight and unfamiliar, and deep breaths are harder
- It can be hot and hard to sleep in for the first weeks
- After a few weeks most children get used to it
Afterwards
- Wear the brace for as many hours as the doctor said. The result depends on it
- Check the skin under the brace every day
- Keep up the exercise therapy. The brace does not replace it
- See the doctor regularly. The brace is changed as your child grows
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Redness, sores or blisters from the brace that do not go away
- Severe back pain or numb legs
- The brace is clearly too small
Common questions
How many hours a day should the brace be worn?
Usually many hours a day, sometimes almost around the clock. The doctor will set the exact schedule.
Can my child play sports?
Often yes, and the brace is taken off for that time. The doctor will say which sports are fine.