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Back pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it can get in the way of living your life. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition or recovering from an injury, your spine plays a huge role in how you move, feel, and function every day. One of the tools we often recommend to help support spinal health is a Spinal Orthosis, more commonly known as a back brace.

These braces are designed to provide structure, stability, and pain relief for people dealing with a variety of spinal conditions. At Atlantic Prosthetic Services, we work closely with each patient to determine whether a spinal orthosis might help and to make sure the solution we provide is tailored to their unique needs.

What Is a Spinal Orthosis?

A Spinal Orthosis is a device worn externally—usually around the torso or lower back—to support the spine and help reduce strain. Depending on your condition, it might be rigid for strong support, or softer and more flexible for day-to-day comfort. Braces like these are commonly used for posture correction, injury recovery, or to help manage chronic conditions that affect the spine.

While there are off-the-shelf options available, many patients benefit most from a custom-fit or custom made device that matches their body and provides targeted support where it’s most needed.

Conditions That May Call for a Back Brace

Spinal orthoses can be incredibly helpful for managing or improving a number of spinal conditions. Here are a few of the most common:

1. Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can develop during childhood or show up later in life due to age or degeneration. For younger patients, braces are often used to help guide the spine as they grow.

For adults, the goal is usually to ease discomfort and provide postural support. A well-fitted scoliosis brace can help slow curve progression and reduce pain caused by muscle fatigue or imbalance.

2. Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis happens when the space inside your spine starts to narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This can lead to symptoms like pain, tingling, or muscle weakness—often in the lower back or legs.

For many people, wearing a back brace can help. It supports your spine, encourages better posture, and can take some of the strain off surrounding muscles. A brace is especially helpful for patients who aren’t candidates for surgery or who are trying to manage symptoms more conservatively.

3. Herniated Discs

A herniated disc—sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc—occurs when the soft material between the bones in your spine bulges or leaks out. This can press on nearby nerves and cause sharp pain in your back or down your legs.

A spinal orthosis can be a great short-term solution during the early stages of injury. Limiting motion and giving your spine a chance to rest helps reduce inflammation and supports proper alignment—key factors in healing and preventing the problem from getting worse.

4. Spinal Fractures

Most commonly, fractures are the result of a fall, and they are most commonly Anterior Compression Fractures. This happens when the person lands directly on their bottom.and the downward force of the body compresses a vertebra (or several vertebrae). The compression fracture is usually on the anterior or front of the spinal column because the upper body is slumped forward at impact. A Spinal Orthosis is often prescribed to reduce movement in the affected area and thus, decrease pain and discomfort while allowing the area to heal.

5. Pre-Surgical Intervention

A spinal orthosis is sometimes prescribed as a stop gap measure to keep a fracture stable and reduce pain while waiting for the specialist to perform surgery. Sometimes in cases where the injury is not acute, but still needs surgery, the orthosis will provide necessary stability for the affected area until a surgery can be scheduled or approved by insurance.

How a Back Brace Can Help

Back braces aren’t a cure, but they can play an important role in recovery and daily function. Some of the most common benefits we hear from our patients include:

• Less pain: Supporting the spine and reducing motion can help calm inflamed nerves and muscles.
• Better posture: Braces can gently guide your body into better alignment, which helps prevent long-term strain.
• More confidence: When you feel supported, it’s easier to move, walk, and go about your day with less fear of discomfort.
• Support during recovery: After surgery or injury, bracing helps ensure the spine stays in a safe, healing-friendly position.

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf: What’s Right for You?

There are two main types of spinal braces: off-the-shelf and custom. Off-the-shelf options can be helpful for temporary use or more minor issues. But if your needs are more complex—or if you’re planning to use a brace long-term—a custom orthosis is usually the better route. It’s made specifically for your body, with the exact level of support you need.

At Atlantic Prosthetic Services, we take precise measurements and use modern technology to create spinal orthosis that is both functional and comfortable.

What to Expect When Wearing a Spinal Brace

Wearing a spinal brace may take a little getting used to, especially if you’ve never worn one before. We’ll walk you through everything—how to put it on, how long to wear it each day, and how to keep it clean. It’s important to follow the care plan we provide, as wearing a brace for too long (or not long enough) can affect your results.

Most people wear their brace during certain activities or at specific times of day, depending on what’s most helpful for their condition.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you're living with chronic back pain, recovering from surgery, or managing a condition like scoliosis or spinal stenosis, a spinal orthosis might be a helpful part of your care plan. Our team at Atlantic Prosthetic Services is here to help you understand your options, answer your questions, and provide support that makes a real difference in your day-to-day life.

Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation—we’d love to help you find the relief and the support your spine needs.
 

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