Wearing a brace for scoliosis

Content provided by Healthwise

Wearing a brace for scoliosis

The cosmetic aspects of scoliosis and the braces used to treat it may greatly affect a child or teen.

Teenagers may find wearing a brace devastating to their self-image. Most braces should be worn for 20 hours a day or more, usually for several years. Follow-up studies across the United States have found that less than 50% of teens wore their braces as prescribed.

Also, wearing a brace may limit activities such as horseback riding, skiing, skating, and gymnastics. However, other activities, such as biking, tennis, running, and jumping, are allowed while the brace is worn. It is generally recommended that children be allowed to remove their braces to participate in physical education classes and other highly desired activities. This may encourage better use of the brace.

Newer braces are designed to improve the chance that a child will wear it. New braces can often be covered by clothes.

Credits

Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Thomas S. Renshaw, MD - Orthopedics
Last Updated	August 30, 2007

Last updated:	August 30, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas S. Renshaw, MD - Orthopedics
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.