When is it prescribed?
Brace treatment is recommended after assessing the type of vertebral fracture with a CT scan and/or MRI and confirming that it is stable and can heal properly without the need for surgical stabilization. It is very important for a spine specialist to assess the fracture, as vertebral wedging or compression fractures tend to progress and can lead to chronic pain and kyphotic deformity of the spine.
How does a brace work?
The brace supports the muscles around the spine, reduces their workload, limits certain movements, and therefore helps you feel less pain despite the vertebral fracture. It also positions the spine more upright and reduces the load on the fractured vertebra.
The brace…
| YES | NO |
| maintains better alignment immobilizes while the fracture heals restricts movement and relieves pain | corrects the spine prevents deformities prevents the fracture from collapsing |
For this reason, it is very important for a spine specialist to ensure that the fracture can heal with a brace without the need for surgical fixation.
How long should it be used?
It is generally prescribed for 8–12 weeks, which is the time it takes for the bone to heal. After that period, it is discontinued more or less gradually depending on the patient’s prior physical condition.
Do I need complete bed rest while wearing the brace?
In the first few days, if there is severe pain, some rest may be needed; however, the purpose of the brace is precisely to allow you to start doing some activities and move around a little. Clearly, there are many things you will not be able to do, as it is designed to restrict bending and extension movements.
When should I put it on?
It is recommended to wear it when sitting, standing, or walking.
The brace should always be removed to lie down (as the spine is at rest when lying down and no support is needed).
It is not usually necessary to put it on while lying down (especially for people with reduced mobility).
Ask the specialist when it can be removed for personal hygiene and for eating while seated. If you remove it for personal hygiene, remember to dry the skin thoroughly before putting it back on to prevent fungal infections or chafing.
What happens if I wear it longer than recommended?
The muscles become accustomed to working less and weaken, which makes recovery much more difficult once you are advised to stop wearing the brace.
Wearing a brace continuously can contribute to digestive problems, high blood pressure, and chafing or sores on the skin due to friction.
The brace does not fit me well…
Consult the orthotics technician who fitted your brace; they are orthosis professionals and can give you tips to improve the fit.
I have unbearable pain despite wearing the brace…
Consult a spine specialist as soon as possible to check whether the fracture is healing properly and to adjust pain medication.
Find out whether you are a candidate for vertebroplasty, a minimally invasive technique in which cement is injected into the vertebra to provide rapid pain relief.
And do not forget that from the age of 60, if you sustain a vertebral fracture, it is highly recommended to have an osteoporosis assessment; book your appointment at the bone fragility unit. https://saraburguet.com/prevencion-de-la-fragilidad-osea/
