Thoracic back braces, also known as thoracic support braces or orthoses, are medical devices designed to provide support, stability, and immobilization to the thoracic region of the spine, which includes the upper and middle back. These braces are primarily used to address various spinal conditions, injuries, and postural issues.
Here are some benefits and applications of thoracic back braces:
Benefits
1. Spinal Support: Thoracic back braces are designed to provide targeted support to the thoracic spine, helping to alleviate pain, reduce pressure on the affected area, and promote proper spinal alignment.
2. Immobilization: These braces can immobilize the thoracic region, which can be beneficial for conditions that require restricted movement to allow for healing. Immobilization can help prevent further injury or strain on the spine.
3. Pain Relief: Individuals with conditions such as vertebral fractures, muscle strains or herniated discs in the thoracic spine can experience significant pain. Back braces can help distribute the load across the spine, reducing pain and discomfort.
4. Postural Correction: Thoracic back braces are often used to promote better posture by gently guiding the spine into a more neutral alignment. This can help address issues like kyphosis (excessive rounding of the upper back) and encourage healthier spinal positioning.
5. Assistance in Recovery: For individuals recovering from spinal surgery or injuries, thoracic back braces can provide external support to aid the healing process and prevent unintended movements that could hinder recovery.
6. Conservative Treatment: In some cases, thoracic back braces may be recommended as a non-surgical or conservative treatment option before considering more invasive interventions.
Applications
1. Kyphosis: Thoracic back braces are commonly used to manage kyphosis, a condition characterized by an exaggerated curvature of the upper back. By gently applying pressure and encouraging proper alignment, these braces can help reduce the curvature and improve posture.
2. Fractures: Individuals with vertebral fractures, whether due to osteoporosis, trauma, or other causes, can benefit from thoracic back braces. The brace stabilizes the fractured area, allowing the bones to heal properly.
3. Scoliosis: While thoracic braces are more focused on the upper and middle back, they can also play a role in managing scoliosis, a condition involving lateral curvature of the spine. Bracing may be recommended for specific types of scoliosis to prevent progression, especially in growing adolescents.
4. Post-Surgery Support: After thoracic spinal surgery, wearing a back brace can provide additional support during the initial stages of recovery. The brace helps protect the surgical site and encourages proper alignment while the spine heals.
5. Muscle Strains and Injuries: Thoracic back braces can help manage muscle strains, ligament injuries, and other soft tissue injuries in the upper and middle back by limiting movement and reducing strain on the affected area.
6. Postural Dysfunction: Individuals with poor posture, which can result from various factors including sedentary lifestyles, can use thoracic back braces to retrain their muscles and encourage a healthier alignment.
It’s important to note that thoracic back braces should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They will assess the individual’s condition, recommend the appropriate type of brace, and provide instructions for proper usage and duration.
Targeted compression for effective back pain treatment
The Bio Skin Back Flex is a simple and effective treatment for a variety of causes of lumbar pain. it is also helpful as a post-procedural treatment for stabilization, compression, and cold therapy. The brace includes two hot/cold gel pads that attach to the lumbar panel to enhance patient comfort and maximize pain relief.
The patent-pending design of the Back Flex provides unrivaled support and pain relief to the lower spine. The solid lumbar panel is attached to a mechanically-advantaged cinching mechanism which provides adjustable pressure to the lumbar spine. Because the cords attach the side panels to the back panel, engaging the cinching mechanism focuses the compression on the spine and provides better support than is possible with other designs.
Pain relief and stabilization. Promotes proper positioning during healing.
The Bio Skin Back Plus combines the pain relief of compression with therapeutic stabilization after an injury or a medical procedure to promote proper positioning. Includes two hot/cold gel pads that attach to the brace’s lumbar panel for additional comfort and pain relief.
The Bio Skin Baja 627 provides unrivaled lumbar support and pain relief, allowing you to return to normal activity. It has a double lacing system with the two banks of pulleys positioned on the sides of the torso. When the patient engages the cinching mechanism, the posterior panel is drawn forward, focusing the compression on the soft tissues that support the spine.
A recent study using the bilateral cinching mechanism of the Baja 627 showed an average reduction in VAS scores of 40% and a 41% improvement in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire scores in patients with chronic low back pain.
