Treatments | Bracing

Lumbar Braces

Lumbar braces are used to support the spine and are worn to provide you with more comfort while you are active. If you have a spinal fracture, then a lumbar brace should be worn whenever you are out of bed. In most cases, the lumbar brace does not need to be worn while sleeping, sitting or driving. If you do not have a fracture, then you can wear the brace, as needed, to provide you with more comfort. The three types of lumbar braces are as follows:

• Corset: A corset is a soft brace with laces;

• Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis (LSO): This lumbar brace is more rigid than a corset and has hard panels within the brace. The LSO is used for patients after surgery, for those with fractures or deformities or for those who have severe pain. This brace is worn over the lower back.

• Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacrral Orthosis (TLSO): This brace is similar to the LSO but is taller to help control some of the thoracic or upper spine. The TLSO is used to support the spine in cases of scoliosis, for spinal fractures between the T6 and the L2 vertebrae, or after complex surgery.

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate collar for your injury to ensure a healthy recovery.