Brace Treatment in North Texas

A spinal or back brace (also known as an orthotic or orthosis) can accomplish several treatment goals and help to reduce back pain to prevent back surgery or following a surgical procedure. Back braces can decrease the motions that increase back pain, stabilize an injured spine, and prevent further progression of a spinal deformity such as scoliosis. Braces offer many benefits and can help heal several back conditions. Dr. Kendall Carll, a board-certified spine surgeon and founder of Spine Care of North Texas, utilizes spinal orthosis to treat common back conditions and to support the spine as it heals following back surgery. As he focuses on prioritizing nonsurgical treatments, Dr. Carll prefers to prescribe back braces as a conservative treatment method before moving on to more invasive options.

A multi-purpose treatment option, back braces are used to help several spinal conditions. Some of those are:

• Muscle strain or sprain
• Osteoporosis
• Scoliosis
• Spinal fractures, tumors, and cord injuries
• Spondylolisthesis
• Whiplash
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Kyphosis

Back braces offer a wide range of benefits for those suffering from back pain or recovering from spinal procedures. Additional benefits of brace treatment include:

• Pain reduction: Limits movement that can aggravate pain and provides stability
• Spinal stabilization: Supports injured areas to prevent further damage
• Deformity prevention: Helps correct or prevent the progression of spinal conditions like scoliosis
• Post-surgical support: Protects the spine during recovery, promoting proper healing
• Improved posture: Encourages better spinal alignment and reduces slouching

A brace is made with varying materials to help properly address a wide number of back pain conditions, ranging from severe muscle strain to postsurgical recovery. Back braces are typically made from similar materials differing in their flexibility and the amount of movement they allow. Generally speaking, braces are categorized as flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid.

Flexible – These types of braces are usually made with soft, malleable materials, such as cotton, canvas, and/or neoprene and include corsets, lumbar belts, and sacroiliac belts.

Rigid – Rigid braces are usually made of mostly sturdy materials that wrap around the patient’s midsection, with strong (rigid) panels that cover the front, back, and sometimes sides of the brace.

Semi-rigid – A semi-rigid back brace uses elements from both the flexible and rigid brace designs. These typically include a flexible lumbar belt, additional soft (flexible) padding, and specially placed plastic panels.

You can expect your orthotic back brace to provide you with a certain degree of relief from your back pain. If Dr. Carll is utilizing the brace to prevent or address a spinal deformity, you may notice that your brace helps you to keep your spine straighter and reduces your ability to slouch or practice bad posture. Individuals with chronic pain or those healing from a spinal injury typically notice that their orthotic back brace provides the stability needed to prevent excessive pressure or discomfort. Braces keep your spine held and supported in one position, so it can recover properly with less stress.

Is brace treatment a permanent solution for spine problems?

Brace treatment is typically a temporary part of a broader care plan. It is often combined with physical therapy and other treatments to strengthen the muscles around the spine for long-term relief.

How long will I need to wear a back brace?

The duration varies depending on your specific condition and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients may only need to wear a brace for a few weeks, while others might require it for several months.

Can I wear a brace during daily activities?

Yes, most patients can wear a brace during normal activities like walking, sitting, or light tasks. However, Dr. Carll may recommend avoiding certain strenuous activities while wearing the brace.

Spine Care of North Texas takes proactive measures to prevent surgical interventions whenever possible. Dr. Kendall Carll often recommends the use of braces as a conservative treatment method before considering more invasive options. If you are suffering from back pain but are not ready to begin thinking about spine surgery, you may be an ideal candidate for a flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid back brace. Schedule a consultation at one of our North Texas practices to speak with Dr. Carll today. With facilities in Addison and Plano, we make it convenient for you to be seen at your earliest availability.