What our experts say about bracing and injections for back pain

Should I use a brace for my back pain?

The general consensus is that mobility is the key to rehabilitation. In other words we don’t want to restrict motion in the spine. However, if you are suffering an acute episode and your pain is severe it is probably a good idea to start your recovery with a back support that keeps the area stable. Also, when muscles are supported they tend not to work; for this reason chronic use of a brace will not help your muscular stability which is crucial for your long tem recovery.

Could I use a brace to improve my posture?

Changing your posture requires dedication and a lot of conscious practice. Your muscles need to get stronger and durable. Apart from that your brain needs to store these new movement patterns and static positions. This requires a lot of practice and effort but the results are very rewarding. By using a brace your postural muscles are not forced to work. It may be easier but certainly using a brace to improve your posture would mean that changing your posture will require more time.

What about bracing for scoliosis?

Bracing treatment for scoliosis can be very effective at the initial stages. Some experts recommend the use of a brace at night as soon as someone develops a curve of 15 degrees. Bracing can also be effective at bigger Cobb angles (25-40degrees). It all depends on your curve and how old you are. Based on these factors you will be recommended to wear your brace up for a number of hours per day and combine it with your rehabilitation exercises.

Do I need a spinal injection?

If your pain is of inflammatory nature, you have tried conservative treatment for a while and your symptoms have not improved then there is certainly something to consider. A spinal injection, epidural, nerve root block, or facet joint injections can help you recover from the acute stage faster. The injections may not be able to solve entirely your problem but they could offer you a window of opportunity to progress with your rehabilitation. You would be able to work on your muscular stability, flexibility and posture and be better prepared to manage your back pain in case it returns.