TLSO back braces are used to treat many conditions which require limiting back and thoracic movement or slowing down growth of unnatural curvature of the spine. This article will describe what TLSO is, what conditions a TLSO back brace is good for treating, and how the brace helps.
What is a TLSO Back Brace?
TLSO is an acronym which stands for thoracolumbosacral orthosis, which refers to the thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum parts of the spine (see diagram below). A TLSO back brace covers these regions of the back and is mainly used in cases of spinal deformity or spinal disorders to provide structural support to the back.
TLSO back braces are useful for treating many different conditions, such as scoliosis, osteoporosis, herniated discs, spinal fractures, and kyphosis.
TLSO Braces Help Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, while most common in older women, can affect men and women of all ages. It is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, leading to a higher possibility of fractures or breaks.
What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?
- subtle bone fractures
- lower back or neck pain
- stooped posture
- loss of height
There are many natural ways to prevent or reduce the symptoms of osteoporosis. Eat a healthy, balanced diet containing calcium-rich foods such as greens, yogurt, cheese, milk, and fruit. Exercise regularly to prevent bone loss by walking, running, weightlifting, and doing aerobics.
There are also medications that can help osteoporosis, so talk to your doctor to see what treatments are right for you.
In addition to the above measures, TLSO back braces can help stabilize the spine, ease the pain of osteoporosis, and provide support to minimize the risk of fractures. A postural extension support is the perfect TLSO brace for osteoporosis, taking the extra burden off back muscles. Made of soft, durable material, it will help reduce pain.
BraceAbility TLSO Full-Body Back Brace Support
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TLSO Braces Help Spinal Fractures
There can be many causes for spinal fractures. Osteoporosis may be one cause, but major trauma resulting from car accidents, gun shots, or other injuries can also cause spinal fractures. When surgery is needed to repair the spine, TLSO back braces can help immobilize and stabilize the spine before and after surgery.
What are the symptoms of a spinal fracture?
- Sudden and severe back pain
- Loss of height
- Deformity of the spine
- Pain increases during activities like walking, standing, bending, or twisting
Spinal fracture pain can be eased with the use of anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy is also a good option to strengthen your spine and back. Eating a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium can help prevent spinal fractures.
The recommended TLSO brace for spinal fracture is the extension orthosis for the support it provides for compression fractures from the inferior spine of the scapula to the sacrococcygeal junction. This back brace features a mechanical pulley system to enable easy wearing and adjustment. It can be used both prior to and after surgery.
Orthomen Hyper-X TLSO Jewett Hyperextension Back Brace Orthosis
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TLSO Braces Help Scoliosis
Another condition TLSO bracing helps is scoliosis, a condition in which the spine grows in such a way that it curves sideways. Many conditions can cause scoliosis, such as cerebral palsy, birth defects, muscular dystrophy, or spinal injuries. Most cases are usually mild, but some can be severe or become worse over time.
What are the symptoms scoliosis?
- one hip higher compared to the other
- one shoulder blade more prominent than the other
- uneven shoulders or waist
Some cases of scoliosis may be mild enough to just monitor them closely with regular doctor checkups, but more severe cases may benefit from surgery, a thoracic lumbar brace, or both.
Most scoliosis braces are meant to be worn over clothes. Wearing a scoliosis brace under clothes can be done and usually involves braces made of softer material to be more discreet. If you're concerned about others seeing your scoliosis brace, talk to your doctor about what brace is right for you and how best to conceal it.
The recommended scoliosis brace is a Thoracic Lumbar TLSO Back Brace. This scoliosis brace features a patented mechanical pulley system for easy wear and compression adjustment for spinal stabilization. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps provide additional comfort.
TLSO Thoracic Full Back Brace
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TLSO Braces Help Kyphosis
The condition in which a person has a rounded or hunchback-like appearance in the upper back. This can often be seen in elderly women and is often the result of osteoporosis weakening spinal bones. Some cases can be seen in younger people, but this is most often the result of birth defects, disease, and slouching.
What are the symptoms of kyphosis?
- head bending forwards
- hunch or bend in the back
- difference in the height of the shoulders
- tight hamstring muscles
Milder cases of kyphosis might not require treatment, but more severe cases can cause thoracolumbar pain and stiffness and possibly disruption of organ, tissue, and nerve functions.
Kyphosis treatment can vary depending on age of the patient, extremity of the condition, and the underlying cause. Osteoporosis medications, if applicable, and pain relievers are the first line of treatment, followed by exercises and bracing to prevent the condition from worsening or to improve the condition.
The Kyphosis Back Brace and Thoracic Posture Brace are designed with ease of use in mind and are recommended for kyphosis treatment. As easy to put on and adjust as a backpack, these anatomically contoured TLSO back braces feature soft, durable mesh and buckles placed to reduce the possibility of irritation.
A posture brace is recommended for wear during the day for less severe cases of kyphosis to prevent worsening of the condition. It helps train your body to adopt a better posture.
BraceAbility TLSO Full-Body Back Brace Support
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$307.99 $219.99
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TLSO Braces Help A Herniated Disc
An injured or aged spine may develop a herniated disc. Your spine is made up of individual bones that are separated by discs or cushions. The adjacent nerves get irritated when these discs slip or rupture because they are forced out through a gap in the outer layer. The progressive, excessive wear and tear on your spine known as disk degeneration leads to a herniated disc.
Herniated disc signs and symptoms:
- Leg or arm pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakened muscles
We advise beginning with anti-inflammatory drugs to lessen the discomfort brought on by your herniated disc. Along with icing your back, physical therapy can also help you manage your discomfort.
To ease your back pain brought on by a herniated disc, the TLSO back braces we suggest are the thoracic postural brace, spine stabilization brace, or herniated disc therapy brace.
