Orthotics department

Spinal Braces, Corsets and Abdominal Supports

Information for patients and carers

Spinal braces, corsets and abdominal supports provide the following functions:

• To steady and limit motion of the joints, ligaments and muscles in your back.
• To support weak muscles.
• To support vertebrae which have structural weakness.
• For hernias, to keep protruding tissue in place and relieve discomfort.

Common uses are for osteoporosis, low back pain (depending on symptoms) and abdominal hernias.

Your spinal brace, corset or abdominal support is designed to provide support and comfort and is prescribed to meet your specific needs.

When Should I Wear My Support?

Always take time to get used to your support, breaking it in gradually.

When you wear your support is left up to you.

It should be worn when you feel you need extra support, for example when you know you are going to be active. This could be when you are going shopping or doing the gardening or when you are in pain. 

Caution

You should try not to wear your spinal support all the time. You should try not to wear your spinal support all the time. When you are wearing it the muscles in your stomach and back do not have to work as hard as normal and there is a risk that over time they could become weak.

Putting on Your Spinal Support

Your support can be put on standing up. Try to make sure it is central and if it has steels at the back make sure these are on either side of your spine. The straps should be pulled snug to make sure the support doesn’t move around.

Please note: If your support has been prescribed to support a hernia it is best to put it on when you are lying down and the hernia is reduced.

Repairs

Please keep your support in good repair. You can return it to the Orthotics Department to have the repairs done such as for worn fastenings or elastics.

You do not need an appointment or referral for simple repairs. You can call in to the Department between 8.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

Repairs usually take around three-four weeks.

We will contact you when it is ready for collection.

Most supports can be washed and you should be provided with specific washing instructions when you have the device fitted.

Remember to remove any metal steels before washing.

Do not tumble dry your support.

What Happens Next?

Once we are sure your support is right for you and you have no problems, you can be given a second support.

This will allow you to wear one whilst the other is being repaired or laundered.

Once a support is beyond repair you will need to bring it into the department to be checked, then a replacement can be ordered, making sure you always have two in total.

Please bring your support to every future appointment, even if they are no longer worn due to pain, damage or no longer fit. This way the Orthotist can check the fit of the support and adjust or repair them if necessary.

Should you have any queries regarding your support or have any problems please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our opening hours are:

Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.00pm
Contact us on 01274 082929

Orthotics Department
Level 6
West Riding House
41 Cheapside
Bradford
BD1 2NB