Heritage Medical Equipment, LLC

TLSO

 

A back brace for thoracic back pain generally has a couple different requirements for it to be considered a TLSO, or thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis.  For one the posterior (back) of this brace needs to extend from the sacrococcygeal junction and terminate just below the scapular spine.  The anterior (or front) of these back braces must extend from the symphysis pubis to either the sternal notch or zyphoid process.

These braces will limit and control a patient in three planes.  A TLSO will limit a patient's ability to twist, bend forward and backward, and bend side to side.  The bigger the brace the more control.  Patients should only be fit with these orthopedic devices by certified practitioners.  

 

Mid Back Pain

Back pain and back problems can affect the spine in many places.  Mid back pain or pain that originates somewhere between the thoracic vertabrae can have many different causes.  Trauma from sports, car accidents, and spinal imbalances from many minor traumas created from lifting or bending can all cause mid back problems.  

Also the mid back can compensate for lower back pain, and neck pain.  Regardless of the location, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, and spondylolisthesis can all fit this diagnosis.  That is why it is important to know what is causing your back pains.

Mid back pain relief can be achieved with a back brace.  However it must be the right brace!  Back braces for the mid back require a prescription and must be fit by a certified practitioner.

 

Lumbar Back Pain and Back Supports

Some back braces are designed to specifically treat back problems that involve the L-1 to S-1 section of the spine.  There are 5 lumbar vertabrae and 5 fused sacral vertabrae.  So there is a specific category of lumbar supports that help treat back pain from the top of the lumbar area of the spine to the top of the sacral spine.

It is important that your back problem be properly diagnosed so a certified orthotic practitioner knows what category of brace to choose.  That is why these types of back braces require a prescription.   

Pain Relief for Lower Back Pain

Warm and form back braces are primarily used to provide protection, stability, and pain relief for lower back pain.  A back support of this nature needs to be measured and fit by a certified practitioner.  The way this type of brace works is that a thermoplastic insert is molded and shaped to your lower back.  The molded component is inserted into a lumbar support and then the brace is tightened.  So the back belt provides compression and support, while the moldable insert provides support and stability. 

 

Braces and Back Pain

Will a back brace help your back pain?  Problems with the spine can lead to a lot of different types of back pain.  With so many spine injuries and back problems it should not be surprsing that there are many diffent types of back supports.  

Which back brace is right for you?  it depends on what is going on with your back.  There are posture braces, lower back braces, mid-back braces, cervical braces, and upper back braces.  Certain back braces will limit your ability to bend forward and backward, or to twist, or to bend side-to-side.  Some support braces limit all three movements and provide a tremendous amount of protection and stability.    

The first thing that must be considered when choosing a back brace is figuring out exactly what is going on with your spine.  You really need to go to a doctor for this.  Once your issues are diagnosed then you need to visit a certified orthotist.  A certified orthotist has been trained in bio-mechanics and back braces.  A good orthotist will know more about back braces than your doctor or your chiropractor.  

If you really want a solution, and you're not looking for a quick fix to your back pain then first go see a doctor, or two, or three, or however many it takes for you to be confident in your diagnosis.  Then go see an orthotist who can determine the appropriate back brace for you. 

Back Pain - Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic arthritic condition.  It affects joints in the spine, pelvis, and sacroilium.  It can cause an eventual fusion of the spine.

Symptoms usually present in young men between 20 and 40 years old.  Chronic pain and stiffness in the lower lumbar area are common symptoms and often times pain in half the buttock or the back of the thigh will be present as well.

The pain associated with this condition is at its worst when at rest and usually improves with physical activity.   

Medications, stretching, exercise, physical therapy, walking aids and back braces are often used as treatment options.  

Back Pain - Compression Fractures

 

Compression fractures happen when a vertebrae is compressed to a smaller height than it should be.  This happens in people who experience a traumatic event, like a car accident or a fall, or it occurs older patients with osteoporosis.

The best treatment of compression fractures is prevention.  In the case of osteoporosis: exercise, calcium, lumbar sacral orthoses and medications have all been shown to help.  

Back Pain - Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is caused by a weakening of the bones.  It is also called "Brittle Bone Disease".  It increases the likelihood of bone fractures.

Repeated compression fractures in the spinal column can lead to a condition called kyphosis.  Kyphosis is an abnormal angulation of the spine.  It is usually an excessive curvature that leads to a deformity of a rounded back.

 Treatment for osteoporosis revolves around reducing the risk of fractures.  This is accomplished by increasing bone density and strength.  It is difficult to rebuild damaged bone that is why prevention is so important.  

Quitting smoking and drinking are important steps to take in preventing osteoporosis.  Also regular exercise and a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D are important.  

Medications that stop or slow bone loss are commonly prescribed and lumbar supports (thoracic lumbar sacral orthoses (TLSO)) have been shown to help.

Back Pain - Sacroiliac Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis and allow twisting movements when we move our legs.  Trauma, pregnancy, heredity, and hormone imbalance can all contribute to causes of pain in the sacroiliac joints, often times called, sacroiliac (SI) dysfunction.  This condition can also be referred to as: SI joint syndrome, SI joint strain, and SI joint inflammation.

Osteoarthritis, pregnancy, leg length discrepancy, hip pain, knee pain, and foot / ankle problems can all contribute to SI pain.

Injections, NSAIDs, oral steroids, physical therapy, back braces (sacroiliac belts),  stretching, and exercise are all common conservative treatment options.

 

Back Pain - Spinal Stenosis

 

Spinal stenosis in the lumbar region of the spine occurs when there is a narrowing of the spinal cord.  This can pinch nerves.  Impinged nerves can lead to persistent pain in the buttocks, numbness in the lower extremities, limping, and decreased physical activity.  

Spinal stenosis due to disc degeneration is common in older adults and is a natural part of the aging process.  In rare cases some people are born with the condition.  

Rest, braces for back pain, pain medications, physical therapy, exercise and stretching are common conservative treatment options.