If you haveback pain, your physician orphysical therapistmay prescribe a brace to help control motion of your spine.
A special back brace called a thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) may be prescribed for this.
It does allow your neck to move freely.
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The goal of the TLSO is to hold your spine in appropriate alignment as you heal from injury.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine.
It often is diagnosed in childhood or the teen years.
Scoliosis may cause pain and difficulty with movement.
The treatment for scoliosis involves maintaining spinal alignment to prevent worsening of the lateral curvature.
Often, a TLSO will be prescribed to maintain spinal alignment as the child is growing into full adulthood.
Your physician may prescribe a thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis to wear while your herniated disc is healing.
The orthosis can help limit spinal motion and may keep the disc from compressing nerves from your back.
Gradually you might use the TLSO less and less as things heal.
This is done to maintain spinal alignment and allow your tissues to heal after surgery.
Some children withcerebral palsyexperience sitting problems due to muscle spasm or trunk weakness.
A TSLO can be used to keep the childs trunk in an upright position while sitting.
Components of the Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis
Several different components make up a TLSO.
Typically, two plastic braces are used, one in the front and one in the back.
These hard plastic chest and back pieces are covered in a soft and padded material for comfort.
The front and back hard plastic braces are held together with straps on one or both sides.
The straps are adjustable with hook-and-loop fasteners.
Some thoracic lumbar sacral orthoses are adjustable once the brace is worn.
When these are pulled together, the brace becomes more snug, fitting a bit tighter.
Stand upright, and tighten each strap so the TLSO fits snugly but comfortably.
You should be able to breathe while wearing your TLSO.
If you cannot fit two fingers beneath your brace, it is too tight.
How Long to Use the TLSO?
The length of time you wear your thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis depends on your condition and your physicians instructions.
Caution should be used to wear the TLSO only as prescribed.
A thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis may also limit diaphragmatic function, which is essential for normal breathing.
Wearing it correctly is important in getting the most benefit from it.
