Your doctor will instruct you on how to wear your brace. It’s important to wear your brace correctly, so it is effective. Some braces, like those for fractures, might need to be worn 24 hours a day. However, it is often okay to remove a brace for short periods of time to bathe or to allow the skin to breathe.
Most individuals do well with their brace, but they can feel uncomfortable at first. Your doctor might recommend a schedule for wearing a brace until you get used to how it feels. For example, a child who has scoliosis might wear a brace for two hours for the first day, and by the end of the week, they might wear it for the full prescribed amount of time.
Although your doctor will guide you, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Ask For Help
Some braces are too difficult to put on or remove without assistance, especially if you suffer from back pain. Ask a friend or family member to help you with your brace if possible.
If you do not have anyone to help you, you can put the brace on yourself without further straining your back by using a chair. Place the brace on a chair with the wings open and sit down with the wings on either side of your body. Then, stand up while holding the wings and secure them in place. This way you do not have to reach behind you.
If you have a brace, which opens in the front, you can put the brace on by yourself – although you may need help at first. To do so, sit on the bed with the brace open in the front and loosely around you. Next, lie down and correctly position your body in the brace. Pull the straps through the buckles and lock them into place, starting at the bottom. Once you know your brace is correctly in place, you can get dressed. Wear your brace as tightly as possible because a loose brace can cause friction and irritation.
2. Wear A Shirt Under The Brace
Wearing a shirt under your brace will help prevent skin irritation. Choose a shirt that is:
-
Clean
- Tight-fitting
- One hundred percent cotton
- Without side seams
- Extends the length of the brace
Make sure there are no wrinkles in the shirt, and it is pulled down snugly.
3. Keep Your Skin Clean
A back brace is designed to fit tightly, so it is normal to notice red areas where the brace applies pressure. However, making sure to keep your skin clean will help prevent blisters or raw skin under the brace.
Wash the skin under the brace every day to get rid of dirt buildup. Use baby wipes to make sure your skin is clean after activities or as you go about your day. If you notice your skin is pink for more than a half hour, your doctor may need to adjust the brace.
4. Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Your skin will toughen up where the brace applies the most pressure. Rubbing alcohol can help toughen your skin and prevent skin breakdown and severe irritation. All you need to do is apply rubbing alcohol with your hands to the part of the skin where the brace touches. You will only need to apply rubbing alcohol until your skin toughens, which usually happens two to three weeks after you begin to wear the brace.
5. Avoid Wearing Lotion Under The Brace
It’s important to keep the skin under the brace as dry as possible. Too much moisture can cause irritation and lead to sores. For this reason, avoid using creams, lotions or powders on the skin beneath the brace. You might apply a dusting of cornstarch to the skin during hot weather or if you are sensitive to rubbing alcohol.
6. Always Wear The Brace As Prescribed
Your doctor will tell you when and how to wear your brace depending on your condition and the type of brace prescribed, and it is critical to follow their orders so that the brace is effective. Your doctor will tell you:
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How many hours a day you need to wear your brace
- What activities you can do with or without your brace
- How to correctly wear your brace
- If you can wear your brace in the shower
- If you need to sleep in your brace
- If you need to put the brace on before getting out of bed
Follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results, and call them if you have any questions or concerns.
7. Wear Loose Clothing Over The Brace
Many back braces are easy to conceal under clothing. You can still keep your sense of style with your brace, however, wearing loose clothing is typically more comfortable.
8. Stay Cool
Some patients claim that staying in air conditioning makes it more comfortable to wear a brace. Try to stay cool when it’s hot outside as much as possible.
9. Stay Positive
If you feel discouraged, keep in mind that your brace is meant to improve your health and your life. Also, remember that there is plenty of support available to you to help you along the way. When it comes to back problems, you are not alone. The majority of Americans will experience some sort of back pain in their life.
Wearing a back brace does not change who you are, but it does affect who you will become.Group of Senior Retirement Friends Happy
Tips For Caring For A Back Brace
Your back brace should come with specific cleaning instructions to keep it in shape and make it last as long as possible. However, most braces are not meant for machine washing and drying. Generally, taking care of your brace is easy and does not require much time. Here are a few tips to make sure your brace stays in good condition.
1. Clean With Soap And Water Daily
Cleaning your brace daily will keep it free of dirt, odor and bacteria. To clean your back brace, remove any panels or padding and clean all parts separately with water and mild soap by hand. Do not use bleach or harsh detergents on your brace. Make sure your brace is free of soap and completely dry before putting it back on.
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol Once A Week
Applying rubbing alcohol is an easy way to remove soap residue from your brace and prevent bacteria growth. Simply wipe the brace down with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. If your brace contains a foam liner, like a Boston brace, wipe the foam with rubbing alcohol every day. Rubbing alcohol dries quickly so you will not have to wait long to put your brace back on.
3. Check For Wear
It’s natural for back brace straps to wear over time. Regularly check your brace for any worn straps or tears, and let your doctor know right away if any of the components need to be replaced. An orthotist should be able to replace the straps easily.
4. Use A Lint Roller
Dirt and debris might accumulate in the Velcro straps. Use a lint roller to remove any unwanted materials from your back brace and ensure the straps are secure and in their proper place.