A back brace can provide the stability your body needs to recover from a sports injury that affects your spine. Researching back fracture treatment options that are available in Arkansas can help you choose best back brace.
Back fractures are a common type of sports injury that can cause pain and discomfort. For example, athletes can suffer from spondylolysis, which is a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis. The pars interarticularis is a thin portion of the spinal vertebra that can be damaged by repetitive overuse that occurs while playing sports. If you suffer from spondylolysis, your doctor may recommend the use of a back brace for a pars fracture to prevent your injury from worsening.
If left untreated, a pars fracture can weaken the vertebra to the point that it no longer maintains its place in the spine, resulting in shifting or slipping. This condition is known as spondylolisthesis, and it can cause significant pain and nerve damage. Discuss the following information with your doctor to decide whether a back brace for your sports injury can help you recover and return to the game you love.
How a Back Brace Helps
When your back is damaged by a sports injury, your body’s natural reaction is to over-correct your posture to avoid the pain. This over-correction can lead to nerve damage, which makes it crucial to brace the back and prevent further injury. A back brace for a pars fracture can also provide pain relief. Because the brace supports your back, there is less pressure on your fractured vertebra. By alleviating the stress on the spine and surrounding muscles, you can avoid unnecessary pain during your recovery process.
Types of Back Braces
Depending on the severity of your sports injury, your doctor will recommend either a rigid or soft brace. Rigid back braces, such as the Boston brace, are commonly used to treat a pars fracture. This orthotic is typically made of high-quality plastic that keeps your spine in the ideal position for healing, and cushioned pads are placed strategically under the brace to relieve pressure. Ask your doctor whether a custom-fitted rigid back brace would be beneficial for your unique recovery needs. Alternatively, soft braces are fabric orthotics that use laces to provide stability while also being adjustable. Studies have shown that this type of brace can be an effective treatment option for athletes with pars fractures.
Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions for wearing your back brace. A soft brace is usually taken off at night, while a Boston brace and another rigid orthotics may need to be worn overnight. If your brace has multiple straps and attachments, you may want to wear a cotton T-shirt beneath it to minimize skin irritation. Listen closely for instructions about how to put on and care for your soft or rigid brace.
Complementary Treatments
Talk with your doctor about complementary treatments that can provide additional pain relief as you use a back brace to treat your sports injury. Because swelling can occur after a back injury, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can often act as a first defense against pain. In addition to the rest and icing that are encouraged by sports medicine experts, ask your doctor whether alternative therapies such as massage, range-of-motion exercises, and acupuncture may be used in conjunction with your back brace.
If you live in Arkansas and are interested in purchasing a back brace for your sports injury, contact Horton’s Orthotics & Prosthetics today at 501-683-8889 to set up an appointment with one of our certified clinicians.
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