CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT: CORSETS AND OTHER SUPPORTS
For supporting the different levels of the spine there exist various devices, such as corsets, belts and collars. Even though these supports are restrictive and cumbersome, many people with back trouble are ready to put up with them, for the sake of the benefits they bring.
They slow down all activity, and restrain many small movements of muscles, so helping muscular spasm to relax. Supports also prevent pain to some extent, by keeping the wearer from extremes of movement. A corset can help with acute pain and when an activity that might bring on pain cannot be avoided – housework, for instance.
Corsets are probably helpful in acute attacks and in the early stages of recovery. They should, however, not be considered as a long-term measure, because they have a tendency to weaken the muscles, and create a dependency on them (making wearers believe that they cannot do without the corset). It is seldom necessary to continue with a corset for a long period; this should only be done after a positive decision by a specialist.
Lumbar corsets and belts also act to encourage correct lifting and bending; being unable to bend at the waist, the wearer has to lift things by bending, correctly, at the knees. They increase the intra-abdominal pressure which protects the spine in lifting actions by spreading the load, so that it bears less heavily on the lumbar joints.
Cervical collars are sometimes prescribed for neck injuries, or in the case of degenerated neck vertebrae. They work in a similar way to corsets, giving support and preventing inappropriate movement. With the rigid sort, the wearer can neither nod nor shake his head. The soft kind of cervical collar is often worn at night only, to support the neck during sleep.
If you are interested in obtaining one of these devices ask your doctor or physiotherapist for help.
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