When it comes to bracing, the average cost of a traditional scoliosis back brace can vary depending on the design. Most often, traditional braces will range in price from $5,000 to $10,000.
Is a back brace covered by insurance?
Are Back Braces Covered By Insurance? Yes, back braces are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Private insurances under durable medical equipment (DME). In order to get your back brace covered by your insurance you will first have to get a prescription from your physician.
Are back braces worth it?
Back braces are typically recommended on a short-term basis. Wearing a brace longer than recommended is thought to contribute to muscle atrophy and dependence on the brace, which can ultimately weaken the back, increase the chance of injury, and worsen pain.
How many hours a day should you wear a back brace?
For it to be effective, the brace may need to be worn as much as 23 hours every day until the child stops growing. As the child grows, they will spend less time wearing the brace and will no longer need the brace once they are mature. Other conditions that may benefit from wearing a back brace include: Lower back pain.
How long do you wear a back brace for scoliosis?
Bracing for Adults with Scoliosis Depending on the size of the patient's curve and the rigidity of their spine, this would mean wearing the brace for 6 to 18 months and then weaning them down from wearing a corrective to a traditional supportive brace, or completely out of bracing.
At what degree of scoliosis requires brace?
Orthopedic doctors typically recommend scoliosis bracing for kids and teens who are still growing and have a curvature of 25 degrees or more. The primary goal of a scoliosis brace is to keep the curve from progressing to the level that surgery is required. Some patients achieve curve reduction with bracing.
How much does a scoliosis brace cost?
The cost of a traditional scoliosis brace varies widely depending upon the design but generally ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. This does not include the cost of the doctor fitting the brace, x-rays taken in the brace or other associated fees—which, according to research, average around $10,836 annually.
Why do doctors prescribe back braces for scoliosis patients?
Why Is Bracing Done? Wearing a brace is often the first step for kids who need treatment for idiopathic scoliosis. Doctors prescribe a brace hoping it will stop the curve from getting worse and help kids avoid spinal fusion surgery.
Is a back brace good for scoliosis?
A scoliosis curve usually does not improve without surgery. However, studies have shown that wearing a back brace as prescribed can often prevent the progression of scoliosis. As such, wearing a brace can be an effective way to keep a scoliosis curve's Cobb angle relatively small and manageable.
Can scoliosis be cured with a brace?
Braces have been used to treat scoliosis for over 450 years, but there are still questions about their effectiveness. Braces can only slow or stop the progression of a spinal curve. They can't get rid of the curve or straighten out the spine.
Can a brace make scoliosis worse?
A small percentage of curves can still get worse after bracing, even if the brace was worn correctly. That's why it's important to have close follow-ups with your orthopaedic doctor and regular X-rays, and keep up with your scoliosis exercises. In some cases, surgery may be needed in addition to bracing.