It's not always enjoyable to wear a back brace.It is possible for your doctor to prescribe a back brace to help with the healing process after surgery or for you to wear one to prevent the progression of Scoliosis.Staying focused on your ultimate goal of a healthier body will help you get through the process with the least pain possible.Prepare for an initial adjustment period and try to remain positive.You can get the most out of your brace by following your doctor's instructions and reaching out to others.
Step 1: Early on, expect some pain.
It will feel like a cage when you first put it on.It may be slightly uncomfortable for the first couple of days, but it will exert force against certain pressure points.Your doctor will make regular adjustments to the brace to make it fit better.Take a few moments to write down any pressure you experience and where it is located.You can use these notes to talk to your doctor about any changes that need to be made.Discomfort is not the same as pain.If your pain is connected with swelling, contact your doctor immediately as this can be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
Step 2: You can learn how to put your brace on on your own.
People will help strap you in and out.Take a little more of the action when you watch their movements.To see the degree of tension needed, place the shell against your body or pull on a strap.It's a good idea to practice in front of a mirror.This will allow you to see how the brace affects your body.
Step 3: Under the brace, take good care of your skin.
When wearing a brace, it is important to look for signs of pressure sores or skin breakdown.This could be an indication of an improper fit.It is a good idea to check the skin daily for reddened or broken skin.To see your back, use a mirror.You should buy a number of cotton t-shirts to wear underneath your brace.The t-shirt needs to fit smoothly under the brace.It's a good idea to change them often to keep your skin dry.The seams can cause chafing, so only buy seamless shirts.If you want to avoid more irritation, don't apply lotion.Try a light application of rubbing alcohol.
Step 4: You should be prepared to modify some of your movements.
As you learn to use your new brace, be patient.Prepare for less flexibility in your torso area by going slowly.When picking up items, you will need to squat down instead of bending over.When wearing your brace, you may need to modify your sleeping position.If you can't find the form that is most comfortable, try on your back.
Step 5: Write down your hopes for the brace.
Take a piece of paper and make a list of what you want to see when you remove your brace.Stick to what you can see and keep it positive.If you write "I want to see my spine straight in an x-ray" you can fold it into a small square and carry it with you.Whenever you have negative feelings, look at it.Carry the paper again when it wears out.
Step 6: There are examples of people with a back brace.
Many people are very good at hiding.If you're interested in people who also wear a back brace, do some online research to find them.You will discover that you are not alone.In order to recover from an injury or surgery, many athletes wear a brace at one point in their careers.If you want to pursue a physical therapy program, they are a good role model.
Step 7: Consider those who are less fortunate than you.
You will find that you are lucky to have the opportunity to benefit from the modern technology of a brace if you start to beat up yourself.There are places where people don't have access to medical devices.
Step 8: Carry yourself with confidence.
Your brace may force you to maintain proper posture, but also keep your head up and look people in the eye as you interact with them.Don't cross your arms across your chest.You, rightfully, are not ashamed of your brace, and these actions will show others that you are a confident person.
Step 9: It's a good idea to dress in a way that makes you feel good.
You don't need to change your fashion sense very much, just modify it a bit depending on the extent to which you want to show your braceMany people choose to wear the same brands, just in a bigger size.When wearing a brace, empire waists and A-line dresses are flattering.They drape instead of clinging.If you want to downplay the lower part of your brace, tiered skirts are helpful.
Step 10: A piece of art can be turned into a brace.
You can choose from plain or patterned versions when you first get your brace.You can always make it better if you choose the plain one.You will feel less trapped by it if you use art to turn it into an accessory.There are some great examples of back brace artwork.It is possible to transform your brace into a metallic piece of armor.
Step 11: While wearing a brace, take a photo.
You can celebrate your braced body with a photo shoot.Put on your favorite outfits and then take a series of poses in which you display your brace as part of you.You can either keep them for yourself or display them.You see beauty in yourself and your choices.
Step 12: It's important to keep up with brace maintenance.
You need to make sure that your brace is in good shape.The brace should be checked weekly for any visible damage.It's a good idea to wash and deodorize your brace with soap and cloth.If there are padded liners, use a hair dryer or air dry them.
Step 13: The schedule should be brace-wearing.
You can keep track of how many hours you put in by using your phone, paper calendar, or journal.Between 16 and 23 hours a day is when most back braces need to be worn.To achieve your goals, you need to wear the brace for the amount of time recommended by your doctor.You should build up your wearing time over the course of a few weeks.It will give you time to get used to the brace.Adding time to your schedule will help you put on the brace.When you are first starting out with a brace, this can be a fairly involved process.There is an a brace-wearing app for your phone.You can set personal goals with the help of these apps.
Step 14: When is the right time to remove your brace?
Some of the braces can be worn for less time than others.At certain times, you may be able to remove your brace.When you need to take off your brace, talk to your doctor.Swimming requires you to remove your brace for a short period of time.Make sure your doctor approves swimming as well as removing the brace for that amount of time.
Step 15: You should be rewarded for wearing the brace.
You should do something nice for yourself at the end of every week when you meet your doctor's goals.Go see a movie.Hit your favorite restaurant.Go for a swim with your brace off.You should check with your doctor if you want to avoid certain activities.
Step 16: Ask for help from your friends and family.
Tell those people about the brace and your goals.Talk about your feelings as well as your actions.When you first start this process, it's not uncommon to be angry or scared.You could say, "To be honest, I'm really not happy about wearing this brace, so if you hear me getting too negative try to find a way to cheer me up."
Step 17: You can connect with a support community online.
If you feel like it, you are not alone.You can find a network of people going through the same thing as you.If you are wearing a back brace because of a sports injury, you can contribute to a blog.If you have a brace on, you should consider joining a curvy girls chapter.
Step 18: You should communicate with your doctor frequently.
Before each visit, write down a list of your noticeable improvements, your concerns, and any questions that you may have.If you need more discussion time, make another appointment and get to your most important points first.You could ask your doctor if you could see a series of x-rays showing your progress over time.You could ask for an estimate on when you can stop wearing the brace.
Step 19: If you need more support, see a psychologist.
If you feel weighed down emotionally and are struggling with negative thoughts, you may want to see a therapist.This will allow you to talk about your fears and hopes related to the bracing process.