SpineCor Brace
Receiving a scoliosis diagnosis is both frightening and confusing. Our natural first response is to search the Internet or consult various health practitioners. Due to the overwhelming available information on the Internet, different approaches and varying opinions, this can lead to more confusion. Human nature will cause us to respond to a diagnosis in two ways: 1) a “wait and see” approach and hope for the best or, 2) I want to do everything I possibly can to improve this. Our office believes in a safe, active and scientific approach to dealing with scoliosis.
A non-surgical approach is the utilization of a scoliosis back brace. There are different types of braces for scoliosis, the traditional form is a rigid brace. As the name implies, the brace is made of a hard plastic that mimics a cast to stop or slow the progression of the scoliosis. These rigid braces for scoliosis use various names such as: Milwaukee Brace, Jewett brace, TLSO (Boston brace) and many more. A rigid back brace for scoliosis utilized as a potential road block to stop progression, however, the consequence is a restriction of movement and a weakening of the muscles. Unfortunately, research states that over 60% of patients using rigid scoliosis bracing are lost to surgery within 2 years. Contrastly, 58% fewer patients were lost to surgery using a unique soft scoliosis bracing. (J.Pediatric Ortho.,2007).
The Revolutionary SpineCor® Scoliosis Brace
SpineCor’s revolutionary brace is soft and flexible allowing for total freedom of movement. The brace is unique as it does not force the spine into a position. The therapeutic approach that is taken, places the patient into a Corrective Movement® through the use of strategically placed elastic bands. This corrective movement principle is based on the patient’s specific scoliosis and helps unwind the scoliosis to allow for correction by re-education of nerves and muscles. Additionally, there is relief of pain using this type of scoliosis bracing, as the body has decreased muscular strain as posture improves. For all of these reasons our office fully endorses the use of the SpineCor brace.
As you continue your search for treatment options, remember there is no “quick fix” for scoliosis. Please take this information into consideration and make the best choice for you or your child. We strongly believe that taking a proactive approach like using the SpineCor scoliosis brace is a safe, non-invasive and scientifically effective choice.
SpineCor Brace for Adults
For adults, typically a diagnosis of scoliosis is determined by their family physician or chiropractor. The most common subjective complaint is chronic back pain. Preliminary clinical trials with adults using the SpineCor scoliosis brace saw 90% of patients achieved and maintained a mean pain reduction of 70% over at least one year and that there was an average cobb angle reduction of 4.41 degrees ranging from -12 degrees to +3 degrees. If the scoliosis is severe and compromising lung and heart function, adults are referred to an orthopedic surgeon.
SpineCor Brace for Adults
SpineCor Brace for Children
SpineCor is much more acceptable for children, offering almost total freedom of movement and allowing them to continue participating in sports and normal day to day activities.
SpineCor Brace FAQ
Is the SpineCor brace painful to wear?
No. The unique advantage to the SpineCor brace is that it is soft, flexible and painless. It is possible to have some minor discomfort when you are initially fitted with the brace, however this short-term. The brace is designed to reduce and often eliminate pain caused by spinal deformities.
How long does it take to put on the brace?
Once you are familiar with your brace, it takes less than 2 minutes.
At what age can someone start to wear a SpineCor brace?
The SpineCor dynamic brace can be prescribed from age 5 to the functional geriatric population.
What is the cost of the SpineCor brace?
The cost is $4,500 CAN. There is a cost for follow-up examinations to monitor the patient’s progress and make brace adjustments.
How much does the follow-up examination cost?
Each clinical examination costs $150. Every six months, an extra $150 is charged for monitoring x-rays.
How often are the follow-up examinations?
The patient is seen 4-6 weeks after the initial fitting and every 3 months until the brace is discontinued.
How long does the SpineCor treatment last?
This is dependent upon the patient’s age, degree of spinal deformity and overall health. Active treatment is a minimum of 18 to 24 months. It is common for patients to continue using their brace after their treatment protocol.
Testimonials
I was diagnosed with scoliosis at fourteen and I remember hating my visits to the doctor. I always left feeling frustrated and helpless. My personality went from upbeat and happy to quiet and depressed. So when my eleven year old was diagnosed earlier this year my biggest concern was for her emotional health. The specialist gave us three options: do nothing, have surgery or hard bracing. He focused on how bad Belauna’s curves were and how bad they would get by the time she turned eighty, even if we managed to halt the progression during her growing years. From his perspective, the fact that she has lots of growing left to do was going to work against her. Belauna was fitted for a hard brace, which was very painful, and she was already dreading having to wear it. That’s when I found SpineCor and Dr. Mendes.
Our first appointment with Dr. Mendes was completely different. He talked to Belauna and made her feel relaxed and comfortable. He explained exactly what was happening to her spine and how the SpineCor brace worked. He focused on how flexible her back is instead of how bad the curves are. And with the SpineCor brace, the more growing she has left to do the better her chances are of possibly seeing some correction. We were thrilled to finally hear something positive. I don’t have to tell her to wear her brace since she feels better when it’s on and she actually looks forward to her visits with Dr. Mendes. I couldn’t be more pleased with how she is doing.
~ Janine (Mom)
After the first appointment with the specialist I left feeling depressed, unhappy, and I wanted to go home and cry. I felt like there wasn`t any hope. The fitting for the hard brace really hurt when they squashed me into these plastic things to straighten out my curves. I felt even worse than before and I was dreading seeing the doctor again. Thankfully I didn’t have to!
My first visit with Dr. Mendes was so different, he made me feel good about myself and hopeful and happy. Basically it was the opposite of everything I felt in the hospital. The SpineCor brace doesn`t hurt at all and has even taken away the back pain I was having. I am always excited to go see Dr. Mendes!
~ Belauna (age 11)
I was diagnosed with scoliosis at fourteen and I remember hating my visits to the doctor. I always left feeling frustrated and helpless. My personality went from upbeat and happy to quiet and depressed. So when my eleven year old was diagnosed earlier this year my biggest concern was for her emotional health. The specialist gave us three options: do nothing, have surgery or hard bracing. He focused on how bad Belauna’s curves were and how bad they would get by the time she turned eighty, even if we managed to halt the progression during her growing years. From his perspective, the fact that she has lots of growing left to do was going to work against her. Belauna was fitted for a hard brace, which was very painful, and she was already dreading having to wear it. That’s when I found SpineCor and Dr. Mendes.
Our first appointment with Dr. Mendes was completely different. He talked to Belauna and made her feel relaxed and comfortable. He explained exactly what was happening to her spine and how the SpineCor brace worked. He focused on how flexible her back is instead of how bad the curves are. And with the SpineCor brace, the more growing she has left to do the better her chances are of possibly seeing some correction. We were thrilled to finally hear something positive. I don’t have to tell her to wear her brace since she feels better when it’s on and she actually looks forward to her visits with Dr. Mendes. I couldn’t be more pleased with how she is doing.
~ Janine (Mom)