I didn’t share this earlier because I wasn’t sure if anyone was interested.
In addition to my orthodontic braces journey, I’ve been struggling with back pain and issues for several years.
I’m a disabled veteran and get most of my medical care through the VA. They’ve been treating my back pain with physical therapy and radio frequency ablation-which is an unpleasant procedure. Last year, I also had shoulder problems and was again provided physical therapy. Upon evaluation, one of the things they found was a winging scapula. This by itself is t that noteworthy except when I had my back eval, they noted that one half of my pelvis tilts forward. I asked if my back problems and shoulder issue could be related to scoliosis. I was assured that wasn’t possible. of note, the VA had prescribed a TLSO brace for my back previously, but for spinal instability. I didn’t mind wearing it, but it was very bulky and was meant as a reminder instead of a brace that actually held me in the proper spinal position.
I decided to not take any chances with my back, in the event something else was going on that could be better treated, and sought an outside evaluation. Wouldn’t you know I was right. I have double curve scoliosis- a lumbar curve and a thoracic curve in the other direction. So after seeing an outside provider with copies of my MRIs, and a new set of X-rays, along with him conferring with another specialist, their agreed upon opinion was that a custom spinal TLSO orthosis to be worn on a regular basis would provide the best care for me. I was scanned about a month ago and last week my back brace was ready. I had my initial fitting today. There are a few alterations that need to be made, so it won’t be ready for me to start wearing until tomorrow.
I was given 2 options for wear. The first is 8-10 hours per day, and possibly after 3 or 4 years, I might be able to wean off of it. The other option is 20-24 hours a day which would most likely require 2 1/2- 3 years of wear before weaning out of it. They both have their pluses and minuses. Make no mistake, this brace is very restrictive. It holds my shoulders on both sides all the way down to my hips. I can feel it pulling my back in the proper position which relieves a lot of my pain, but is overwhelming right now in its limitations. It will take some time getting used to in addition to being in the middle of orthodontic treatment (which I actually enjoy). I feel like I’m a middle aged stay at home mom reliving somebody else’s high school life. I’ll provide an update in a couple of days to let you all know how it’s going and which plan I decide to follow.
