For many, the back is a very vulnerable spot. Radiculitis, osteochondrosis, neuritis, spondylarthrosis, injuries - this is not a complete list of diseases that threaten the spine. In the event that they are already in stock, the lumbosacral semi-rigid corset can be invaluable. How to choose this device, what to look for when buying and what contraindications there may be for its use - we will tell in more detail.
Types of Corsets
Depending on the purpose, there are three main types of corsets:
- antiradiculitis belts;
- bandages for pregnant women;
- orthopedic corsets.
The anti-radiculitis belt, in addition to fixation, also performs a warming function. Most often, the material for its manufacture is natural wool, which has a light massage effect, which improves blood flow and reduces the severity of pain. The task of orthopedic corsets is to reduce the load on the damaged parts of the spinal column. Their use allows for additional fixation of the body and reduction of pain.
Maternity Corsets
As a rule, the appropriateness of their use is determined by the gynecologist who leads the pregnancy. Bandages for pregnant women are divided into prenatal and postnatal. Antenatal bandage is prescribed in order to exclude complications during multiple pregnancy or when the fetus is low. The task of the postpartum bandage is to help the woman recover as soon as possible after childbirth.
Functions of Orthopedic Corsets
To date, orthopedic corsets are divided according to the spine they affect - lumbar, lumbosacral, and thoracolumbar. Hardness is distinguished by severity, they are used during the recovery period after injuries or surgical interventions on the spine, and semi-rigid, which are usually more common. Semi-rigid lumbosacral corset performs the following functions:
- fixes the spine in order to correct and relieve the load from the vertebrae;
- holds the spinal column in the correct position if the muscular frame is weakened;
- relieves stress from damaged parts of the spine.
In addition, any corset while wearing corrects existing defects. A semi-rigid corset for the lumbosacral can be used as part of complex therapy for various pathologies of the spine. It is also an excellent prophylactic for people whose daily work is associated with the load on the spinal column.
When to use a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset
Such corsets today are the most popular models in the market of orthopedic goods. Their use may be recommended by an orthopedic surgeon, or it may become the patient’s choice. Most often, a semi-rigid corset for the lumbosacral is used in the following cases:
- For pain caused by various pathologies of the back. This can be intervertebral hernia, sciatica, osteochondrosis, displacement of the vertebrae, back injuries. By reducing the load on the affected areas, a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset can reduce the intensity of pain. Restriction of mobility and maintaining physiologically correct body position contribute to a reduction in recovery time.
- In the postoperative period and when recovering from injuries, a semi-rigid orthopedic lumbosacral corset is an essential element of rehabilitation. Using the right corset allows you to avoid complications with a big guarantee.
- With such a common postpartum complication as pelvic bone discrepancy, a female lumbosacral semi-rigid corset is often used, which is equipped with a low back wall. This manages to significantly accelerate the recovery period of women.
- As a means of prevention with constant loads on the spine.
- The chest-lumbosacral semi - rigid corset, depending on the model, can act as a posture corrector or serve as a limiting factor for mobility after surgery on the thoracic spine.
How to use
First of all, it is worth noting that before you start using a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset, you still need to consult an orthopedic surgeon. He will help you choose a model with characteristics that will suit exactly your situation. In order for the corset to bring real benefits, you need to follow some rules:
- the corset must exactly match the parameters of the buyer - usually the manufacturer indicates how much waist and hips this model is designed for;
- Before you put on a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset, you should carefully read its instructions (it would be optimal if you put it on for the first time in the presence of a doctor, as weak fixation will not give any result, but excessive fixation, which becomes a sign of a pulsation in the navel area , can seriously harm the body);
- the corset should fit snugly to the body both in the upper part of the lower back and in the pelvic area;
- the wearing time of the corset should be limited to 8 hours - if it is used for a longer time, the muscle frame may weaken and atrophy may develop over time;
- it is better to put on a corset over the laundry to avoid skin damage.
Contraindications
Despite the apparent ease of use of semi-rigid corsets, there are a number of conditions when their use is contraindicated. First of all, pregnancy refers to them. The use of a corset implies a limited, but compression of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, and this is fraught with defects in the development of the fetus. Another absolute contraindication for using a semi-rigid corset is hernia of the abdominal wall. In this case, its use can provoke an infringement of the hernia, that is, a life-threatening situation. It is also undesirable to use it for skin diseases, since due to the warming effect this can aggravate the situation.
Corsets Orlett
Among the most famous manufacturers of orthopedic corsets can be called the German brand Orlett. Corsets of this brand today are one of the most recognizable on the Russian market of orthopedic goods. Reviews on these products are usually the most positive. Different models, sizes and colors allow you to choose a product that will satisfy all customer requirements. All models make it possible to adjust stiffeners according to customer’s parameters. For example, the Orlett corset lumbosacral semi-rigid lss-114, which is used when strong fixation is necessary, has already curved metal stiffeners, which can be further adjusted if necessary. This allows you to strengthen the fit of the product and to distribute the load that is on the spine.
Another advantage of the products of this manufacturer is that any Orlett lumbosacral (semi-rigid) corset is made of a durable and low-extensible mesh, which, along with maintaining its shape, allows for optimal air and moisture exchange. This significantly increases the level of comfort when using the product, which patients note in their reviews.
Where to get
Of course, deciding to buy a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset, it would be foolish to look for it in the market or buy it through private announcements. Today, there are enough specialized stores that offer a large selection of orthopedic products. One of such organizations is the Russian company Ladomed. The main area of its activity is retail trade in orthopedic products. Here you can find many models from the most famous both Russian and Western manufacturers. In addition to orthopedic salons, you can make the choice of the necessary product on the Ladomed website (it can be found at ladomed.com). Semi-rigid lumbosacral corset there can be selected both based on individual requirements, and taking into account its cost. Experienced and friendly consultants will help make this choice as effective as possible.
However, it is worth recalling once again: a consultation with a doctor is the first thing to do before acquiring a lumbosacral semi-rigid corset. Feedback from friends or acquaintances, comments on social networks is, of course, good. But only a specialist (surgeon, traumatologist or orthopedist) will be able to accurately determine which type of corset should be used to ensure the optimal level of solution to the problem.