Often patients with injuries, curvatures and other diseases of the spine are prescribed to wear special medical belts, the so-called corsets with stiffeners. What do these devices give to patients? What is a stiffener? These issues need to be considered in more detail.
What is a medical corset
Medical, orthopedic corset, is a special wide belt made of breathable elastic material. It is equipped with stiffening ribs and is fastened around the case with retractable straps. A similar device is used to obtain a therapeutic effect in case of problems with the spine.
What are stiffeners
The stiffener is a narrow plate made of plastic or metal. There are two classes of plates:
- Adjustable rigid ribs, i.e. requiring individual adjustment depending on the shape of the spine. The preferred material to perform is metal.
- Unregulated semi-rigid ribs, i.e. sufficiently flexible plastic inserts that do not require additional settings.
The plates are inserted into special pockets or sewn into the structure. In some models, the stiffness of the ribs is uneven, in the middle part they are denser, and closer to the edges they are thinner.
How many ribs can be in an orthopedic corset
In medical corsets, there can be from 2 to 6 stiffeners. The strength of fixation of the product depends on this. The ribs are sutured from the back so that the spine is provided with the necessary support.
A corset with 2 stiffeners is able to provide the easiest degree of fixation. In such models, the stiffener is more often made of medical plastic. A similar bandage corset is used to straighten out slight curvatures in children and in adult patients. The ribs are located at a small distance from the spine on both sides. If the manufacturer uses metal for the inserts, then the fixation is slightly stronger. But still, such a corset with stiffeners is referred to as weak or semi-rigid fixation products.
The corset for 3 ribs has an additional insert located on the spine. This model can be used to treat:
- osteochondrosis;
- sciatica;
- vertebral displacement;
- intervertebral hernia;
- minor injuries;
- chronic pain.
Orthopedic corsets with 4 ribs can create a medium (semi-rigid) degree of fixation of the spine. A similar bandage with stiffeners is recommended as unloading the lumbar, support for muscle imbalance, fixation during displacement of the vertebrae, post-traumatic and postoperative rehabilitation.
A corset with 6 stiffeners is able to completely immobilize the spine. The product is completed with metal inserts. Such corsets are used for rehabilitation after complex injuries (including fractures) and operations. Rigid fixation does not allow to deviate from the natural anatomical position, contributing to the restoration of muscles and bone tissues.
Optimal amount
Only a doctor can correctly determine the corset with how many stiffeners the patient needs. He determines the design of the product. The success of treatment may depend on compliance with medical recommendations.
If a rigid corset of 6 ribs is recommended as the best option, then its selection is performed by a physician with the appropriate education. In this case, self-medication can have negative consequences for the spine, and in addition, this is fraught with exacerbation of other chronic diseases.
Classification of corsets by spine
Corsets differ not only in the number of ribs, but also in the spine. There are 3 varieties:
- Thoracolumbar corset. This product covers the chest and lower back. There are hard and semi-rigid options. Most often, the stiffener in these models is made of metal.
- Lumbosacral corset. The product covers the basin, its feature is a low back wall. Products of different types of stiffness are produced.
- Lumbar corset with stiffeners. A product of this type completely covers the lower back, partially capturing the chest and upper pelvis.
Matching the corset to size
Each manufacturer sets its own size range. Some are repelled from the waist, others from the waist, which is measured 8 cm below the waist. Third may have some other dimensions. Before buying, all necessary measurements are performed on a naked body.
How to care for a corset
Despite the fact that corsets are made of materials that can pass air, prolonged wearing leads to their pollution. Keep in mind that the corset is worn for at least 6 hours during the day. If the product needs washing, then it is done manually, using delicate means. Do not use dry cleaners or solvents. After washing, the corset is not twisted, but is straightened and dried in a well-ventilated place. It is strictly forbidden to use heaters for drying. Drying in direct sunlight is not allowed.