Back or Neck Braces

Q: I am a 36-year-old woman looking for an ankylosing spondylitis treatment. I'm bending forward due to the fusion occurring, particularly in my neck. Are there any kind of back/neck braces that I could be fitted for to maintain the posture I currently have and to eliminate further curving?

A: Forward flexion (bending forward) of the neck and trunk is a problem for people with ankylosing spondylitis. Wearing neck and/ or back braces is not a practical solution to prevent further flexion, but there are other relatively basic ankylosing spondylitis treatments.

For one, always sit and stand as erect as possible because correct posture is important. Also, you should sleep on your back, without a pillow under your head and neck (or using as flat a pillow as possible), and break up long periods of sitting or standing in a forward-flexed position (such as sitting at a desk) with flexibility exercises. You should be exercising every day. Exercises that emphasize back and neck extension and stretching and mobility of the chest and upper trunk musculature should be part of your regular routine. I would recommend seeing a physical therapist, who will be able to instruct you in an appropriate exercise program.

Kitty Haralson, PT, MLA, Physical Therapist

Char Pinegar

12 Nov 2009, 13:43

I'm wondering, as in the first question, why something can't be used [a brace or some other type of appliance like those elastic 'posture enhancers' I've seen online] to prevent my C-spine from becoming a more pronounced 'hump'. It's not bad now and not particularly painful but my head always feels so 'heavy' that I tend to let it drop forward. I recently started going to PT, at my rheumatologist's suggestion, and Joe, the therapist, thinks that there might already be some fusion - it's at about the C-4 through C-6 level.
Any suggestions?

Ann

07 Oct 2009, 10:34

My adult son has AS which was diagnosed about 8 years ago, mainly in his lower spine, neck, and hips. Along with pain medicine, he does exactly what the physical therapist in this article recommends and it makes all the difference! He has had some fusion in his lower spine, however, thru exercising and stretching he is not stooping at all. Posture is extremely important at all times and seeing a physical therapist who can teach the proper posture and exercises for AS.

John Sumpter

26 Aug 2009, 09:49

I had AS for over 50 years.Initially it was managed well with a hand made back/spine brace along with normal daily activity.
The brace is worn out now. So, I am seeing
myself lose decent posture.
Who in the Fayeteville, GA area fabricates braces?
Thank you.

Easwaran

07 Jun 2009, 18:16

I have a similar problem. But my neck region is sort of fully fused. Iam not able to lie on my back as the neck wouldn't slide down. In this case can I use pillow to ease pain?
regards

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Back or Neck Braces

Back or Neck Braces

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