The information presented here is specific to adult applications of the SpineCor Pain Relief Back Brace. There is a different device for growing children with scoliosis. Its indications, goals and treatment plan are very different than the adult brace.

What is SpineCor?

SpineCor is a custom brace for adults with scoliosis and posture-related pain and dysfunction. This Dynamic Corrective Brace works in two ways. First, it provides BIOMECHANICAL support to the back. Secondly, it serves as a POSTURAL REMINDER when your posture deviates from an improved alignment. This device is different from other braces in the following ways.

• First of all, there is no other flexible, dynamic brace that can address the specifics of scoliosis curve types. There are approximately a dozen distinct curve classifications depending on the number of curves, as well as the location and direction of the curves. Other brace designs are either rigid plastic or prefabricated braces to fit generic body-shapes not specific to curve classifications.

• SpineCor does not limit range-of-motion and muscle activity. Therefore, patients use their own muscles for stability and experience no muscle atrophy (or wasting). SpineCor is used for neuromuscular retraining to maintain posture improvements when not wearing the brace.

• Because SpineCor anchors to the pelvis with a pair of shorts, there are no problems with the brace migrating upwards on the torso.

• In addition, the SpineCor brace addresses rotary deformities (rib humps and rotational prominences) related to scoliosis. Other braces do not address spinal rotation deformities.

• SpineCor moves with the patient’s body, providing gentle corrective movements that guide the posture and spinal alignment in optimal direction. Rigid braces can be motion restrictive and have hard edges that rub the skin.

• SpineCor can be worn under clothing undetected.

• It is lightweight and breathable, not rigid and hot to wear.

• It allows small progressive changes if spinal curves improve.

• SpineCor addresses upper-back kyphosis (or forward-bending) postures.

Who can benefit from a SpineCor Brace?

This device is appropriate for patients who suffer from back PAIN related to postural deformities and scoliosis. It is also used to slow or halt the progression of curves related to spinal degeneration, especially if there is an observed or documented history of progression of scoliosis and postural deformities.

Other postural deformities include hyperkyphosis (excessive forward bending). SpineCor is very good to provide relief for patients with this posture or anterior decompensation where the upper back, neck and head are progressing forward over the pelvis and lower body.

Will a brace correct my scoliosis?

A brace will NOT correct scoliosis curves in adults. However, if we can slightly reduce the severity of the curve, we can often achieve the goals to:

• Reduce pain

• Reduce daily fatigue

• Improve balance

• Reduce curve progression

• Strengthen spinal muscles

• Reduce mechanical loading on the vertebra

• Allow dynamic, but supportive movement

I don’t have scoliosis. Will this brace still help me?

This device can provide pain relief related to several spinal deteriorative and postural-related deformities, not just scoliosis. In order to better answer this question, we would need to evaluate the specifics of your problem and discuss with your physician.

How do I get the SpineCor Brace?

Several things must happen in order to be fit with any type of orthotic brace, including SpineCor. These devices are related to the medical treatment of your back pain and must be considered as part of your overall treatment plan, which may also include medication, therapy, local injections and/or surgery. SpineCor is not the answer to every back pain-related problem. Therefore, your physician must approve its use. Once you have discussed spinal bracing with your physician and he or she approves, they must provide a written order for evaluation and delivery of this device.

In addition, we need to evaluate X-rays of your spine. To best understand the specifics of your postural alignment, we need a standing X-ray of you from the back and side. Again, your physician must order these X-rays. We ask that you bring your X-rays to your initial evaluation. We prefer to use X-rays no older than six months to understand your current presentation.

At your initial evaluation, our spinal bracing experts will evaluate your X-rays, as well as perform a clinical evaluation of your standing posture. We will confirm if a brace is appropriate and the most appropriate brace design. We will also take the necessary measurements for the appropriate brace. This evaluation usually takes about 45 minutes.

We will submit for insurance authorization, which can take a couple days to a couple weeks depending on your insurance provider. Once approved, we will have a brace made specifically for you and then schedule a fitting appointment. Typically, we can deliver your brace approximately two weeks after your initial evaluation. The fitting appointment will take about 45 minutes and will include fitting, fine-tuning and instruction on how to properly wear the brace.

After your fitting, we will follow up in about two weeks and then again in one to two months. During the first year, we will continue to follow up every two to three months to ensure proper comfort and support.

Does insurance cover SpineCor?

Most insurance companies cover this type of bracing. However, before we proceed with providing this brace, we will verify and authorize with your specific insurance policy.

What is the cost?

Unfortunately, cost is not an easy answer because individual financial responsibility is specific to the policy and coverage criteria of each insurance policy. We do not address costs until we have a better idea of the most appropriate brace selection and the specifics of your insurance coverage. However, there are no separate costs for evaluations or consultation. All visits related to evaluation, fitting and follow up with all orthotic devices are bundled into one billing event at the time of delivery.

What is expected at the initial evaluation visit?

At the initial evaluation, the patient will be evaluated by a practitioner. Patients will wear only their undergarments or shorts and sports bra-type garments. We ask that you come prepared with appropriate attire for this evaluation.

We will also evaluate your X-rays. Initial evaluations take about 45 minutes.

Do I need a written prescription for an evaluation?

Yes. Since this is a medical device that must be prescribed by your physician, a prescription is required before we will perform a full evaluation. However, we would be glad to briefly discuss the SpineCor design and provide you with an informational brochure that you can take to your next doctor’s visit. This will allow your physician to better understand the SpineCor brace design, goals and function.

Do I need to see a physician specialist?

Typically, this patient population is referred by neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, pain management or PMR physicians. However, if patients are no longer under the care of a specialist, a primary care or other specialist can request this evaluation and write the prescription.

How often will I wear my brace?

This varies for each person. Often, an adult patient will gradually increase their wear time to as much as eight to 12 hours daily for a period of several months to see how much pain relief and postural improvement they can achieve. After we are confident that we have achieved the maximum improvement in these areas, wear time is reduced to the least amount of time needed to maintain pain relief and posture. Ultimately, patients’ comfort level will dictate brace wear times.

Do I wear this brace over my clothes?

This brace is worn over an interface, such as a leotard, that is provided at fitting. You can wear the SpineCor Brace under your clothes, and it is unnoticeable when worn under most clothing. It is easily removable for visits to the restroom.

Will I need assistance in putting on the SpineCor Brace?

The ability to fit independently or the presence of a daily caregiver are important factors in determining if a brace is appropriate and which design will work best for each individual. If you can dress yourself independently, then you can likely fit the SpineCor Brace on your own. The SpineCor Brace is not difficult to don. However, it involves a series of four to six straps that must be put on in a specific sequence while attached to a special pair of shorts. There is a learning curve to putting these straps on correctly. However, most people get proficient with this process within the first few attempts. We will instruct you on proper donning and provide written directions with pictures at the time of delivery.