Scoliosis Brace

Also known as: scoliosis bracing

What is a scoliosis brace?

A scoliosis brace is a non-surgical treatment for scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. It consists of a plastic jacket that wraps around the torso, stretching from the arms to the hips. Straps keep the brace in place as it works at straightening the spine or preventing the curve from getting worse.

What happens during the procedure?

If a child has scoliosis, a number of tests will be done to determine if the patient is a good candidate for a scoliosis brace. If so, they will also need to determine the proper brace for that specific patient. A medical specialist known as an orthotist will perform the measurements for the child’s custom brace. Typically, children will need to wear the brace between 14-16 hours each day for them to be effective in treating or managing scoliosis.  This usually will allow a child not to have to wear the brace to school.   

Is any special preparation needed?

No special preparation is needed for a scoliosis brace fitting. However, not every child is a good candidate for a scoliosis brace.

What are the risk factors?

Redness, blisters, sores or rashes are all potential complications of wearing a scoliosis brace. This is why proper care and cleaning of the brace are important. It’s also possible that the scoliosis brace will not improve a child’s condition, and surgery may be needed despite an adequate trial of bracing. 

Reviewed by: Thomas Errico, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:50 PM