Orthoses or a kind of splints applied to different parts of body to limit movements which can aggravate the existing pain.
Commonly used orthoses are cervical collars and lumbar supports. Following factors should be taken into account before the orthoses are prescribed.
- Examination suggests that supports or reduced mobility benefits the patient.
- Patient must understand that it is a temporary measure.
- If the supports aggravates the problem, it should be removed.
Cervical collars
Cervical soft collars are useful for painful neck or nerve root pain of the arm, as they can reduce the jarring which aggravates the pain. They might be worn at night as well as during day if necessary.
The collar should not be required for longer than 1-2 weeks at a time. Once recovery starts, its usage should come down.
Lumbar Supports
They are useful for keeping lumbar spine steady and in a correct lordosis during an episode of acute pain. Lumbar supports vary from the thoracolumbar to lumbosacral junctions orthoses. They provide support for lifting and help to prevent further insult to lumbar spine.
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