For many, the back is a very vulnerable spot. Radiculitis, osteochondrosis, neuritis, spondyloarthrosis, injuries - this is not a complete list of diseases that threaten the spine. In the event that they are already available, a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset can provide invaluable assistance. How to choose this device, what to look for when buying and what may be contraindications for its use - we will tell you in more detail.
Types of corsets
Depending on the purpose, there are three main types of corsets:
- antiradiculitis belts;
- bandages for pregnant women;
- orthopedic corsets.
Anti-radiculitis belt, in addition to fixation, also performs a warming function. Most often, the material for its manufacture is naturalwool, which has a slight massage effect, which improves blood flow and reduces the severity of pain. The task of orthopedic corsets is to reduce the level of load on the damaged parts of the spinal column. Their use allows for additional fixation of the body and reduction of pain.
Corsets for pregnant women
As a rule, the appropriateness of their use is determined by the gynecologist who leads the pregnancy. Bandages for pregnant women are divided into prenatal and postnatal. Prenatal bandage is prescribed in order to exclude complications in multiple pregnancies or with a low position of the fetus. The task of the postpartum bandage is to help the woman recover as quickly as possible after childbirth.
Functions of orthopedic corsets
Today, orthopedic corsets are subdivided according to the spine they affect - lumbar, lumbosacral, thoracolumbar. According to the degree of rigidity, hard ones are distinguished, they are used during the recovery period after injuries or surgical interventions on the spine, and semi-rigid ones, which, as a rule, are more common. The semi-rigid lumbosacral corset performs the following functions:
- fixes the spine in order to correct and relieve stress from the vertebrae;
- keeps the spinal column in the correct position if the muscular frame is weakened;
- relieves stress from damaged parts of the spine.
In addition, any corset inwearing time corrects existing defects. A semi-rigid corset for the lumbosacral region can be used as part of complex therapy for various pathologies of the spine. It is also an excellent prophylactic for people whose daily work activity is associated with a load on the spinal column.
When to use a semi-rigid lumbosacral brace
Such corsets today are the most popular models in the market of orthopedic products. Their use may be recommended by an orthopedist, or may become the choice of the patient himself. The most common semi-rigid lumbosacral corset is used in the following cases:
- For pain caused by various pathologies of the back. It can be intervertebral hernia, sciatica, osteochondrosis, displacement of the vertebrae, back injuries. By reducing the load on the affected areas, the semi-rigid lumbosacral corset allows you to reduce the intensity of pain. Limitation of mobility and maintaining a physiologically correct body position contribute to a reduction in the recovery time.
- In the postoperative period and during recovery from injuries, a semi-rigid orthopedic lumbosacral brace is an indispensable element of rehabilitation. Using the right corset allows you to avoid complications with a great guarantee.
- With such a common postpartum complication as a divergence of the pelvic bones, a female lumbosacral semi-rigid corset is often used, which is equipped with a low back wall. Thisit is possible to significantly speed up the recovery time of a woman.
- As a means of prevention with constant stress on the spine.
- Thoracic-lumbosacral semi-rigid corset, depending on the model, can act as a posture corrector or serve as a factor limiting mobility after surgical interventions on the thoracic spine.
How to use it correctly
First of all, it is worth noting that before you start using a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset, you still need to consult an orthopedic doctor. It will help you choose a model with characteristics that will suit your particular situation. In order for the corset to bring real benefits, you need to follow some rules:
- the corset must exactly match the parameters of the buyer - usually the manufacturer indicates what size of the waist and hips this model is intended for;
- before putting on a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset, you need to carefully read its instructions (it would be best if you put it on for the first time in the presence of a doctor, since weak fixation will not give any result, but excessive fixation, a sign of which there is a pulsation in the navel area, can seriously harm the body);
- the corset should fit snugly to the body both in the upper part of the waist and in the pelvic area;
- corset wear time should be limited to 8 hours - with longer use, loosening may occurmuscle frame and eventually develop atrophy;
- it is better to wear a corset over underwear to avoid skin damage.
Contraindications
Despite the apparent ease of use of semi-rigid corsets, there are a number of conditions when their use is contraindicated. First of all, they include pregnancy. The use of a corset implies, albeit limited, but compression of the organs of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, and this is fraught with malformations in the development of the fetus. Another absolute contraindication for the use of a semi-rigid corset is hernia of the abdominal wall. In this case, its use can provoke a strangulated hernia, that is, a life-threatening situation. It is also undesirable to use it for skin diseases, because due to the warming effect, this can aggravate the situation.
Orlett corsets
Among the most famous manufacturers of orthopedic corsets is the German brand Orlett. Corsets of this brand today are one of the most recognizable orthopedic products on the Russian market. Reviews about these products are usually the most positive. Different models, sizes and colors allow you to choose a product that will satisfy all customer requirements. All models allow you to adjust the stiffeners according to the parameters of the buyer. For example, the Orlett lumbosacral semi-rigid corset lss-114, which is used inin case of need for strong fixation, it has already bent metal stiffeners, which, if necessary, can be further adjusted. This allows you to strengthen the fit of the product and distribute the load on the spine as much as possible.
Another advantage of this manufacturer's products is that any Orlett lumbosacral (semi-rigid) corset is made of a strong and low-stretch mesh, which, along with maintaining its shape, ensures optimal air and moisture exchange. This significantly increases the level of comfort when using the product, which patients note in their reviews.
Where to buy
Of course, deciding to buy a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset, it would be foolish to look for it on the market or buy it from private advertisements. Today, there are enough specialized stores that offer a large selection of orthopedic products. One such organization is the Russian company Ladomed. Its main activity is the retail trade in orthopedic products. Here you can find many models from the most famous Russian and Western manufacturers. In addition to orthopedic salons, you can also choose the necessary product on the website of the Ladomed company (it can be found at ladomed.com). A semi-rigid lumbosacral corset can be selected there both on the basis of individual requirements and taking into account its cost. Experienced and friendly consultants will help to make thischoosing the most efficient.
However, once again it is worth recalling: a consultation with a doctor is the first thing to do before purchasing a semi-rigid lumbosacral brace. Feedback from friends or acquaintances, comments on social networks is, of course, good. But only a specialist (surgeon, traumatologist or orthopedist) will be able to determine exactly which type of corset to use in order to provide the optimal level of solution to the problem.
