Do posture correctors help correct slouching?

What does a corset look like and what functions does it perform?

The Chenot corset is a rigid structure made of medical thermoplastic. It is made from an individual impression, which is taken from the patient’s body. Inside the structure, pelota are located in a certain way, which affect individual areas of the spine. On the outside there are free cavities into which the curved section “pushes out”.

When worn daily, the corset allows you to return the spine to its original state, correcting the curvature. In this case, the pressure on the corrected areas is applied in such a way as not to cause additional complications.

The bandage does not affect the patient’s motor functions in any way, which means wearing it does not lead to muscle tissue degeneration.

It is impossible to buy a ready-made corset; it is made only to order. Only based on the results obtained, a plaster cast is made, which is adjusted to the ideal look.

To order a Chenot corset, patients usually go to orthopedic salons. After wearing the brace for a long time, the patient needs to be examined again, as the spinal deformity will decrease. Specialists will either adjust the parameters of the existing product or offer to manufacture a new one.

Do posture correctors help correct slouching?

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Do posture correctors help prevent slouching or correct existing ones, and what devices should you pay attention to?

Elena Gritsun

Vera Kachurina

Traumatologist-orthopedist at the Rassvet and Chaika clinics, author of a blog about orthopedics.

Slouching in everyday life is called a violation of posture, which is characterized by rounding of the back in the thoracic region. In medicine, the term “positional kyphosis” has been adopted. And the key definition here is “positional,” which means the functional, unstable nature of the disorder, depending on the person’s posture.

The habitual posture of a person, in addition to the spine, is mainly supported by muscles: the dorsal, gluteal, abdominal muscles and hip flexors. Our ability to hold our back straight for a certain time depends on their strength and endurance.

It is normal that after some time our muscles get tired and we round our back (especially when sitting). Few people are able to constantly keep it in one position - except perhaps military men or ballerinas, who have developed this skill since childhood, and often using very harsh methods.

Slouching becomes a problem when it becomes a habit. Most often this is due to muscle detraining and insufficient physical activity. And sometimes teenagers begin to slouch in order to appear shorter than their peers.

Gadgets and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute. But if a person has a sufficient level of physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week) and includes at least the most banal exercises for the main muscle groups, most likely he will not be a slouch.

But often we are too lazy to exercise, and we want to get a magic pill rather than sign up for a gym. Therefore, we go to orthopedic stores that offer various devices for posture correction.

But they have no proven effectiveness. The effect of such devices on posture is very questionable, if not harmful. Without regular training, the muscles will still not support your back, no matter what “crutch” you offer them. And with prolonged wear, we will get even more weakened back muscles and worsen the problem. Therefore, to the question “What devices should I pay attention to?” I will answer this way: on the horizontal bar and dumbbells.

Indications and contraindications for wearing a posture corset

In childhood, wearing a corset is necessary if the curvature of the spine is more than 20 degrees, in adults - if it exceeds 40 degrees. In the initial stages of scoliosis, you can get by with simple posture correctors.

A back corset is often used when preparing a patient for spinal surgery, and it is also suggested to be worn to fix and support the spinal column after surgery.

Contraindications:

• chronic diseases of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system
• atrophy of muscle tissue, in which mechanical pressure is contraindicated
• diseases of the skin with foci of inflammation in the places where the corset fits

What is a posture correction corset?

Depending on what tasks are assigned to them, such devices can be corrective or supportive .

Corrective products contribute to the active correction of posture and give it the correct physiological position. The task of supporting correctors is to prevent further elimination of the spine.

Spinal correctors are special products that operate on a mechanical factor . Corsets, straps, belts, and stiffeners help create a directed effect on the spinal column, the muscles of the back and lower back, and the shoulder girdle.

Corsets create fulcrum points and levers that align the spinal column

If we are talking about magnetic correctors, then the mechanical effect is combined with a magnetic field aimed at eliminating pain, swelling, inflammation, improving blood circulation and trophism in the tissues of the spine.

The benefit of such devices is that they support and tone weak muscles and relieve tense muscles . This is important, since increased muscle tone provokes a displacement of the spinal axis, especially in children. Children's correctors contribute to the correct formation of the muscle corset. However, before choosing and using them, it is important to consult a doctor.

Video: “The harm and benefits of posture correctors”

Classification of corsets

• Soft models are lightweight and easy to use for everyday use, but are not intended to correct significant anatomical deformities. They are used mainly for vertebral hernias, chronic radiculitis and for unloading skeletal structures. Wearing this design stimulates blood circulation and eliminates the spasmodic state of blood vessels.

Soft products are not suitable for treating scoliosis. Chenault corsets can only be of semi-rigid and rigid types.

• Semi-rigid products - effectively eliminate muscle spasms, have a massage effect and a warming effect. The use of a semi-rigid corset is recommended for preventive purposes to prevent traumatic damage to skeletal bones and to distribute mechanical loads evenly.
• Hard type – prevents further deformation of the spine, protects the vertebrae from damage. When designing such orthopedic products, the individual characteristics of the body structure, the localization of the destructive process, and the degree of the disease are taken into account.

Indications for use

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The posture corrector can be used for both therapeutic and preventive purposes. In the latter case, it helps prevent possible curvature of the spine, which is especially important for those who are forced to occupy a long-term fixed position of the body.

Corsets are prescribed for various types of spinal curvature

For therapeutic purposes, correctors are indicated in such cases:

• slouch;
• scoliosis - lateral curvature of the spine;
• pterygoid scapulae - when the lower corner of the scapula lags behind the chest;
• complications of osteochondrosis such as radiculitis and disc herniation, accompanied by severe pain;
• weak or, on the contrary, too pronounced physiological curves of the spine - lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis;
• congenital or acquired disorders in the anatomical structure of the vertebrae;
• different combinations of these changes.

Children's correctors are used to eliminate spinal defects in the early stages . They are also indicated for asymmetry of the back muscles. It should be taken into account that corrective products actively affect the spinal column and compress muscles and soft tissues, so children should not wear them for more than three hours.

How to use and how long to wear the Chenault corset?

It is recommended to wear thin, seamless underwear under the corset. You need to lie on your back and adjust the tension of the straps, but the corset itself is completely put on in a standing position. You need to put on a corset for the first time under the guidance of a doctor, then you will be able to do it yourself at home.

Getting used to the Chenot corset takes about 2 weeks. During this time, the body and spine adapt to new loading phenomena. Initially, the bandage should be worn in doses. The recommended session is 2 hours. Then a break of 30-40 minutes is required. Gradually the wearing time is increased. In case of scoliosis of II-III degree, you need to wear a corset for 18-20 hours during the day.

Why is this happening? Looking for reasons

The causes of poor posture can be divided into 2 types:

• Purchased. Directly related to an unhealthy lifestyle: unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity and incorrect body position during the day. Low mobility and indifference to sports lead to a rapid weakening of the muscle corset. Medical massage in Ufa, like regular exercise in the gym, will be beneficial.
• Internal. Associated with the state of human internal organs. Poor posture can be caused by chronic diseases, tuberculosis, hearing and vision impairment, etc.

Please note that in some cases there is an inverse relationship. Acquired poor posture can cause respiratory failure. The lungs, located in a compressed chest, cannot expand completely, as a result of which the body receives less oxygen.

Where to order a Chenault corset in Krasnoyarsk?

You can order an orthopedic product for the spine according to individual measurements at an orthopedic hospital in the city and region. You receive a product with a state quality guarantee. If the pharmacy closest to your home does not have the product you need, simply order it at a discount online through the online pharmacy 24farmacia.ru and pick it up at the network pharmacy you need or order home delivery.

Take care of the health of your loved ones - buy orthopedic corsets in Krasnoyarsk at the Pharmacia online pharmacy at better prices.

Recommendations for selection

In fact, there is no particular difference in choosing a corrector for children and adults. You just need to take into account a number of features of the child’s body, which will be discussed below.

The main parameters when choosing are the model, material and size of the product.

It is better for the doctor to select the correct model, accurately establishing the diagnosis . If we are talking about slight stoop or the need to prevent it, a reclinator may be suitable - the simplest corrector.

Find out what to look for when choosing a corset to correct posture. With pronounced scoliosis or osteochondrosis, thoracic or thoracolumbar corsets may be indicated, providing more reliable fixation of the body in a certain position. But for problems with the spine, which are accompanied by pain and muscle tension, a magnetic corrector may be indicated.

The material of the product is also important, because the corset will have to be worn for several hours a day. It must be breathable, natural and environmentally friendly. Natural materials will make the device comfortable to wear.

This parameter is especially important for children, since their skin is delicate and sensitive. Please ensure that all elements, including tension bands and edge finishing materials, are not synthetic.

The correct size of the corrector is also very important . To determine it, height, chest circumference, as well as waist size in women and abdomen in men are taken into account. You need to look at the plate on the package and compare the numbers obtained with the dimensions of the corrector.

It is also worth considering the following recommendations:

• Try not to buy a model that is too rigid. It is better to choose a reclinator or a semi-rigid model.
• Don't choose a size that is too small.
• Thoracolumbar corsets are indicated only for certain diagnoses. If you don't have them, you shouldn't buy them.

The aesthetic criterion should be the last, because in the matter of these devices, it is not beauty that is important, but functionality.

How to wear

The posture corrector is worn only during the day. It must be removed at night. During the night's rest, the muscles should rest and relax - attempts to correct posture at night will lead to even greater problems with the spine. It is important to wear the reclinator every day without missing correction sessions.

You need to start with minimal tension and gradually increase it. This usually takes 2-4 weeks - during which the angle of rotation of the shoulders reaches its anatomical maximum. You can make marks on the straps with a pen to see what the tension was last time.

The posture corrector is intended for passive wear - you cannot play sports, run, dance, or perform active body movements in it. The reclinator works when you are standing, sitting or walking quietly. Moreover, if a posture corrector is not used for prevention, but is prescribed by a doctor, then you need to strictly follow its recommendations for wearing.

How to treat?

Serious indications are required for surgical correction of the spine. In most cases, the disease can be dealt with using more gentle, but still effective methods. Forcefully control your posture for at least 30 minutes a day, gradually increasing this time. Formed habit is the key to success! In advanced cases, we recommend paying attention to therapeutic massage and special physical training. Kinesio taping is suitable for pain relief. In Ufa, detailed consultation can be obtained at the Clinic of Neurology and Orthopedics.

How to correct your posture?

In addition to wearing a posture corrector, there are a number of steps that you need to follow to achieve success and get a well-groomed and healthy back. For this it is very important:

• sleep correctly - we must have an orthopedic mattress that provides an orthopedic regime during sleep and rest and allows, in addition to comfortable sleep, to take care of the back, shoulders and torso;
• a balanced diet – people who are obese or overweight are usually those who have the most back problems, so it is vital that you eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet;
• physical exercise is the best way to strengthen the muscular corset to support the spine and discipline your posture.

How to care for a spinal corset?

• It is necessary to care for the product based on the instructions indicated on the packaging. This is how you will maximize its service life.
• Hand washing is allowed using detergents in water at a temperature of no more than 30C. This will avoid shrinkage of the material and loss of the properties of Velcro fasteners.
• Also, some models allow machine washing on a delicate cycle and using a special bag.
• Some models allow you to remove the stiffeners. If possible, carry out this manipulation to facilitate the cleaning and drying process.
• It is better to dry the corset out of direct sunlight to avoid premature wear and cracking.

Purchasing a back corset is not an easy task, but it will benefit you and allow you to get rid of a number of unpleasant sensations.

At the end, we offer one exercise that will help correct your posture.

Why do you need a corset?

Do you suffer from back or spine pain? Poor posture can be the result of injury, a bad habit, or a genetic predisposition, but with time, effort, and the right tools, it can be corrected. Poor posture negatively affects everything from your sitting position to your ability to live an active life and have a calm emotional state.

Poor posture creates muscle imbalances that can lead to further problems in the upper body. They are typically caused by a variety of factors and lead to tension in some areas and weakness in other areas.

Muscle imbalances and the resulting discomfort associated with poor posture can be detrimental to your health and well-being.

But with the right device, you can work your muscles to achieve your natural posture. There are many different shapers and other devices that you put on your body to enhance and rehabilitate it. The reasons that lead to curvature of the spine are also important, since constant wearing of a corset does not guarantee complete correction of posture, and at the same time the patient continues to adhere to habits that adversely affect the body.

Why does curvature of the spine appear? There are many reasons. It is worth noting that these problems affect internal organs and cause significant damage to health. In addition, there is poor blood circulation and difficulty breathing. All this affects the general condition, and a person feels tired for a long time.

Factors that are associated with the development of poor posture are:

• weak and undeveloped muscles;
• pathologies in the development of muscle tissue around the spine;
• diseases that cause changes in the shape and size of the chest;
• violation of the daily routine;
• incorrectly selected chairs and bed;
• poor workplace lighting;
• tight clothing, which negatively affects skeletal development (in children and adolescents);
• passive lifestyle.

As almost every child develops, many of these factors affect the condition of the spine. This is why it is very important to monitor children from early childhood. Poor posture leads to deformation of the entire skeleton and displacement of internal organs.