Spinal Support

Question 1

What are some disadvantages of spinal supports?

Answer 1

• Options are limited.

- Difficulty in controlling individual vertebral motions.

Question 2

What are the different types of limbo-sacral supports?

Answer 2

• Abdominal binders.
• Braces.
• Corsets.
• Sacroiliac belts.

Question 3

What are the mechanisms of support?

Answer 3

• Increased intra-abdominal pressure.

- Proprioceptive.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a sacroiliac belt?

Answer 4

• Used to stabilized both iliac bones.
• Some have pads to help stabilize the sacrum.
• Often used during pregnancy due to hormone changes that relax ligaments.

Question 5

What is the purpose of rib belts?

Answer 5

• Can be used for intercostal muscle strains and other minor rib injuries (not for unstable fractures).
• Support by compressing the rib cage and decreasing the amount of expansion.
• Padding can also be added under the support.

Question 6

When would a soft collar be used?

Answer 6

• Facet fracture.

- Whip lash.

Question 7

How should a soft collar be worn?

Answer 7

• Tall enough to to rest on the upper trapezius and support the mandible.
• Head and c-spine should be held in neutral.

Question 8

What is the purpose of cervical support?

Answer 8

• Can be used for temporary relief of acute neck pain.

- Soft collars work by supporting the weight of the head and allowing the paraspinal muscles to relax.

Question 9

What is the purpose of functional supports?

Answer 9

• Used to prevent and treat cervical sprains, strains, disk herniation and brachial plexus injury
• Absorbs shock
• Limits range of motion
• Lessens excessive cervical extension and lateral flexion but allows for normal flexion