Managing scoliosis while working, especially when wearing a brace, can be challenging but manageable with the right strategies. Here’s how to optimize your workspace and daily routine for comfort and productivity.
Gradually Adjust to Wearing Your Brace
Wearing a brace for long hours at work can be uncomfortable at first. Start by wearing it for shorter periods, gradually increasing the time until you’re comfortable wearing it for the full workday. This approach allows your body to adapt, minimizing discomfort and fatigue.
Choose Comfortable Clothing
Finding comfortable clothing is essential when wearing a brace. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton that won’t rub against the brace or cause irritation. Layers can be useful, allowing you to adjust your clothing throughout the day for maximum comfort. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that can press against the brace and lead to discomfort.
Modify Your Workspace for Ergonomics
Creating a scoliosis-friendly workspace is crucial for maintaining comfort throughout the day. Start by ensuring your chair offers proper support. Consider an ergonomic chair that has arm support but make sure the arm supports don’t stop you from getting close enough to the desk to work comfortably. If your job requires you to stand for extended periods, use an anti-fatigue mat to reduce pressure on your legs and back, and adjust your workstation height to avoid unnecessary bending or stretching.
Take Regular Breaks to Avoid Fatigue
Wearing a brace may make you tire more quickly in the beginning, so it’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day. Aim to stand up, stretch, and walk around for a few minutes every hour. This helps to prevent stiffness, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of muscle fatigue, all of which contribute to better overall comfort and productivity.
Talk to Your Employer
If you’re struggling to adjust to wearing a brace at work, don’t hesitate to talk to your employer about potential strategies. Employers are often willing to make reasonable adjustments to help you stay comfortable and productive. This might include ergonomic improvements to your workspace, flexible working hours, or more frequent breaks. Open communication ensures that your needs are understood and addressed, leading to a more supportive work environment.
Collaborate with Your Scoliosis Clinician
Your clinician can provide valuable insights into managing scoliosis in the workplace. They can recommend specific exercises, possible adjustments to your brace, or modifications to your workspace that will enhance your comfort and effectiveness at work. Collaborating with your healthcare team will help you develop a practical and sustainable approach, letting you thrive in your career while also helping in managing your condition.
Adjusting to wearing a scoliosis brace at work can be a big shift, but with the right strategies, you can stay comfortable, healthy, and productive. Start by gradually increasing the time you wear the brace, choose clothing that accommodates it, modify your workspace to suit your needs, take regular breaks, and keep open communication with your employer.
Questions about Bracing?
You might be an adult who has only just been diagnosed with scoliosis, and are considering if bracing is the appropriate treatment approach for you. There are different types of adult scoliosis braces, but not all braces are made the same.
The Adult ScoliBrace is an adult specific scoliosis brace focussing on postural realignment and spinal stabilization. Adult patients may only need to wear the brace part time each day to get significant pain relief and postural improvement.
If you have questions about the Adult ScoliBrace or bracing treatment in general, get in touch with a ScoliBrace Provider near you.
