Information for patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
You have been provided with a spinal/abdominal support by the Orthotics Service.
Please follow the instructions given to you at your clinical appointment, and use this information for further reference.
What is the function of a spinal/abdominal support?
A spinal support is a device that is worn around the trunk of your body and hips to provide support to your spinal column and pelvis.
Depending on your diagnosis and functional needs, your spinal support may be either a rigid or a fabric design.
Your prescribed spinal/abdominal support has been provided to meet your clinical needs and has been adapted by your clinician to treat your presenting symptoms.
Your device should only be used by you.
The aim of a spinal support is to:
• Support weak muscles.
• Support vertebrae (bones of your spine).
• Reduce joint pain.
• Control and support abdominal hernias.
How often should I wear my device?
When provided with your prescribed spinal/abdominal support, it is important to increase your wear time gradually. You will need to allow your muscles and skin to adjust to the new support and corrective pressures being applied to the trunk of your body.
During your appointment, the Orthotist will have provided information regarding how you should wear the support.
However we would generally suggest to start wearing your support for approximately 30 minutes, and then gradually increasing this period of time each day by 30 minutes until you are able to wear daily with no concern.
How should I care for my device?
Your spinal/abdominal support should be worn over a close-fitting cotton vest or t-shirt to prevent the risk of skin irritation and to reduce moisture.
Hygiene is very important when wearing a spinal/abdominal brace daily. By keeping your device clean you will minimise your risk of skin irritation and bacterial build up.
If you have been prescribed a fabric support, this can be hand washed with mild detergent and left to dry naturally. Please do not tumble dry.
Remember to monitor your skin for redness, soreness or inflammation daily. If you are concerned about any skin pressures or areas of tenderness, you should contact the Orthotics Service to arrange a review appointment.
How often will my prescription be reviewed?
Your spinal/abdominal support provision will not be reviewed routinely by the Orthotic department, however we advise that you contact to arrange a review appointment if the following applies:
• One year has passed since supply for general review.
• You feel your device has worn and is no longer functioning effectively.
• Your symptoms have returned.
• You are concerned about a change in your condition.
Contact numbers
If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below:
North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Orthotics Service
Telephone: 01429 522471
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Patient Experience Team (PET)
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.
This service is based at the University Hospital of North Tees but also covers the University Hospital of Hartlepool, our community hospitals and community health services.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 01642 624719 / Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).
University Hospital of North Tees
Hardwick Road
Stockton-on-Tees
TS19 8PE
Telephone: 01642 617617
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Holdforth Road
Hartlepool
TS24 9AH
Telephone: 01642 617617
Leaflet Reference: PI081 version 1
Date for Review: 11 September 2029