Minors who are diagnosed with scoliosis (an excessive curvature of the spine) are often told to wear a scoliosis brace to prevent the curve from getting worse as they continue to grow. Bracing is an important part of the treatment process in many cases, but wearing a rigid plastic shell every day can take some getting used to.

If you have to start wearing a scoliosis brace, there's a good chance that it will affect the way you dress. Of course, you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but we're here to give you a few pointers on the tricky topic of scoliosis brace clothing.

What to wear with a scoliosis brace

• Tight-fitting clothes underneath the brace

To make your scoliosis brace feel as comfortable as possible, we recommend wearing some thin clothes beneath it. Try to find light, tight-fitting garments, as these will ensure that your brace is still able to do its job. Things like a cami top, tank top or a vest are suitable to wear beneath most braces. However, if your scoliosis brace reaches your armpits, you may be more comfortable wearing a t-shirt. It may also be more comfortable to wear leggings or tights on your lower half as this will cover the area where the brace sits.

• Long tops and asymmetrical shirts/dresses

Concerned about what your brace might look like? Long, flowing tops are an attractive and concealing fashion choice. Long tops are perfect for summer (as well as for layering up in the winter). Similarly, asymmetrical shirts and dresses can help cover up parts of the scoliosis brace you don't want to show. The off-the-shoulder fit can cover the auxiliary piece of the brace, and the slanting trim will be able to cover any part of your brace that goes down to your hip.

• Hoodies and elasticated trousers

You may find you prefer wearing elasticated trousers over or underneath your scoliosis brace. Either way, elasticated trousers are a good go-to piece of clothing, and will keep you looking smart. Hoodies are also great for both guys and girls who would prefer to layer up when wearing a brace. They're ideal for keeping you warm and comfortable during the winter months, too.

• Maxi dresses and pleated skirts for special occasions

If you're looking for something to wear to an event whilst wearing your scoliosis brace, we recommend maxi dresses and pleated skirts. Both cover the outline of the brace from the hip down beautifully. The elasticated waist will emphasise your waistline, which may be concealed slightly by the brace, and the pleated skirts will emphasise your hips.

• Layered clothing

A scoliosis brace can cause your clothes to feel slightly uncomfortable as they may hang differently. If you find this is the case, layering up can help your clothes feel more comfortable. For example, wearing an infinity scarf, a long cardigan or even a jacket can help conceal any areas of the brace which may show through your clothes. It's also a really cosy fashion statement all year through and can help boost your confidence when dressing with a scoliosis brace.

The Scoliosis SOS Clinic provides treatment to scoliosis patients of all ages. If you'd like to arrange an initial consultation, please contact us today!

Summer time is fast approaching, and with holidays and days out planned, the shape of your child's spine is probably the last thing on your mind right now.

However, summer is the time when you are most likely to see your pre-teen/teenage child's back.

Scoliosis is usually idiopathic, meaning of unknown cause. Idiopathic scoliosis usually becomes apparent to parents around age 11-12, when children reach puberty and undergo rapid growth within a short period of time.

Here are some of the signs of scoliosis that, as a parent, you ought to look out for:

• Rib hump (details here)
• Different shoulder heights
• Leaning to one side

Back pain is also often associated with scoliosis, most commonly affecting the lower back region. Pain may also occur in the neck or shoulders depending on the position of the curve. It has been suggested that there is no correlation between the size of the patient's curve and the level of pain they experience - some patients with large curves experience very little pain, while some patients with very mild curves experience significant pain.

I think my child has scoliosis - what do I need to do?

If you suspect that your child has scoliosis, please contact Scoliosis SOS today and one of our patient care coordinators will arrange an initial consultation. During this appointment, our consultant will take a radiation-free back scan of your child's spine, along with various other measurements. We will then be able to assess your child's condition and discuss a suitable treatment plan if necessary.