At National Scoliosis Center, we often say that it takes a village to support a child through their scoliosis journey. While our orthotists focus on the clinical side of bracing, and parents focus on support within the home, a significant portion of a student’s day is spent within the walls of a school where educators and school nurses can play a role.
For a child or teen, wearing a back brace to school is a significant transition. However, when school staff are informed and empathetic, the school environment becomes a place of empowerment. By understanding the basics of modern bracing, you can boost your student’s confidence and help them stay focused on their education.
Why Your Role Matters
Scoliosis treatment usually coincides with the middle and early high school years—a pivotal time for social development. A brace is a tool for health, but it can also be a source of occasional self-consciousness. When educators and nurses normalize the experience, it reinforces to the student that their brace is simply a part of their routine, like wearing glasses or braces on their teeth.
Practical Ways to Support Students in Braces
1. Foster an Open Line of Communication
Every student’s journey is different. Some are open about their brace, while others prefer privacy. A quiet, supportive check-in from a school nurse or counselor can go a long way. Simply letting the student know you are a resource if they ever need an adjustment—or a quick “brace break”—provides immense peace of mind.
2. Supporting a Normal School Routine
Because we utilize the Rigo Cheneau brace, which is custom-fabricated for each individual’s specific curve, and 3D-modeled for a slimmer profile, most of our patients find they can navigate the school day with ease. In fact, many people won’t even realize the student is wearing a brace! However, minor adjustments can sometimes make a long day even better:
- Seating: While many patients are perfectly comfortable in standard school seating, some may occasionally benefit from the ability to stand and stretch during longer lectures.
- Locker Access: To keep things easy, a locker at a height that minimizes deep bending or reaching is a simple way to help a student move through their day efficiently if they experience any discomfort with their initial locker assignment.
- A “Brace-Ready” Environment: Since the Rigo Cheneau is designed for a high level of activity, students can keep their focus where it belongs—on their studies and their friends.
3. Navigating Physical Education (PE)
Staying active is vital for patients with scoliosis, and we strongly encourage students to participate in PE! To make changing into gym clothes as seamless and comfortable as possible, you can consider providing a private space—such as the nurse’s or PE instructor’s office—where the student can take off their brace before class and put it back on afterward. That said, if the activity allows, some students may prefer to keep their brace on during class.
4. The School Nurse as a Safe Haven
The nurse’s office often becomes a “home base” for our patients. Whether it’s a place to apply a bit of cornstarch to prevent skin irritation on a hot day or simply a private spot to adjust an undershirt, your office is a vital part of their success.
A Resource for You
We want to be a resource for you just as much as we are for our families. If you have questions about how a Rigo Cheneau brace functions or how to best support a student in your care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices in Fairfax, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; or Houston, Texas.
Educators and nurses are often the first to notice a change in a child’s posture or the first to offer a word of encouragement during a busy school day. Thank you for being an essential part of the team that helps our patients stand tall—both physically and emotionally.