Q: My grandma read an article in which you once referred to a weighted kypho orthosis to reduce back pain and improve posture. I have searched the internet and have asked around. People seem to know about the device but can’t help us get one. Do you know how/where one can go about getting the WKO?
Thank you for any assistance you can offer.
A: Those individuals who are younger tend, as a general rule, to have good posture; however, as we age and the effects of osteoporosis and other conditions occur, curvature of the spine – whether it be kyphosis, lordosis or scoliosis – may become pronounced. The process upsets a person’s center of gravity so it is no longer over the support center of our bodies, making us at an increased risk for falls and fractures.
Mayo Clinic researchers performed a study on women with kyphosis who were at an increased risk for such falls. They used a WKO (weighted kypho orthosis) back support ( a harness of sorts) that weighed between 1 ¾ and 2 1/5 pounds and was centered on the posterior of the spine below the shoulder blades. The precise weight of the unit utilized was determined by each patient’s physician. The harness was worn for one hour each day – a half hour each morning and an additional half hour each afternoon. And, a critical part of the process was repetitive special back exercises. The results of the study was three-fold – gait improved, back strength improved, and a reduction in pain was observed within four weeks of beginning the program. The patients were all over 60 years of age and combined the WKO with a special exercise program with the findings of the study recorded in a July 2005 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Exercise techniques should be discussed with a person’s physician prior to their inception. Depending on what other medical conditions might be present, not all will be entirely appropriate. Therefore, a primary care physician or physiotherapist can help a patient make better choices.
Units are available. While perusing internet sites that included Amazon, I found they have what is called a cybertech postural extension kyphosis. The devices are sold by several companies but orders are filled by Amazon. Interestingly, one notation indicates the corrector was “invented for social dancers suffering from round backs” so I’m relatively sure that is not what you are looking for. There are also posture corrective braces, postural aid/clavicle braces which are unisex devices, Neo G medical grade posture correction/clavicle braces, and more. One item weighs five pounds and all are available for immediate shipment.
Okay, so now I am skeptical. There’s a huge differential between a back brace and something weighing 1 ¾ pounds vs one that weighs 5 pounds. If I am messing with my back, I want to be sure I am on the right track. Therefore and were I you, I would make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist or physiotherapist at a nearby hospital or other recognized facility to be assured I was on the right track. Have an examination to determine if a WKO is right for you or if something else will provide better results. The concept of the technique sounds good but to some degree, it is in its infancy. Don’t trade what could perhaps be a minor problem for one larger and more complex. Let a specialist you have confidence in make the decision with you as to which unit, (if any) and which weight is correct. Good luck.
