Orthotics - Fabric Spinal Support

Introduction

This leaflet is for people who have been provided with a fabric spinal support by the Orthotics service. It will explain how to care for the support and other important information about the Orthotics service.

We hope you find this information useful.

If you require further information or you are unable to attend an appointment, please telephone the Orthotics department where the appointment has been made as soon as possible:

Bury, Rochdale or Oldham: 0161 778 2670
Email: nca.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

Salford: 0161 206 4912
Email: salford.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

For further information about our service, please visit:

www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/orthotics

Our sites are open for collection and dropping off devices:

Bury: Tuesdays only
Rochdale: Thursdays only
Oldham: Mondays only
Salford: Monday - Friday

What am I entitled to?

You are entitled to one spinal support. Under most circumstances the support will be intended as a temporary measure to assist during the acute phase of back pain and afterwards for use when there is a risk of re-injury or recurrence of symptoms. You will only be given a second item after inspection of your original support by the Orthotist and for the following reasons:

• If you need the device long term
• If your original support is deemed to be clinically ineffective by the Orthotist
• If your original support is beyond repair

Theft, loss or damage to your fabric spinal support

If your support is stolen you will need to obtain a crime number from the police before we are able to order you a replacement.

If your support is lost or damaged (either accidentally or maliciously) you will be asked to pay for its replacement. The average cost of replacement of fabric spinal support is £90.

How should I use the fabric spinal support?

• Place the support behind the back and wrap around the waist
• Ensure steels or the frame are correctly positioned
• Fasten the strap nearest to the middle of the support first
• Fasten straps from bottom to top missing out the strap fastened first
• Re-tighten the strap fastened first if necessary
• Finally fasten the long velcro strap which pulls around from the back of the support (if the support has one)
• Wear as instructed by the Orthotist
• Remove the Orthosis for sleeping
• Return the Orthosis for repair as needed
• Wash regularly

How should I care for the fabric spinal support?

• Remove metal steels or the frame
• Fasten all Velcro straps
• Machine wash on gentlest programme or hand wash
• Wrap in a towel to remove excess moisture then allow to dry flat and naturally away from direct heat sources such as a radiator or tumble dryer

What problems should I be aware of?

If you notice any of the following, please contact the Orthotics department as soon as possible on the telephone number at the top of this leaflet

• Increased pain or discomfort
• Sores or blisters on the skin
• Irritation or rubbing
• Any damage to the fabric spinal support

Further appointments

You will not be given a further appointment automatically. However, if you feel your condition has not improved, has worsened or you are experiencing problems with the fabric support you can see the orthotist by telephoning the orthotics department where you had your original appointment.