Back Extension Brace for Osteoporosis & Spine Fractures This thoracic brace controls the mid and lumbar spine via a three-point system and can help with many spinal conditions or anomalies, including: Osteoporosis Osteoarthritis of the spine Degenerative disc disease Kyphosis Mechanical mid-back pain Stable compression fractures in the L2 - T7 vertebrae Thoracolumbar injury Thoracic back and spine pain Unwanted spinal flexion This CASH (cruciform anterior spinal hyperextension orthosis) back brace controls unintended thoracic flexion and promotes good spinal alignment. The three-point system of this rigid brace offers a triplanar control which allows it to do so. The rigid anterior (front) portion of the frame stretches vertically from the symphysis pubis (between the hips) to the sternal notch. It also has pads on either side of your midsection and a back support pad. This combination limits spinal flexion as well as other motion of your trunk. The lower pad is articulating, meaning it can move with your body. The upper pad can be adjusted to be either fixed or articulating, depending upon your preference and/or a doctor’s orders. You can also remove a screw at the top of the upper pad and remove a wedge in order to allow that pad to move.   The flexibility of the pads increase the comfort of this TLSO back support. Also, the thoracolumbar back support pad features an aluminum stay that you can customize to the curve of your spine. The padding used in this rigid mid- and low-back support is soft as well as waterproof, making it ideal for long-term use and user comfort. (Note that a snug-fitting under shirt should be worn between the orthotic to prevent any chaffing. You can easily adjust the height of the pads of this hyperextension back brace, by using just your hands. You can do so by pulling out an adjustment knob and adjusting the height as needed. The alligator fastener tab around the waist of the osteoporosis back brace allows a high degree of sizing flexibility. Once you have the fit right, the excess material can be trimmed off and discarded.  Applying the osteoarthritis back brace begins with opening the latch lock of the support and passing the lumbar pad around the back while holding the belt with one hand. While holding the frame of the kyphosis back brace, you should slide the belt and attachment plate over the protruding metal tab, using the thumb of the opposite hand. You can now secure the latch lock by pushing the flat area downward. To remove the kyphosis extension brace, you simply reverses the steps. The quick-release closure system makes application and removal quick and easy. Treating Thoracic Spinal Problems Thoracic, or mid-back pain is not nearly as common as discomfort of the low back or cervical spine; but that is of little comfort for those dealing with discomfort in this region. Oftentimes, muscle and soft tissue problems are to blame for mid-back pain. Imbalances, overuse, poor posture or trauma can all irritate such tissues, resulting in discomfort. In other cases, damage to your thoracic spine may be to blame. Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by a loss of bone density, can increase your risk of spinal compression fracture. This, in turn, can diminish your height, cause back pain, and possibly lead to posture abnormalities such as the humpback curve the upper back known as kyphosis. To help correct postural kyphosis, which is caused from overtime slouching, try our posture support to help stop your condition from getting worse.  Osteoarthritis (OA) refers to degenerative joint disease that might impact your spine. Over time, the protective cartilage between the discs of the spine can wear away, causing pain and possibly pressure nerves exiting the spinal column. Typically, you can often address mechanical back pain by lessening stress on its soft tissues (possibly via use of this upper back brace), improving form or posture, engaging in exercises to correct imbalances, etc. But those with OA and osteoporosis are less fortunate. These conditions cannot be reversed, though there are steps one can take to limit damage and slow progression of the disease. This might include wearing a back brace, such as this Cybercross orthotic. It helps by preventing unwanted flexion of the thoracic spine and holding the back in an extended position. Doing so promotes proper spinal alignment, which also helps reduce pain.  Details on this CASH Thoracic Extension Back Brace This osteoporosis brace is a simple solution for various thoracic issues. There are many different features of this brace: Three-point system of the kyphosis back support holds the spine in hyperextension Controls thoracic flexion and promotes proper spinal alignment, easing pain Back orthotic for thoracic mechanical back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, thoracolumbar injury, degenerative disc disease, kyphosis, compression fractures (L2 through T7) Front portion of the TLSO back brace features an upper and lower pad, both of which can move with your body, as well as lateral pads on the right and left sides of your waist Soft, waterproof padding makes this brace comfortable against the skin Lumbar/thoracic back support pad has an aluminum stay that allows you to customize it to your body Lightweight and low-profile  Features a quick-release closure and a snap lock lever mechanism Pull knob makes it easy to adjust the vertical height of the brace for back extension Alligator tab around the waist enables universal sizing of the brace for the thoracic back, eliminating the hassle of pinpointing an exact size Weight: 1 pound 1 ounce.