Using Your Jewett Spinal Orthosis (Brace) at Home
Purpose
Your Jewett Hyperextension Spinal Orthosis helps control and support your spinal posture, helps reduce pain, prevents further injury and promotes healing. It will remind you to keep your back upright and straight. It is often prescribed for the treatment of compression fractures or fractures on the front side of the spine.
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The Jewett brace will keep you from bending forward. It should be uncomfortable when you begin moving into positions you should avoid. You should be able to do many normal activities by yourself or with a little help from caregivers or special tools. Ask your doctor or Occupational Therapist for detailed guidelines.
Preparing for your trip home
Arrange for someone to drive you home. Bend at your hips and knees, but not your back when getting into and out of a car, sitting, or standing. To relieve pressure from the front pads when sitting, try leaning back over a firm pillow, towel, or blanket behind the back pad of your Jewett or sit in a reclining chair. Do not loosen the Jewett strap.
Taking off your Jewett
You must wear your Jewett as ordered by your doctor. To remove it, lie down and open the straps. While the Jewett is open or off, be careful not to twist or bend your back..
Putting on your Jewett
Always wear the Jewett orthosis over a clean, dry T-shirt. Put on your Jewett while lying down. Roll onto the back pad and strap without twisting or bending your back (you may need help from a caregiver). You may also have a helper slide the back pad under you while you are lying on your back. Place the Jewett frame on the front of your torso. Close the strap snugly so the Jewett controls your back movement. Be sure the clear sliding pads are under the straps so the straps don’t dig into your sides. If the Jewett “rides up” or twists out of position, it is too loose. For the Jewett to support and protect your spine in the proper manner, it must be worn very tight.
Showering/bathing
If your doctor has told you to wear your Jewett at all times when standing or sitting, you can wear the Jewett in the shower or have sponge baths while lying on your bed without the brace. If you cannot wash and dry under pads of the Jewett while wearing it, you will need to lie on your bed and remove the Jewett for a short time. Be careful not to twist or bend your back while the Jewett is off. After your skin and the pads are all dry, put on a T-shirt and apply the Jewett snugly before sitting or standing. The Jewett may be worn with wet straps or you can dry the straps with a hair dryer set on low.
If your doctor allows you to shower without the Jewett, remove it just before starting the water and put it on again as soon as you dry off. While the Jewett is off, be careful not to twist or bend your back. This option is ONLY for patients who have their doctor’s permission.
Sleeping in the Jewett
Your doctor will tell you if you should wear your Jewett while sleeping or lying down. Your doctor may change these instructions during your course of treatment based on changes in your condition. If you are allowed to remove the Jewett while sleeping, be sure to put it on before you get up. If you need to go to the bathroom during the night, it may be easier to keep the brace on.
Cleaning the outside of your Jewett
Wipe off the outside with a damp or soapy cloth, and then dry. The straps can air dry while the Jewett is being worn. The hook fastener will hold best if all the lint is removed.
Cleaning the inside of your Jewett
When your Jewett is removed for your bath, wipe the inside with a damp cloth. If you prefer, you may also use a mild soap that you would use on your skin. Rinse the soap from the Jewett and dry the entire inside before you put it on again.
How long do I need to wear the Jewett?
Your doctor will decide how long you need to wear your Jewett. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice, even if you feel better and would like to stop wearing it sooner. Your doctor will be checking your progress and will decide what is in your best long-term interest.
What should I do if my neurological symptoms get worse?
If you have more numbness, tingling, pain or are less able to move or do daily activities, call
Patients of the Neurosurgery Clinic: (608) 263-1410
Patients of the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Spine Clinic: (608) 265-3207
After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, this will give you the paging operator. Ask for the resident on call for your clinic. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942 and ask for your clinic.
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is
#6721.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 05/25/2010
Copyright © 05/25/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5394
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