Overview
Lumbar sacral corset
A lumbar sacral corset is designed to control your lower back movement, which can help reduce pain.
The corset is made of a strong canvas material, which is durable and lightweight. There is a panel underneath the fastenings to protect your skin. Some corsets also contain metal rods, but this depends on the type of support needed.
How to put on your corset
Your orthotist will make sure the corset is fitted to your body.
1. Open the fastenings fully.
2. You can either hold the open corset against your back, or lay the corset open on your bed and lie back into it.
3. If your corset has metal rods, position them on both sides of your spine.
4. Make sure the bottom of the corset rests on the top of your bottom.
5. Pull the sides of the corset around your body.
6. Fasten the middle strap up first. This helps to hold the corset in position. Then, work your way up the fastening section from the bottom strap.
7. Make sure that the straps are snug, and that the panel underneath the fastenings is not creased.
You can wear a thin cotton vest or T-shirt between your skin and the corset. This helps to absorb any sweat, and can provide comfort from the corset’s material.
When to wear your corset
Your orthotist will tell you when to wear your corset.
Maintaining your corset
At some point, your corset will need some repairs. This may include replacing straps, casings, or padding.
If repairs or replacements are needed, please contact the orthotics service who will arrange these repairs for you.
Do not try to make any changes or repairs to the corset yourself.
Washing your corset
Ideally you should have 2 corsets, so you can wear one while the other is being washed and dried.
If your corset has metal rods, remove them before washing.
1. Open all fastenings and buckles.
2. Wash the corset in warm water by hand, and rinse thoroughly.
3. Roll the corset in a towel to remove excess water. Do not squeeze the water out of your corset.
4. Make sure that the corset is left flat to dry, away from direct heat. Do not put it on a radiator, or in a tumble dryer.
5. You can put the metal rods back in when the corset has dried. Make sure they're put in the right place.
The corset can also be dry cleaned. Do not forget to remove the metal rods first, and put them back in after.
Looking after your corset
Do
- wear the corset as instructed by your orthotist
- check your skin after wearing your corset. If it's difficult to do this yourself, you can use a mirror or ask someone to check for you
- check regularly for signs of wear, such as worn-out material or casings, Velcro® straps, or cracked metal rods
- have your corset checked regularly, as advised by your orthotist
Don't
- do not place your corset near sources of heat, or extreme cold
- do not attempt to adjust or modify the corset
- do not cut, file or damage the corset
When to get help
Close-fitting corsets will cause mild redness to the skin where pressure is applied. This is normal.
Contact the orthotics service as soon as possible if:
- you notice skin redness that lasts longer than 30 minutes after wearing your corset. This can be harder to see on brown or black skin
- you notice any breaks in your skin, such as sores or blisters
- you have any pain, irritation or notice increased rubbing of the skin
Resource number: 4378/VER2
Last reviewed: January 2025
Next review due: January 2028
