Bed rest is usually recommended for the first month and a half after a thoracic spine fracture, during which time the patient is encouraged to exercise the low back muscles without the need for bracing. If the fracture is more stable after six weeks, the patient is advised to wear a brace. A rigid thoracolumbar brace is usually recommended and the patient is encouraged to wear the brace as soon as he or she gets up. The brace is usually worn for about three months, after which the fracture heals and the need for continued bracing is determined by review of X-rays and MRI. In short, patients with thoracic spine fractures must wear a brace after getting up from bed for one and a half months after surgery, otherwise the fracture compression will worsen and long-term chronic low back pain will occur. If more serious, it can cause neurological symptoms, so it is recommended to wear a brace until the fracture heals.