A brace device for the spinal support of a wearer. The brace device comprises a plurality of component parts, with each component part being moveable relative to at least one other component part. Movement sensing means are provided, for monitoring the movement of the wearer and/or the movement of one component part relative to the at least one other component part with which it is moveable the movement sensing means being able to generate output signals indicative of movement or in response to a change in movement. Movement resisting means are provided on component parts and these are operable to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of the component parts relative to other component parts. Control means in communication with the movement sensing means and the movement resisting means are programmed to interpret and/or analyze the output signals generated by the movement sensing means within predetermined parameters and/or criteria. Movement resisting means are activated, deactivated or dynamically controlled in response to signals received from the control means when it is determined that a movement or a change in movement requires partial or substantial immobilization of at least a portion of the spine of the wearer.
