Dynamically reactive spinal support system

A brace device for the spinal support of a wearer, the brace device comprising:

• a plurality of component parts operable in combination to be placed over substantially the thoracic, lumbar and/or cervical portions of the spine of the wearer, each component part being moveable relative to at least one other component part;
• and
• movement resisting means in the form of electromagnetic lock assemblies, provided on one or more of said component parts in the region of possible overlap and operable upon activation to prohibit, restrict and/or resist linear, shear and/or rotational movement of at least one component part relative to at least one other component part;
• wherein one or more predetermined regions of the combination of component parts are in a substantially flexible configuration when the movement resisting means are not activated, facilitating positioning, fitment and/or adjustment of the brace device around the wearer, and upon activation of the movement resisting means are operable to cause the one or more predetermined regions to assume a substantially rigid configuration and thereby partially or substantially support and/or immobilize of at least a portion of the spine of the wearer.