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Best Back Braces

Back Brace Buyer's Guide

When looking for back braces those of us with back pain have many things to consider in discovering the best back brace that fits individual needs. Here is what we suggest you look for in a good back brace.

When it comes to back issues, most people will suffer from muscle sprains and strains in the back from sudden movements. Back pain can derive from a multiplicity of causes, such as back injury, illness, and for some, a bad chair and desk setup. As back muscles are susceptible to damage, wearing the right back brace can help prevent further injury or repeated injuries.

What Makes a Back Brace Helpful?

A back brace is a wider and more substantive version of a belt that is designed for back support to reduce back pain and improve your posture. It is similar to a corset in that the back brace supports your back rather than your waist.

What Makes a Back Brace Work?

The back braces which are most helpful and work for back pain and lumbar supports are flat, light, and should be comfortable. They are designed to deliver lower back control by assisting the individual in correctly balancing the user's stability and helping correct lower back activation. A back brace is even capable of restricting rotational movements to ensure maximum support to the spine.

There are two different types of back braces that we suggest using for pain support and relief help: Stabilizing back braces and Therapeutic back braces.

Stabilizing back braces tend to be more rigid and work by supporting the spine in a neutral position to prevent movement from side-to-side and front-to-back. The purpose of this back brace is to keep the spine aligned as much as possible and reduces strain on the muscles around the lower back, and this, in turn, reduces pain.
Therapeutic back braces are more flexible and provide additional spinal support with lumbar support. This type of back brace allows the user to reintroduce himself to physical activity safely, such as walking or playing sports with reduced pain and discomfort. Therapeutic back braces also help to offer relief from back pain and are much better for relieving back pain than stabilizing back braces because therapeutic back braces support the spine and allow more movement.

Back Brace Styles and Variations

Back braces usually have a vest-like secure and lock security strap system and two adjustable belts on either side of the waist. They come in a variety of styles and colors, so with a variety of options you are sure to find one that fits your body type and style choice. Some back braces offer additonal secure and lock straps that hold them against your skin along with internal material for reduced irritation while wearing them. The best back braces are designed with movement, for comfort, and protection in mind to keep you safe during physical activity or rest.

How do back braces help reduce pain?

Back braces provide pain relief by separating muscle groups, which reduces strain on back muscles, ligaments, and discs that cause back pain. They also provide back support by keeping the back in a neutral position. Wearing one for long periods of time can help keep the back muscles from further strain so users are less likely to suffer another strain or further injuries since back muscles will be better supported to handle back pain when you are ready to introduce regular back stretching or exercises. Additionally wearing a back brace keeps you upright to improve your posture while sitting at a desk or standing during exercise or basic home based activities.

With lower back pain from a herniated disc, back braces can actually provide relief from back pain since they help relieve pressure from the nerves around the spine. Depending on the back pain, back braces may be uncomfortable while wearing them at first. However, lower back pain caused by muscle strain and poor posture typically responds well to back braces. Please keep in mind that, if you have spinal stenosis or scoliosis (curvature of the spine), wearing a back brace can make the pain more painful in some cases. If you fall under the aforementioned scenarios, it is important to see a doctor before using a back brace to find out if it will help ease your lower back pain.