Back braces come in handy to treat and manage lower back pain arising out of different conditions. People often use back braces to prevent work-related injuries and improve posture. Depending on the type of pain or affected area, doctors may prescribe you a specific back brace. For instance, the back brace for lumbar support is different from the back brace for posture.
Generally, people do not consult for wearing lifestyle back braces occasionally, but long-term use needs professional advice. In some cases, using back braces without consultation may do more harm than good. Also, it is vital to know when to wear a back brace. In this article, we will explore some reasons to wear back braces and their benefits.
There are myriad reasons for wearing back braces, which range from treating lower back pain to different musculoskeletal issues. Here are some main reasons to wear one.
Back pain relief
Spinal and lower back pain is a very common complaint. According to a study, 80%–90% of individuals face some kind of back pain at least once in their lifetime. The same study concludes that back braces play a vital role in alleviating back pain and improving patients’ lifestyles.
The most common and main use of back braces is to treat different pain types. However, sometimes, despite every effort, you can find out the clear cause of back pain. In this case, using a back brace makes a lot of sense to alleviate pain and minimize movement.
Post-operative healing
After spinal surgery, physicians recommend wearing a rigid back brace. It helps reduce pressure on the back, limit movements, and add stability so that you get favourable conditions to recuperate.
Depending on the type of surgery, physicians recommend the type of back brace to be worn and for how much duration. You can easily find highly reliable and certified back braces on Medi Brace at cost-effective prices.
Preventive usage
If you are involved in a job that demands regular lifting and bending, over time, it may put stress on your back. Similarly, long-standing jobs can also trigger lower back pains. In addition, various studies show that work-related injuries are a major cause of workers’ compensation claims.
In this scenario, workers can wear back braces to prevent work-related injuries. A back brace helps in maintaining proper posture and provides additional core support when lifting heavy objects. In addition, it ensures you do not overturn or overbend, hence preventing your back from injuries.
Additionally, sports persons such as heavyweight lifters and gym enthusiasts commonly use back support belts as a precautionary measure.
Sacroiliac joint stability
Several medical conditions like arthritis can cause Sacroiliac joint pain. As this joint acts as a shock absorber when you walk or move, its stability is crucial. A back brace offers compression, stability, and support to this joint. Generally, physicians recommend a back brace to reduce stress on this joint in following medical conditions.
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis
- Spondylolysis
- Osteoarthritis
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Degenerative disc disease/lumbar herniated disc
Posture issues
Sometimes, the main reason for back pain is an individual’s bad posture. In this case, a back brace can help maintain proper alignment. Typically, such cases do not necessitate physician intervention, and short-term use of a back brace can be beneficial. You can easily find lifestyle back braces online as per your needs and budget.
Furthermore, along with wearing back braces, follow these tips for a better outcome:
- Avoid long sitting at work, and take a few rests in between.
- Get a supportive mattress.
- Correct your sitting and standing posture.
- As a standard practice, align your head with the shoulders.
Pregnancy back pain
The extra weight during pregnancy causes pelvic girdle pain. Generally, this lower back pain and discomfort can be managed with a set of techniques, including weaning a pelvic belt. A 2017 analysis suggests that wearing a pelvic belt reduces pelvic pain and increases comfort.
Benefits of wearing a back brace
Improves posture
Often we slouch and rarely sit or stand in the right posture. It leads to improper posture and back pain. With time, improper posture leads to spinal abnormalities, weakness, and even your susceptibility to injuries increases. And the only effective strategy to keep your spine in good shape is wearing back braces. So, the next time you realize your posture is deteriorating severely, put on a back brace.
Prevents back pain
Different everyday tasks such as walking, exercising, or even day-to-day chores become unpleasant by back discomfort. While some report mild back discomforts, others report excruciating back pain. It generally results due to an accident or as a symptom of an incident in the past. No matter your case, you can prevent unnecessary back motions by wearing a back brace. It keeps your spine aligned and strengthens back muscles too.
Promotes immobilisation
If you are someone who has experienced a back injury or has recently undergone spinal surgery, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary movement to prevent back pain. That said, immobilization offers the necessities required to help heal your back properly. And immobilization is accurately achieved by wearing back braces. These braces prevent your back from excessive mobility, including flexion, extension, and rotation.
A holistic treatment option
Nowadays, people are looking up for holistic treatment options to relieve pain, including back pain, as pain pills are addictive. So, if you, too, are searching for a holistic treatment option to attain relief from back pain, your one-stop solution is a back brace.
Strengthens core and back
Your core, the centre of the body, is meant to support the body and not just the back. And as most people have weak cores, the entire support falls on their necks. It gives rise to pain and injury.
In such a condition, a back brace is all that you need. It forces a straight spine and a tucked tummy. It, in turn, forces abdominal muscles to take in the support which was earlier put on the back. This way, your abdomen is strengthened. Moreover, muscles are aligned to strengthen the back and spine in posture by wearing a back brace.
Provides better mobility
Does your back pain hinder you from leading an active lifestyle? A back brace can provide the right support to relieve your back pain. It provides compression and comfortable support and prevents unnatural motions. Also, back braces take off undue pressure from your spine and lower back and promote easier mobility without pain.
Tips for selecting the right back brace for you
Choosing the best back brace can be a difficult task for you. There exists a diverse range of back braces, including:
- Good quality, bad quality
- Expensive, inexpensive ones
- For different parts of the back: mid-spine, lower lumbar spine, and the tailbone or sacrum.
- A range of designs and materials: elastic, soft or hard plastic, velcro, and laces
So, it is very important to buy a back brace that is the best for you. To help you pick the right back brace, here are some simple tips to follow:
- Fits you well
- Is comfortable
- Feels supportive
- Perhaps gives you some pain relief
Takeaway
As evident, there are many reasons for wearing back braces with some proven benefits. While back braces are often associated with back pain, it is not always the case. There are several other factors for consideration, such as stability and mobility. So, if you or your loved one experiences back pain, we suggest you see a specialist to follow the right course of treatment which might include wearing a back brace.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
