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6 Best Back Brace for Lower Back Pain And Why We Need to Wear?

An alarming 80% of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. For most, the pain will go away on its own, but for others, the pain can develop into a chronic condition that may affect their day to day activities. But there’s a remedy for moderate or mild lower back pain: back braces.

The best back brace will help you finish your task if you suddenly feel discomfort in your lower back. With back braces, you can also prevent pain issues in the future.

Here’s what you need to know about back braces and our six favorite options.

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Editor's Rating

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Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace with Removable Pad

5 out of 5

BraceUP Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace Support

5 out of 5

ComfyMed Premium Quality Back Brace

4.5 out of 5

Back Support Belt by AidBrace

4.5 out of 5

Back Brace with Ice Packs by Old Bones Therapy

4 out of 5

Considerations in Choosing Back Brace

There are two important things you need to take note when choosing a back brace for the ribs, abdomen, and lumbar. They serve as a reminder that it’s important to maintain proper posture no matter what your activity is.

1. Material -The type of material your back brace is made of will determine the amount of support it can give. Typically, braces that are made of less stretching fabrics provide stiffer support.

2. Reduced Support - This aspect refers to the comfort level of you back brace. If you prioritize comfort, there’s a chance that the amount of support your back brace can give will be reduced.

Before buying a back brace, make sure to seek the advice of a medical professional since not all conditions need stiff support.

Top 6 Best Back Brace

1. Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace

Description: The Mueller back brace can be easily adjusted and has lumbar pads that offer relief to pain sustained from a mild injury. This back brace is specially designed to support the lower back in order to prevent muscle spasms and strains. This product is made in the USA by a company that has been operating for decades.

Highlighted Features:

  • Has two adjustable straps and flexible steel for added stability
  • Comes in two sizes: one up to a 50-inch waist and another from 50 inches to 70 inches.

2. BraceUP Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace Support

Description: This back brace from BraceUp is one top-selling product due to its impressive features. It is fully adjustable that allows for a full range of motion, with eight extra stays for added lumbar support. For ease of customization, this top back brace has two adjustable straps and mesh panels in order to stay cool when worn.

Highlighted Features:

  • Anti-slip and anti-bunch
  • Has mesh panels to combat moisture and heat
  • Has stays that provide ample lumbar support
  • Dual adjustable straps
  • Allows full range of movement

3. ComfyMed Premium Quality Back Brace

Description: The ComfyMed back brace is made of high-quality materials and comes with removable lumbar pads to support the lower back. It works well when it comes to alleviating pain and providing support for spinal disc problems, scoliosis, and sciatica. This product is considered one of the best back braces in the market.

Highlighted Features:

  • Fits waists up to 50 inches
  • Washable and durable
  • Has easy-grip handles
  • Removable lumbar pad

4. AidBrace Back Support Belt

Description: This back support belt from AidBrace is capable of providing proper lumbar posture support thanks to its industrial strength and breathable materials. It will benefit people suffering from lower back pains, sciatica, and herniated discs.

It will also help people who need a lot of bending whenever working or doing household chores. It is ideal for people who need to sit for long hours on their desks without moving frequently or standing up. If your back needs decompression, this product will help achieve that. The AidBrace back support belt also helps ease discomfort o the hips and abdomen.

Highlighted Features:

  • Can survive regular washing
  • Fits people with extra wide hips
  • Made of industrial-strength, breathable materials

5. Old Bones Therapy Back Brace With Ice Packs

The Neotech Care back brace helps alleviate pain caused by sciatica, scoliosis, and mild injuries including degenerated or herniated discs and torn muscles. This back brace has a lumbar pad, which can be removed or put back in as you wish, providing support for your lumbar spine. Users have commended of this back brace’s benefits when it comes to reducing back discomfort and pain, regardless of your standing or sitting for long periods of time, and when driving.

Highlighted Features:

  • Removable lumbar pads
  • Highly adjustable
  • Comfortable thick and soft foam
  • Made of durable and high quality materials

6. Neotech Care Back Brace

The Old Bones Therapy back brace is designed to give maximum compression and support, contouring the body where it is needed. It is made of high-quality materials and has lumbar pads that ensure breathability, insulation, and full support. It is made of 3mm perforated neoprene material making it a highly breathable product that prevents sweat and moisture from accumulating when worn.

Highlighted Features:

  • Internal gel pack pocket
  • Non-slip silicone lining
  • Comes with 4 flexible stays
  • Dual elastic pull bands
  • Made of perforated neoprene

What is a back brace?

A back brace is a device designed to limit the spine’s range of motion from usage. It is wrapped around the abdominal area of the body and worn by people who have attained fractures, have recently undergone an operation, and those with conditions that are progressive in nature. Back braces are also called lumbar braces since it allows for the correction of the lumbar spine to achieve proper posture.

A back brace can help in pain reduction, but it should be noted that wearing a back brace should be coupled with therapy and advice from a qualified physician. For severe pain, back braces aren’t the sole solution and may need a more holistic approach for complete rehabilitation.

Why We Need to Wear Back Brace for Lower Back Pain?

Why We Need to Wear Back Brace for Lower Back Pain

One of the most important devices to promote healing in the lower back are braces. There are braces designed for a particular area in the body, but there are others that can cover the area between the hips and below the shoulders. Back pain can develop into something serious for several reasons. Including:

  • Pregnancy
  • Poor posture
  • Stress or overuse
  • Trauma or injury
  • As a result of another condition, such as arthritis or herniated disc

Whatever the method you go for when it comes to dealing with back pain depends on what caused it. When pain in the back has been going on for more than five days, it’s best to visit a doctor immediately. Sharp pain can be a sign of other serious medical conditions, such as kidney stones or injury. Your primary physician may advise:

  • Medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Surgery

For simple back pain, however, home remedies could help. This is where back braces come in. Back braces are a non-invasive option for treating moderate back pain.

How Do Back Braces Help in Lower Back Pain?

How Do Back Braces Help in Lower Back Pain

A back brace can increase your mobility and alleviate back pain. It works primarily for subacute pain, which refers to pain that has been going on for a few days but not considered chronic yet. Chronic back pain is defined as back pain that one had been experiencing for three months or more.

Benefits of Using Back Braces

  • Better Posture - Using a back brace prevents the spine from moving in a specific way. It does not only soothe pain, but it can also improve one’s condition without having to take medications and suffer the side effects.
  • Natural Healing -A back brace promotes natural healing by naturally aligning the spine limiting its movement. In turn, this will prevent pain from happening and minimize discomfort.
  • Pain Relief -The pain is reduced whenever you need to sit, walk, stand, bend over, drive, and other activities when using a back brace. This allows you to perform and achieve daily activities and not having to suffer discomfort whenever you need to move around.
  • Back Support- The back support back braces provide is not only for the lower back but also the mid- and upper back as well. This is one of the common reasons why people use back brace, especially those who have support problems, low back issues, and a host of other issues.

Another benefit of wearing a back brace is that it is inconspicuous and people won’t know you're wearing one. Back braces are normally worn under one’s clothing, so you need not worry that it will be obvious to other people. You can wear it at home or outdoors and it is also safe to sleep on it.

How to Use a Back Brace?

A back brace should be worn intermittently for a few hours a day at most, and only for several days at a time. They are wrapped around the body -- it’s as simple as that. However, there are some risks involved. Some people who have skin sensitivity may suffer mild skin irritation. This can be remedied by wearing a thin shirt before wrapping the brace around the body. According to doctors, you should only wear a back brace for a short period of time.

Other Uses for Back Braces

Apart from treating subacute pain, back braces can also help with:

  • Post-pregnancy back pain
  • Post-surgery healing
  • Back conditions, like scoliosis
  • Ensuring good posture while doing activities, like working out

Those who have just gone through surgery should consult with a doctor first to know how to use a back brace properly. Post-surgery braces are typically prescribed by your doctor. They will inform you of the type of brace you need to wear.

For those with progressive diseases, like scoliosis, a back brace will help in terms of slowing down the progression of the disease. When worn in accordance with a doctor’s advice, the result will be better for the patient.

Similarly, women who need back braces post pregnancy or a belly sling during pregnancy need to consult with their doctor first prior to using one. For those who intend using braces in weight-lifting, seek the advice of a physical trainer or a sports specialist.

What Type of Back Brace Should You Get?

What Type of Back Brace Should You Get

There are several types of back braces, and each has its own purpose. The most popularly used ones are the lower back brace, which provides support for the lumbar spine. These are the braces used to help treat scoliosis, sciatica, and disc problems.

Back braces are categorized based on their material too. Soft braces are those made from elastic material and are used by people to correct the position and posture of the spine, provide extra back support, and prevent forward spine motion. Some soft braces have insertable pads that allow people to adjust the level of support and comfort for the lumbar spine.

Hard braces, meanwhile, are made from rigid plastic and are used to keep the spine and lower back stiff and in limited movement. These are the ones used by people who need to recover from injuries or surgeries, where the movement must be constricted in order to prevent the condition from worsening.

Another type of back brace is the upper back and shoulder brace. This is used in order to provide support in the thoracic regions and the upper back, which in turn will improve muscle memory and posture. Poor posture is one of the reasons why your lower- and upper back hurts, and by correcting it, a shoulder brace will, in time, solve the problem.

Is Wearing a Back Brace Bad for Your Back?

If worn properly, it shouldn’t cause problems. In the end, it all boils down to how you use your back brace. As mentioned, back braces should only be worn for a few hours a day, especially if you’re doing activities, be it driving or basic household chores.

When worn too often, a back brace can potentially cause a weakening of the back muscles due to the fact that you have grown reliant on the brace for support and movement. It is important to know when to take off your brace to avoid running into issues.

Guidelines in Choosing a Back Brace

Guidelines in Choosing a Back Brace

Identify the source of pain. You should be able to find the best back brace that works for you if you know why you are experiencing pain in the first place. For example, people who need to lift heavy objects often and experience pain in the lower back may need a supportive corset back belt. For people experiencing pain in the mid- or upper back, it’s possible that the pain comes from incorrect posture. This can be corrected by a shoulder brace to help straighten the shoulders.

Make sure you have bought the correct brace. An incorrect back brace will do nothing to alleviate pain, and in fact, could only worsen it. Make sure to know the cause of the pain so you can buy the proper back brace for it.

Know the brace’s level of support. If the pain in the back is intense, you’ll need a firm and strong brace that can provide you with maximum support. It will provide stability and prevent your back from incurring further injury. If your back pain is mild, a soft brace would work just fine. This will give you the right amount of compression and warmth to provide relief.

Look for comfort features. The padding, construction materials, and adjustability matter greatly when it comes to the comfort that your brace can provide. Make sure your back brace can be adjusted so that it fits snugly and has breathable materials such as cotton, polyester, and nylon. If you happen to be wearing a rigid back brace, look for padding to reduce the risk of developing skin irritation.

Look for a durable back brace. When your back brace is made from quality materials, expect that it will provide the best support for as long as you need it. Plastic supports and metal stays will offer stability and at the same time will ensure that your brace maintains its shape. If there’s a need to wear a back brace for longer periods, choose a back brace that has double stitching so that it wouldn’t fray. Lastly, choose a brace with wide straps to make sure that it stays in place and won’t lose grip.

Features To Look For In A Back Brace

The best back brace should have the following features:

Mesh straps: Mesh straps are particularly useful especially if you live in an area with a warmer climate or if your purpose is to use the brace for working out. The mesh material will ensure that your brace is breathable.

Thermal properties: Alternatively, heat can be an important factor when it comes to soothing pain in the back caused by stiff muscles or osteoarthritis. There are back braces that can trap body heat.

Removable pads: With removable pads, you can easily customize the level of comfort your back brace provides. You can either add more pads or remove them depending on your preference.

Solid supports: Molded plastic supports and metal stays enable the stability of your back brace. It also improves the stability of the product.

Ergonomic fit: Make sure the back brace you buy conforms to the shape of your body to prevent it from rolling and bunching.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I Need to Wear My Back Brace All the Time?

The answer depends on the frequency and level of pain. For pain caused by injury or disease, extended use of a back brace might be necessary. If you need extra support to be able to perform strenuous activities, you can wear a back brace only for the duration of the task. Your doctor is the best person to turn to if you need information regarding the frequency of usage.

2. Should I Still Wear A Back Brace After The Pain Subsides?

You don’t need to wear a back brace once you’re free of discomfort or pain. Wear a back brace only when necessary, for instance, during flare-ups, or if you need to perform a strenuous activity. Otherwise, you may skip wearing a back brace if the pain has subsided.

3. Can Back Braces Be Worn By Pregnant Women?

Yes. There are back braces designed for pregnant women, considering pregnancy can cause lower back pain. Maternity back braces will help relieve pain and offer additional back support. Consult with your doctor to know which type of brace is most suitable for you.

Billy L. Osorio
 

My name is Billy. I am a computer engineer by profession. So, most of my work is on the desk. In my past days, I had many back pain issues due to a long time sitting, eating, working habit. I did a lot of studies and consulting for overcoming my problem. Now, I am trying to share my knowledge.

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