Before choosing a back brace, you will need to determine what the purpose of the back brace is and what it can do for you. When you get a medical back brace, the doctor who prescribed the brace will have all of this information ready when you get a back brace fitted. If you have persistent back pain, you should have a back brace that will help correct your poor posture. If you are participating in activities that will require heavy lifting, you will want one that is supportive. Some need a back brace that will help support their back while it recovers from an injury.
For bending over and lifting heavy objects, consider a lower back brace that has straps so that when not in use you can hang it from your shoulders. This will keep you from moving around normally when you’re not lifting heavy objects. The brace should wrap tightly around your stomach and lower back, just above your hip bones. You want to make sure it has good quality Velcro® as a fastening system so that it can be removed quickly or secured with little effort. The back of this brace should immobilize your lower back when you lift heavy objects, forcing you to lift with your legs and not your back.
The back brace will often support your entire back and not just your lower back. You want one that isn’t too bulky so it fits under your clothes naturally without being bulky. Carefully consider what materials were used to construct the brace. While latex provides great support, it does not breathe well. This means that sweat and moisture will be trapped between the latex and the skin creating some discomfort. Choose Lyrca® instead because it’s a stretchy, durable and breathable material. Make sure it fits you well and can be adjusted sufficiently.
The back brace worn after an injury is much stiffer and bulkier than other braces worn for support. This particular type of brace is used only in the most severe cases, as they are usually quite uncomfortable. In any case where you need a back brace, your doctor will recommend which brace to use. None of these devices will solve the problem on its own. You’ll need to use it in combination with other practices that are meant to help strengthen your back to prevent injury again. Some of these other practices include exercises, physical therapy, rest, and more.
