What is a back brace?
A back brace or lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) is a device a person may wear to support their back. Some people believe they may reduce back pain, prevent injuries, promote recovery, and encourage correct posture and proper spine alignment.
A person may choose to wear a back brace for several reasons, including preventing work-related injuries or managing conditions such as scoliosis. However, most people should not use back braces unless a doctor recommends them.
A back brace can vary depending on the individual needs of the person wearing it. Most back braces are made from a similar material but differ I n their rigidity, size and design. Generally, back braces are categorised as either flexible, semi-rigid or rigid. Rigid braces tend to be used for moderate to severe cases of pain and/or instability, such as to assist in the healing of spinal fractures or after back surgery. Semi-rigid and flexible braces are used for more mild or moderate pain.
Why would I need a back brace?
A person may need a back brace for the following reasons:
- Post-operative healing
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis
- Spondylolysis
- Osteoarthritis
- Kyphosis
- Scoliosis
- Whiplash
- Osteoporosis
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Muscle tension and strain
- Postural correction
- Spine stabilisation after trauma or injury
These devices help limit micromotions in the spine to reduce slippage and pressure, easing pain and making daily movements tolerable. However, in some of these cases, other treatment options are available and can be more effective.
Should I be wearing a back brace for back pain?
Back braces have not been shown to help alleviate all low back pain. One study found that patients with specific back pain conditions are more likely to report pain relief after using a back brace than patients with nonspecific back pain.
Can a back brace cure bad posture?
You may have heard us say this before, but it is worth repeating:
Posture is not about how you hold your body up. Posture is about how your body holds you up.
Are there risks from wearing a back brace?
Back braces are usually recommended for short-term use as prolonged use can lead to dependence on the device, which may result in muscle weakness and atrophy. It is important to wear a back brace according to the instructions provided with the brace and/or advised by the prescribing doctor. Many braces are fitted specially for the patient’s needs and body, and if worn incorrectly can cause further injury and worsened pain.
When you immobilise your spine with a back brace, first you are immobilising a non-specific area, second, your body can set up compensations around the immobilisation and cause even more problems.
Wearing a back brace that is not suitable for a person’s needs may only cause further pain and injury.
What alternatives are there to a back brace?
Due to the rise in opioid addiction, many people are seeking alternatives to pain medications and while a back brace may be a short-term solution it does not address the underlying issue.
The first thing to do before considering a back brace is to determine what is causing your back pain. A Chiropractor will be able to do a full assessment to determine the cause of your problem.
References:
Willner S. Effect of a rigid brace on back pain. Acta Orthop Scand. 1985;56(1):40-2.
