Should I wear a back brace for back pain?
Back pain. It has us reaching for the painkillers or heat pack, twisting and turning in bed to find a comfortable position. Whether it’s just a twinge from bending the wrong way or an issue you’ve been dealing with for months, back pain is unfortunately common.
It's estimated that 80 per cent of the population deals with back pain, with it being the third most common reason for a doctor’s visit. But can a back brace help? It sure can!
What is the cause of back pain?
The first thing to do when considering a back brace is determining the reason for your pain. Most back pain can be divided into either muscular (affecting the muscles in and around the back) or spinal (affecting the spine).
For muscular pain it can usually be treated with rest, massage and physiotherapy. Wearing a back brace can help to speed up the process and alleviate pain while recovering.
However, in cases where the back pain is caused by a spinal issue like a bulging or slipped disc, arthritis, osteoporosis, wearing a back brace is highly recommended.
Learn more: Ruptured or Herniated Disk? Tips for pain management
Should I wear a back brace for back pain?
Back braces have a wide range of benefits, the first and arguably most important reason for this is prevention.
When the back is injured, overstrained or damaged, there’s the increased risk that it can develop into more serious issues ranging from chronic pain, nerve issues, reduced mobility or even partial paralysis.
By wearing a brace to protect the affected area, you can allow your body to recover safely.
Another key benefit is pain relief.
Back pain is the leading cause of chronic pain and can greatly diminish your quality of life. A stable back brace works to relieve the pain and pressure caused by back issues to allow you to focus on what you care about.
Selecting the right back brace
While wearing a back brace is a great way of dealing with back pain and issues, choosing the right one can be tricky, especially with so many out there.
Here are a few things to look for:
Anatomical fit: A good support should fit across your body comfortably, providing even support and stability at all parts of your back. Whether you’re sitting, standing or moving about, look for a brace that keeps up with your movements.
Targeted relief: There’s no such things as a back brace for all conditions. The right brace for you will change depending on the issue causing the back pain. Look for a support that is designed to effectively target and relieve your specific issue.
Breathable material: Back braces tend to cover a decent portion of your body. It’s no good wearing a brace all day if it’s hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. Select a back brace that breathes well, fits comfortably under your clothes and doesn’t press in too hard on any part of your body.
Quality construction: While it can be tempting to just go with a cheap back support from the chemist, these often provide short term mild relief, and in some cases can end up doing more harm than good. Look for back braces from reputable manufacturers with quality design and clinical testing.
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight simple back support like the Sports Back Support, or a strong stable brace for spinal issues like the LumboLoc Forte, Bauerfeind have a wide range of back supports and braces for any issue affecting your back.
If you require assistance selecting the right product for your needs, book a video consultation with a Bauerfeind expert: Book Video Call, or call us on 1300 668 466
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Bauerfeind products are developed at our innovation and manufacturing facility in Zeulenroda, Germany. Based on years of scientific research, our award-winning braces and support garments are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.