What is a back brace and why might you need one?
Back problems are a common cause of chronic pain and what’s worse, they are a common reason for absence from work and seeking medical attention. If you have a desk job, then most likely you’re experiencing back pain. There is an effective and non-invasive solution to relieve the pain and correct your posture which is called a back brace. In this article, our orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Hepler will explain what a back brace is and how you can benefit from it.
What is a back brace?
Back braces, also known as posture correctors are effective options of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain back conditions. Back bracing keeps your spine held and supported in one position to not only keep any potential back problems away but also to heal and recover properly your spine with less stress after back surgery.
When to use back bracing?
Back bracing has radically improved over the years, allowing patients to enhance their quality of life and enjoy a pain-free life again. Are you experiencing:
- Lower back pain
- Back injury
- Muscle weakness
- Disc degeneration
- Spinal disorders
Or are you a post-surgery patient?
Then the back bracing device is for you.
If you are suffering from the conditions mentioned above, visit our orthopedic spine specialist Dr. Matthew Hepler to discuss proper treatment for you and ask the doctor what type of back brace would be best for you.
What are the types of back braces?
Back braces are orthotic devices that are made to support, immobilize, and treat joint, muscle and skeletal conditions. Depending on your diagnosis, there are a number of orthotic back bracing options that might be good for you. In terms of the kind of the back brace, it may be prescribed by a doctor, or another certified medical provider, or purchased over the counter. Nonprescription back braces are available without a doctor’s recommendation. However, we strongly recommend to first, consult a spine specialist to determine your condition and choose the right type of brace you need.
Types of Orthotic Back Braces
The back braces prescribed by a doctor are split into two types: the hard and rigid, and the soft, elastic types. The rigid types are for people with serious conditions such as scoliosis. The common types of back braces have soft and elastic backing, which are used to compress the abdominal cavity, joints, and muscles connected with that area. The compression helps stabilize and hold muscles, which allow a forward spine motion. Here are some common types of back braces:
- Corset Braces – They are flexible and treat lower back pain, including pain caused by injuries, deformities, or degenerative disc disease by relieving pressure on your spine.
- Hyperextension Braces – These braces treat spinal compression fractures by preventing you from bending your spine or stretching your back muscles in ways that could affect the healing process.
- Rigid Braces – These durable braces treat lower back pain by keeping the spine stable. Different types of rigid braces include chair back braces, Williams braces, and Raney flexion jackets.
- Sacroiliac and Lumbosacral Belts – These braces help treat lower back pain by easing pressure on the affected area, which helps relieve potential pain points.
What are the benefits of back bracing?
You probably already know that a back brace prescribed by your doctor promotes healing, relieves pain and can prevent further problems in the future. The benefits of back bracing include:
- Immobilizing injured areas, which help during the recovery and healing process
- Instantly stabilizing areas that are weak post-surgery
- Relief back pain
- Reducing pressure and strain on the spot while lifting heavy objects
- Improving postures and extension of the spine
- Increasing the ease when making certain movements
- Non-invasive option to surgery
- Enables you to perform certain activities, which you cannot do without wearing the back brace
- A great assistive device that helps support your spine and your natural core function
Learn more about Fort Lauderdale Spine Surgeon – Dr. Matthew Hepler
If you think you may benefit from back bracing, make sure to see our spine specialist for further advice on the type of back brace that would work best for you. We are here to help!
Dr. Matthew Hepler is an adult and pediatric spine surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, and Delray Beach. He treats all conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, and also provides spinal stenosis treatments. Additionally, he offers non-operative treatment options, such as pain medical options, steroid injections, and physical therapy. But, he also offers operative treatments, including both minimally invasive techniques and complex reconstructions. If you would like to learn more about our orthopedic spine surgeon, please Contact Us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
