The majority of people in the world will experience back pain in their lives. While many causes of b
The majority of people in the world will experience back pain in their lives. While many causes of back pain include injury and disorders, a shocking number of back pain cases range from improper lifting and bad posture.
A popular way to prevent back pain and improving posture is by wearing a back brace.
Back braces hold up your back in the best position, preventing strain while you’re sitting and standing. Back braces are perfect to wear while you’re at work, exercising, and for a variety of other situations.
Are you thinking about wearing a back brace? Here are a few benefits you’ll experience.
It is important to note, that back braces are not meant to be worn all the time. Listed below are some activities which maybe appropriate to wear a brace however it is not meant to be worn more than about 2 hours daily. Excessive use of a back brace can actually lead to muscle atrophy and weakening of your core.
Immobilization
Did you know immobilization is beneficial for your back and spine?
Unnecessary movement can help prevent back pain, especially if you had a past back injury or spinal surgery. In certain situations, immobilization is crucial for your back to heal properly.
This is where a back brace comes in. The brace prevents major movements in the back area. These movements include flexion, extension, and rotation.
This helps to prevent using your back to its full potential, preventing back pain and further injuries.
If you’re using a back brace to prevent mobility, make sure you buy the right kind of back brace. There are many different types of braces that offer more protection against mobility.
Improves Your Posture
Your spine should be in an upright position, your shoulders back, your chest up, and your core tucked in. But how many of us sit and stand in this position? Many of us slouch over, curving our spine.
This not only results in bad posture but severe back pain. Bad posture also causes spinal weakness and can even result in deformities and make you more prone to injuries.
What’s the best way to ensure your spine is in healthy alignment? A back brace will force your spine at a straightened position. Wear your back brace when you notice you start developing posture issues.
Prevents Back Pain
Back pain interferes with many aspects of our lives. It can make working, exercising, and even performing simple daily functions unbearable.
Back pain ranges from mild to severe. Those with mild cases experience back pain but it’s only a slight inconvenience. Others suffer from severe back pain, usually as a result of an injury or symptom of an event.
Those with all types of back pain notice that certain movements and positions exacerbate their back pain. In order for your back to heal, your back has to limit certain motions, as explained previously. This is where a back brace comes in.
A back brace prevents unnecessary movements that further damage the back. This helps align your spine and strengthen your back muscles. Your back can heal and your back pain will decrease.
Back braces also take support away from the vital areas of your back, such as the spine, invertebral discs, and vertebrae. This alleviates the stress these areas endure to support your back, resulting in pain reduction.
They’re Easy to Wear
While you think you may need a back brace, you’re wondering how you can wear it.
Fortunately, they’re easy to wear and you can often wear them under your clothes. That’s because they come in a design that’s easy to secure and isn’t as noticeable under clothes.
But there are some best practices when choosing a back brace.
First, wear the correct size. You’ll need some measurements, such as your clothes size and your back measurements.
When the back brace fully covers your lower back and tailbone, you’ll know you have the correct size. It also shouldn’t be too loose or too snug.
They Treat a Myriad of Back Conditions
While back braces are no cure, they can definitely help manage the symptoms of a myriad of different back conditions. These include:
Kyphosis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Osteoporosis
Back muscle sprains
Spinal cord injuries
Scoliosis
Spinal tumors
Spinal fractures
Whiplash
Spondylolisthesis
Before trying back bracing as a treatment, discuss your options with your doctor.
All back ailments are different and require varying levels of treatment. There are also different types of back braces – one type may benefit you more than another.
It’s a Holistic Treatment Option
Because of pain pill addiction, many pain patients are seeking holistic pain relief options. If back pain is your struggle, a back brace is an effective holistic treatment option.
Back braces don’t simply cover up the pain.
They work by improving your posture, supporting your back, and strengthening your back muscles. This helps take away a lot of stress on your back, healing your back and spine and preventing pain altogether.
Back braces also prevent your back condition from worsening. You’ll be less risk of injury, developing more pain and developing other back and spine ailments.
Helps Strengthen Your Core and Back
Are you trying to get in better shape? Wearing a back brace offers a myriad of strengthening benefits for both your back and your core.
Your core is the center of your body. Your core should be the area supporting your body – not your back. But many people have a weak core, so the support falls on their back. But this leads to pain and even injury.
A back brace forces a straight spine and a tucked tummy. This forces your abdominal muscles to take in the support you’re forcing upon your back, helping strengthen your abdomen.
In addition, a back brace will help strengthen your back and spine by forcing the muscles into alignment.
For the best strengthening benefits, wear fitness-specific back braces. These are ideal to wear while exercising.
Is a Back Brace Not Enough?
Is your back pain becoming so severe, a back brace isn’t enough to treat your pain? You’ll need some help. We treat a myriad of different pain conditions. If you’re in New Jersey, make an appointment with us today.