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Flexible elastic braces are primarily used for the lower back. They typically include vertical stays (plastic) at the front, back, or sides of the brace to provide gentle immobilization and to help the brace retain it's shape (prevent it from rolling when you put it on).
They are made from elastic knitted fabrics designed to be breathable, skin friendly, and with soft edges that won't dig into your skin to allow for more comfortable wearing times. Most designs include velcro fastening, side pulls, and/or hand straps that make it easier for you to put the brace on (as you wrap it around you at the front).
Some designs include a lumbar pad (at the back) to provide a massage effect to the muscles of the lower back with every movement to help to stimulate blood flow to reduce tension in the lumbar region. Relaxation of these muscles can also aid in pain management.
Understand Your Diagnosis
Back braces are used to manage a wide range of conditions so it's important that you see your doctor or physiotherapist before using a brace to confirm your diagnosis and location of injury.
Many people assume that the most 'immobilizing' brace is best, but that is not always the case. It is important to select a brace that is suitable for your specific diagnosis and for that reason, we do not recommend an immobilizing back brace unless a specific diagnosis warrants it.
If you have general low back pain, try a flexible, elastic brace. For a diagnosis like a herniated disc, a semi-rigid immobilization brace would be recommended in addition to exercise.
In selecting a back brace, the area of injury should be closer to the centre of where the brace would sit on your spine so that stabilization can occur above and below the injury site. Wearing a brace where the upper edge of the brace just touches the site of injury would not assist you, and could even cause more discomfort. If you know the specific vertebrae that is affected, we can assist you in locating the best option. Contact our Healthcare Team for assistance.
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Keep Your Back Strong!
Back braces can help you manage pain, recover from an injury, and protect your back during activity. However, if you rely on a back brace too much you risk weakening your core and back muscles. It's important to keep your back strong, and follow an exercise or rehab program for strengthening and stretching given to you by your doctor or physical therapist. This is important to help you support your spine, avoid poor posture, lower back pain and future muscle injuries.
Length of Use
We recommend using the braces only during activities that typically cause you pain. The general recommendation is not to wear your back brace all day long. However for more serious diagnoses, a physiotherapist or physician may approve the use of the brace for longer duration use.
Protect Your Skin
It’s important to keep the skin under the brace as dry as possible. Excess moisture can cause irritation and lead to sores. Avoid using creams and lotions on the skin beneath the brace. If skin irritation is a problem for you, wear a thin t-shirt or other tight fitting clothing underneath the brace.
Keep it Clean
It's a good idea to keep your back brace free of dirt and bacteria. Most back braces can be cleaned with water and mild soap, washing by hand. Before you clean your brace remove any panels and padding to clean those parts separately. Never use bleach or harsh detergents on your brace. Make sure your brace is dry before using it again.
Many of the materials used in the construction of back braces can collect debris around areas like velcro straps. Use a lint roller to remove lint from your back brace to ensure that the straps work properly and can secure the brace properly.
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