Best Budget: Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace
Courtesy of Amazon
-
Reduces pressure on discs in lower spine
-
Supports heavy lifting
-
Limited mobility
-
Velcro may snag fabric
There are a lot of pricey back braces on the market, but if youre looking for something a little simpler to help give your lower back extra support when heavy lifting on the job or at the gym, the Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace is a good choice. This back brace wraps completely around your waist, giving full support to your lower back and abdomen.
This back brace is made with breathable materials and is fully adjustable to give your lower back extra support and compression for all-day use. It also comes with a removable lumbar pad.
Price at time of publish: $19
Material: Plastic secured with velcro | Part of Back it Targets: Lower, lumbar for heavy lifting | Machine Washable: Yes
Industrial Back Support Belt With Adjustable Shoulder Straps
This product is no longer in stock
Availability date:
Industrial back support belt with adjustable shoulder straps.
Available in sizes from small to extra-large .
This 8 wide back support belt provides better comfort when lifting heavy charges and may help alleviate back or lumbar pain. The belt is made of a strong chain knit with two-way stretch. An elastic cinch strap over the belt can be adjusted to the desired level of tightness. Spring steel boning stays reinforce the back of the belt and support the lower back. Rubberized inner bands keep the belt from riding up while in use. The belt closes with High Technology Hook Velcro and the cinch strap fastens with a triple-lock closure.
The 1 ½ wide adjustable shoulder straps are made of knit elastic. The shoulder straps are sewn to the belt and are not removable.
Waist dimensions:
Small: 25 inches to 30 inches.Medium: 30 inches to 34 inches.Large: 34 inches to 38 inches.Extra large: 38 inches to 42 inches.2X-wide: 42 inches to 46 inches.3X-wide: 46 inches to 52 inches
Best For Low Back Pain: Longline Back Brace
MYH Back Brace
If your posture is seriously out of alignment or you have existing low back pain, you may prefer a longline brace that provides support from the base of your neck to the top of your hip, Dr. Anand says.
You slip this one over your shoulders and then wrap a wide piece of elastic around your low back and stomach. One thing to note: It provides very firm support throughout your back, but it can be quite visible through clothing, similar to the option above.
You May Like: 6-inch Double-wall Stove Pipe Adjustable Elbow
A Solid Shoulder Brace
Once you figure out how to shimmy into the straps, this corrector makes it difficult to roll your shoulders forward. It mostly supports your upper back, and while its unisex, it is a particularly good option if you have a larger chest. The corrector is soft and thin enough that you can wear it under clothes, and it doesnt look like a medical-grade brace if you decide to wear it on top of your shirt.
The BackEmbrace falls squarely in the middle of the lineup as far as cost and support go. As a side sleeper, I regularly contort my shoulders eight hours per night, but the corrector has helped reduce my neck and shoulder pain I can wear it comfortably all day. Louryn Strampe
A Cheaper Alternative: The BackEmbrace is pricey, but we think it’s the best option. If you want to save some money, the Copper Compression brand mentioned above also makes a nice shoulder brace that’s usually well under $30. It’s not going to blend in under clothes as easily, but its straps are really adjustable, and the material is comfortable.
Aspen Vista Cervical Collar
The fully adjustable Aspen Vista Cervical Collar helps improve patient care while saving time, money and storage space. Built on the design of the trusted Aspen Cervical Collar, the Aspen Vista Collar provides motion restriction1 while helping to protect against skin breakdown. With its patented height adjustment technology, the right size is always on hand.
- Unilateral design is lightweight and provide the maximum level of patient comfort.
- Anterior closure has greater accessibility for the patient than other rigid spinal orthosis.
- Total contact design provides maximum immobilization and control of the lumbar spine.
- Applies firm counterforces to restrict motion by the patient in all planes.
- Available in LSO or TLSO configurations.
- One piece anterior straps allow for greater adjust-ability and strength.
- Can be fabricated custom to measurement or custom to cast, or as a stock size.
- Optional LDPE or PELITE tounge converts orthosis to total contact and enhances abdominal compression.
You May Like: Treatment For Fluid On Knee
Using Your Brace Long Term
When your body gets tired of holding that position the lumbar brace will feel tighter which is a reminder that you need to straighten your spine and lower back. Like most back braces and posture correctors, this support should not be so tight that it is uncomfortable to wear. Sizing could be an issue if it is too tight from day one. Over time you can tighten the brace to further achieve better positioning and reduce lower back pain.
The purpose of braces are to train your muscles so that they stay in the proper posture. The more you use them the better your posture will be. It took many years to develop your posture, don’t expect results overnight. Using braces consistently is key to improving.
Is It Ok To Wear A Back Brace All Day
It depends on the condition youre treating. Make sure to check with a doctor for an appropriate length of time to wear a brace.
Consistently wearing a brace for more than a few hours a day, unless advised by your doctor, could be counterproductive because it begins to weaken your muscles. That could lead to a higher risk of injury.
Read Also: Upper Calf Pain Behind Knee
Best For Full Back Support
These types of correctors make you look a little like Miss Trunchbull with the way they connect over your stomach, but they’re more supportive and effective than shoulder braces. It hooks over your shoulders like a backpack and supports both the upper and lower back. If you really need help and don’t want to spend the money on the Upright Go, this is the brace to get.
Finding the right tightness can take some experimenting. You dont want to be in pain, but you need to make sure it isn’t easy to slouch over. Like any over-shoulder brace, it was slightly uncomfortable under my arms, but wearing it over a long-sleeved shirt helped.
A Comfortable Back And Shoulder Brace
When you buy a Tommie Copper® back and shoulder support shirt or back brace, youre buying all-day relief. Compression only works when youre wearing it, and targeted compression means that our garments are supremely comfortable. We design our compression garments so that you can comfortably wear them all day long.
Don’t Miss: My Elbow Hurts When I Bend It
Why Wear A Heavy Lifting Back Brace For Work
Using a low-back belt to reduce lumbar pain is not a new concept. Such products were originally used during medical rehab, but back belts in the workforce and weightlifting supports have since gained in popularity, both for the added support they provide when lifting, bending, etc. and for their ability to address back pain.
Wearing a back support while working can help reduce stress on your spine, increase intra-abdominal pressure to counteract forces on your spine, and reduce loads when lifting by stiffening your spine. The crisscross straps of this back belt increase its supportive properties and help keep it in place.
Along those same lines, know that wearing a back brace at work should not inflate your self-confidence or sense of security when lifting. While wearing an industrial back brace can help treat and prevent low-back pain, you can still sustain an injury while wearing itespecially if you lift more than you should.
In addition, you should not wear an industrial back support belt around the clock. Doing so can cause the muscles in your back to lose strength and flexibility, leaving you more prone to injury.
How To Choose A Back Brace
The task of choosing a back brace may seem pretty straightforward, but Duncan says there are certain factors to be aware of before you shop.
First, he says youll want to find a product that limits the overall movement of the spine. This way, it achieves the desired effect of taking the strain off of injured tissues, as well as improving spinal stability, he explains.
Next, youll want to ensure that your brace fits securely between the top of the pelvis and the bottom of the ribcage.
But because a back brace wraps around the abdomen, Duncan says they have the potential to increase intra-abdominal pressure. Because of this, individuals should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors by a medical professional before using a brace.
You May Like: Womens Knee Length Winter Coats
Vive Universal Shoulder Brace
The Vive shoulder support brace is one of the easiest to use and most affordable, especially for those suffering from mild cases of pain. Its made of 100% extra-strength neoprene that improves stability in the shoulder. Adjust compression as you need. You can buy it from their website or .
The EVS brace fits bodies of many sizes, with great support during exercise. Its easy to slip on and off by yourself, and fits both left and right shoulders.
Buying Guide For Best Shoulder Braces
Your shoulder joints are in constant motion. Think about how many times you reach for something or stretch out your arms in a single day. Its no surprise that with so much use a shoulder joint can sustain strain or injury, and an injured shoulder can greatly impact your daily life. Fortunately, with the support and rehabilitation provided by a shoulder brace, you can get back to your normal activities in no time.
Shoulder braces are intended to provide optimal support while allowing for a reasonable range of motion. The materials and features are designed for proper anatomical position and function. Recent surgery patients, athletes, and individuals with chronic shoulder issues can benefit from wearing a shoulder brace so they can continue doing their favourite activities, even if it requires some degree of modification.
Don’t Miss: Keychain Wallet With Wrist Strap
Look For A Posture Corrector That Is:
One important note: If you use these gadgets *too* muchparticularly physical bracesthen your muscles may become dependent on them and actually weaken, worsening your posture in the long run, says Smith.
This is why its so important to use any posture device in conjunction with a posture-strengthening exercise routine, he says, adding that a good posture program should target the muscles in your core, hips, glutes, lower back, and upper back. Ideally, you should limit your use of posture correctors to just an hour a day.
Here are some of the most popular devices and styles on the market, so you can pick the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.
When Might A Person Need One
An individual may need a back brace for the following reasons:
- spine stabilization after trauma or injury
- to correct posture issues
- for work activities or lifestyles that increase the risk of back strain or injury
A doctor or medical professional can advise on when using one is safe or beneficial.
Spine immobilization through bracing is beneficial postsurgery. It allows structures to heal, maintains correct alignment, and reduces spinal compression.
It may also be helpful for people with back conditions such as:
Back supports help decompress the spine, reducing the load on spinal structures. The decreased pressure reduces muscle tension, a protective reaction to back injury and trauma, and the pain that usually accompanies it.
Back braces also provide proprioceptive input, encouraging people to correct their postures and use proper body mechanics.
Most people will not need to wear a back brace and should only do so under guidance from a healthcare professional.
Wearing a back brace can discourage a person from using their core muscles to support their body.
Healthcare professionals usually recommend braces for short-term use. Prolonged use may lead to dependence on the device, resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy.
A 2019 randomized controlled trial found that back brace use did not affect back muscle thickness over 4 weeks. However, it did not examine the long-term effects of wearing them.
Ultimately, wearing an unsuitable back brace may cause further pain and injury.
Also Check: What Does It Mean When Your Wrist Hurts
Best For Standing: Magnetic Lumbar Back Support Belt
MOHUACHI Thoracic Back Brace Posture Corrector
MOHUACHI Thoracic Back Brace Posture Corrector
This brace has 10 magnets that cover your entire back, all the way from the shoulders to the lower lumbar.
One Amazon reviewer wrote, I have been working on exercises to strengthen my posture muscles, but this brace is just what I was looking for for the final push.
Best For Office: Upright Go 2 Electronic Posture Trainer
Upright GO 2
If all you need is a gentle reminder to alert you when youre slouching, you can try one of the wearable devices, Smith says.
These attach either via a clip to the front of your bra or with adhesive to the skin on your upper back and vibrate when your posture starts to slip. Some also come with an app for your phone so you can track your stats over time.
They are more expensive than standard braces and require charging or batteries, but theyre invisible under clothing. If you like the idea of having a posture reminder during the day but don’t want to spend the money, you can set up your watch to alert you at specified intervals.
Once an hour, set a smartphone alert that instructs you to check your posture as well as take a break to stand, walk, and stretch. Our sedentary lifestyle is one of the main reasons for back pain, and the best thing you can do is get more motion, says Smith.
You May Like: Knee And Back Of Thigh Pain
Do Back Braces Really Help
When recovering from an injury or managing an existing condition you need the right support to gradually regain your function and strength.
One way to do this is with a back brace to give you extra support.
Back braces can be good tools for helping your back improve. For example, if you have a back injury a brace can reduce the amount of strain on your back to allow it to heal faster.
It does this by redistributing the load from the affected area of your back to unaffected parts. This helps remove the pressure on the problem area which can help reduce pain.
However there are pros and cons to wearing a back brace which we will discuss in this ultimate guide. First lets start with when you should wear a back brace.
Another Full Back Option
This full-back brace is more expensive than the Somaz one, but it’s a little more comfortable. It’s made of soft, stretchy, and breathable materialthe last thing you want is a patch of back sweat when you take it off.
I wish the shoulder straps were more adjustable, like the brand’s shoulder brace is. That one uses velcro, which can be attached to basically the entire thing, so you can make it as loose or tight as needed. Just be sure to pay attention to the size recommendations with this one. All the brand’s options are made with copper, which is said to be antimicrobial .
You May Like: Symptoms Of Gout In Elbow
Types Of Back Braces Used For Lower Back Pain Relief
See Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain
Generally, back braces are categorized as flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. Rigid braces tend to be used for moderate to severe cases of pain and/or instability, such as to assist healing of spinal fractures or after back surgery. Semi-rigid and flexible braces are used for more mild or moderate pain.
Flexible braces are made of soft materials and include corsets , lumbar belts ,and sacroiliac belts .
Flexible orthoses are made of a soft material, such as cotton/elastic blends, canvas, and/or neoprene . These braces include corsets, lumbar belts, and sacroiliac belts.
Flexible lumbar belts or corsets typically come in a variety of sizes and designs. A corset brace looks similar to a woman’s corset, and allows for some limited bending. Corsets typically include vertical metal or plastic stays at the front, back, and/or sides of the brace that provide stability and some motion restriction.
Lumbar belts and sacroiliac belts provide somewhat more restriction in movement, and are typically made of a sturdier fabric without stays.
Flexible corsets and belts can help relieve lower back pain by:
It is recommended to consult with a doctor on the appropriate size and fit of a flexible brace to ensure the brace is safe to use and likely to provide effective pain relief.
When Should You Wear A Brace
Your doctor or Physio will tell you when to wear a back brace after an accurate diagnosis. A brace provides stability to muscles, ligaments, or bones while youre still healing from injury.
A back brace for lower back pain can sometimes let you slowly resume certain activities while your injury is healing.
Its normally used in combination with Physiotherapy and massage therapy. It is also important to know that when dealing with most cases of low back pain, a brace should only sometimes be used temporarily in the early stages of recovery.
Also Check: How To Put On Wrist Wraps
Am I At Risk For Shoulder Pain
Due to the location of the injury and the areas involvement in daily life, it would seem that shoulder pain is inevitable. However, there are a few risk factors that make it more likely. These include:
- Age: Arthritis is often an age-related disease. In addition, rotator cuff injury also most commonly occurs in adults over age 40 due to degeneration of the tendons, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Activity level: Professional athletes or those who exercise in highly repetitive sports have an increased risk of shoulder injury. On the flip side, those who sit at desks all day with their head jutting forward and neck flexed may be at risk for mouse shoulder.
- Tradesmen: House painters and carpenters who work with their arms over their heads on a regular basis are more likely to experience shoulder issues.
Even if youre at risk for shoulder pain, there are many treatments that can help. One of the best ways to deal with a recent injury or chronic case of shoulder pain is with a brace.