Back Brace

Back braces can be rigid or flexible and are designed to provide support for the back muscles. Back supports are fitted around the body in the affected area and are intended to help limit the motion of the back.

back brace

A brace is a useful tool to assist in supporting a fractured vertebrae or to aid in the healing after back surgery. It is especially useful at creating limited motion in the back after spinal fusion surgery, in order to create a more solid fusion of the spinal bones.

Types of Back Braces

*Rigid braces are custom fitted, expensive and very uncomfortable. They are often prescribed by a doctor to correct posture or a spinal curvature.

*Elastic back pain support braces are more flexible and remind the wearer to move correctly, more then actually limiting back movement. These soft braces are better used as an aid to bending and lifting properly, since they do not actually limit back motion.

There are also special elastic braces to help reduce pregnancy back pain.

Back Braces for Scoliosis

The use of an orthotic brace is a very effective tool in controlling scoliosis. A brace is prescribed as soon as the curvature is showing signs that it might become a problem. An orthotic brace is generally used to treat spinal curves more than 10 degrees and less than 45 degrees. In order for a brace to help, it must be worn 16 to 23 hours a day, everyday. The brace must be worn as long as the child is still actively growing. The younger the child, the longer they will have to wear this brace. Scoliosis braces are rarely used in adults, since the adult spine is mature and no longer growing.

A scoliosis brace will not usually correct an existing spinal curve. It will correct curvature short term, but the curve will usually return when use is discontinued. The brace is 90% effective in preventing mild to moderate curves from becoming worse. A brace will not help a severe curve.

The old fashioned Milwaukee Brace is rarely used anymore. It is bulky and obvious. It is made of metal and limits movement and freedom considerably. Newer molded plastic braces (thoracolumbosacral orthotic braces) are much less noticeable and allow more freedom of movement. Some are even designed in cool colors and designs to make a child feel better about using it.

Orthotic designers are working on new designs that might be even more flexible. There are several new ideas in development, using the latest in high tech materials to provide flexible support.

Orthotic braces are also used to help control exagerated lordotic curvature, as well as abnormal kyphotic curvature, in children and adolescents.

Back Brace Recommendation

Use of a supportive back brace for an extended time can weaken the back muscles and cause them to atrophy. Do not become dependent on an orthotic device if possible. A better idea is to build up the back muscles so that they can support themselves.

My experience with support braces was not very positive. I have tried several different styles of soft braces in my 18 years suffering with horrible lower back pain. None of them helped at all and I found no reason to use one for my particular condition. I think for treatment of scoliosis or post-surgery, an orthotic brace is a useful tool.
Back Brace to Back Pain Home 6/1/06 Revised 6/30/08