Back Support Braces
Back support braces are designed to meet a variety of needs. There are hard, form-fitting braces that hold the spine in a specific position and there are soft, flexible braces that limit range of motion but in a more comfortable manner. Some braces cover area between the pelvis and the sternum while others only wrap around the thoracic area of the spine and abdomen, or fit low on the hips around the pelvic area. Each back support brace is different, but they all work to meet a single purpose: They add stability to the spine, protecting it from injury or pain.
There are a number of clinical uses for back support braces, though the list is growing with the development of new braces over time. These back supporters and braces are used to treat lower back pain, trauma injury, weakness in the muscles, infections, conditions in the neck and issues pertaining to osteoporosis. They are designed to embrace the body, supporting and immobilizing the spine in situations where a condition has to be treated. They can be worn after a condition develops, or they can be worn as a preventative measure depending on the condition.
Some back support braces are intended to put the spine in a neutral position, while others are designed to put the spine in a very specific position. Some of the very specific positions that exist include upright positions, flexed positions, hyper-extended positions and lateral-flexed positions. Each of these positions serves a particular function, such as to straighten the spine or allow for healing following a spinal vertebra fusion procedure. Because some back supporters are intended for specific purposes, working with a physician is essential in finding the right back support brace to treat a specific need or condition properly and completely.
There are a number of basic functions that back support braces provide. For example, they are designed to decrease the amount of pain experienced by an injured back by helping the spine maintain a specific position during the healing process. Back braces can also prevent the wearer from engaging in improper posture or activities, such as bending at the waist to lift heavy objects rather than lifting with the legs. Each back brace model offers different capabilities and different comfort level depending on how much or little it is meant to inhibit the spine’s movements. A properly indicated and well-fitting back brace is essential in reaping the healing benefits that these devices provide.
