When back braces are mentioned, you may have visions of the kind of spine-support devices often worn by adolescents with scoliosis or individuals with spinal stenosis or a similar condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. In fact, the first back braces developed by army surgeon Ambrose Paré in the 1500s were designed to correct spinal deformities. However, there are other instances when wearing a supportive brace can be beneficial.
Whether you regularly lift heavy boxes for work or you bend down to pick up weights at the gym, a back brace can make these tasks less stressful on your spine. In addition to taking pressure directly off of your backbone, braces can also ease you into the correct position to lift—at your knees instead of at your waist. If you’ll mostly be lifting for workout purposes, a squat belt can provide more direct lower back support. Improper lifting can contribute to many spine-related injuries, including:
The simple act of sitting down for a while to spend time with friends or enjoy a family meal doesn’t require a back brace. However, if you spend most of your day sitting at a desk, a brace can take some of the direct pressure off of your lower spine, particularly around possible sources of irritation like the sciatic nerve. A brace can also encourage you to maintain better posture while sitting. Also consider wearing a back brace when:
Even if you have surgery performed with minimally invasive techniques, your spine will still be somewhat weakened as it heals. The spine is especially susceptible to reinjury following fusion surgery. It may not be all that comfortable to wear a brace as you recover from a procedure. However, doing so can reduce your odds of having to go through a second operation to correct damage or address an entirely different source of instability. Post-surgery bracing may also:
Heavier rigid braces limit about half of the spine’s motion, which is why they’re often used to allow spinal fractures to heal. Lighter elastic (corset) designs are primarily for maintaining posture or limiting movement in certain areas and are usually worn while lifting or sitting. Back braces shouldn’t be overused since doing so could contribute to muscle atrophy and other issues. A Los Angeles spine surgeon can provide more wearing tips specific to your needs.
It’s important to take care of your back after undergoing a procedure such as spinal decompression or XLIF surgery. Los Angeles residents who need spinal surgery should contact The Spine Institute to see what their options are for finding relief. Call our office today at 310-828-7757.