Using a Back Brace—Pros and Cons

A back brace can be used to treat a number of medical conditions and overuse or improper use of your back. Some of the causes of back pain can include:

• Strained ligaments and muscles
• Improper lifting of heavy items
• Moving awkwardly
• Ruptured or bulging disks
• Arthritis
• Scoliosis
• Back pain that is stress-induced

In the United States, approximately four out of five people experience back pain at least one time during their lives. It is a common reason people miss work or go to see their physician. Some physicians recommend physical therapy, rest, over-the counter medication to help with the pain, or using a back brace. Wearing a back brace as treatment does have its pros and cons.

Pros of wearing a back brace

• When a back brace is used immediately after having surgery can be helpful for stabilizing your spine.
• The back braces that you can find at a sporting goods store or pharmacy, called lumbar support back brace, can help initially for low back injuries that limit movement of your spine in the lower back area. By having limited movement, it will allow some injuries to your back to heal by relieving any excessive demands that are placed on certain joints of your spinal area.
• Some users report that a back brace can support their abdomen, take some of the load off your lower back, and improve your posture.
• They can make transitional movements, like going from a sitting to a standing position more comfortable when you are having back pain.
• If you job puts a lot of stress on your lower back the back brace can help you when you go back to work after suffering from a back injury. It helps to avoid putting too much strain on the spine.

Cons of wearing a back brace

• In the medical community, there is some concern that the long-term use of back braces could result in atrophy of some muscles that support your spine from lack of use. When you wear a back brace, the ligaments and muscles do not have to work and will start to weaken. When this happens, your body will start to demand more and more from your back brace.
• With the use of a back brace and the possible weakening of your ligaments and muscles your spine could become vulnerable when you are not wearing the brace. Your spine will be at a higher risk of injury than it would have if you had not used the back brace.
• There is not enough research to prove if wearing a back brace for scoliosis in adolescents helps because some have needed surgery and others have not.