A back brace is sometimes used to provide temporary relief from back pain. These devices help by stabilizing the spine in an upright position, taking weight off of compressed discs while also restricting movement in order to prevent muscle spasms so they have time to rest and recover. The effectiveness of back braces for treating chronic back pain varies from person-to-person, depending on how they respond to it. Some people may see significant benefits while others simply don’t get any relief at all.

Picking A Back Brace

Back braces are made by several manufacturers so getting one that fits well is important. An ill-fitting brace won’t be effective in helping with spine alignment or compression issues during daily activities, like sitting, which put pressure on lower back discs causing more damage over time without proper support.

The key is finding out if your doctor can recommend one that will work best for you before buying one yourself. It’s important to know which type of brace would work best for you depending on what you need relief from whether it be compression due to discs or pain caused by muscle spasms. The effectiveness of the device varies depending on how well it works with your body and if you are able to wear it long enough that it provides benefit without discomfort. A good fit also ensures there is no skin irritation or chaffing which can happen if the brace fits too tightly.

Finding a back brace that is comfortable to wear over long periods of time will make it possible for you to use one regularly as part of your treatment plan. Some braces are lighter and more breathable, making them ideal for extended wearing while others still offer the same benefits but may be hotter and less well-ventilated. These should only be worn during short periods at first until your body adjusts, then gradually increase usage times with clearance from your doctor.

There’s also some evidence that suggests these devices shouldn’t just be used in an effort to isolate pressure on damaged discs because this actually increases damage further by preventing healthy discs from equally absorbing shock and stress. However, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use back braces at all if your doctor recommends them for your particular case.

It’s important to understand that back braces aren’t a cure for chronic back pain. They are simply used in conjunction with other devices and exercises which help strengthen core muscles over time so you can gradually increase your activity levels without experiencing further damage or discomfort due to weak and damaged discs. You should consult your doctor before starting any treatment plan for back pain issues because it’s impossible to know if wearing one of these devices is right for you.

When A Brace Alone Can’t Relieve Chronic Pain

Here at the offices of William Capicotto, MD PC we are committed to helping chronic pain sufferers recover from their conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic neck or back pain that is limiting your ability to live the way you want, contact us today at (716) 881-0382 and start the road to recovery!