When to Consider a Back Brace

Consultation with a doctor is recommended before using a back brace. A doctor&#;s evaluation will help determine whether a brace is likely to be beneficial, as well as the type of brace needed and how it should be worn.

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It is important to remember that back braces are prescribed as one aspect of a comprehensive treatment program, and that wearing a brace on its own or wearing a brace not according to a doctor&#;s recommendation may cause further injury and increased pain.

See Non-Surgical Treatments for Lower Back Pain

Conditions That Can Benefit from Bracing

In addition to other nonsurgical treatments, a back brace may help heal and relieve pain from the following conditions:

Post-operative healing

A rigid brace may be prescribed following spinal surgery with the goal of reducing pressure on the spinal column, adding stability, and limiting movements and micro-motions to provide a healthy healing environment. A questionnaire completed by spinal surgeons found the most common reason for post-surgical bracing was to limit activity and movement. The same questionnaire showed that back braces were generally recommended between 3 and 8 weeks following surgery, but the duration differed based on a patient&#;s needs.

Isthmic spondylolisthesis

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Rigid back braces lessen vertebral slippage and ease pain in isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Using a rigid back brace for isthmic spondylolisthesis has been shown to minimize the amount of vertebral slippage and significantly improve walking ability and pain levels. A rigid brace limits excess motion at the fractured segment, helping control pain and potentially lessening damage to the joints, nerves, and muscles.

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Spondylolysis

Similar to isthmic spondylolisthesis, a semi-rigid or rigid brace may be recommended to minimize painful micro-motions at a fractured vertebral level, reducing pain and potentially allowing the fracture to heal. It is thought that a lumbar brace can prevent or reduce vertebral slippage (isthmic spondylolisthesis).

Osteoarthritis

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A rigid or semi-rigid back brace reduces instability and painful micro-motions in spinal osteoarthritis.

Instability and painful micro-motions from spinal osteoarthritis may be reduced with the use of a rigid or semi-rigid back brace. Additionally, a brace can reduce pressure on the affected facet joints, alleviating pain and making everyday movements easier, such as moving from a seated to standing position, or vice versa.

Vertebral compression fractures

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A back brace is used in vertebral compression fractures to minimize micro-motions at the affected level.

A rigid or semi-rigid back brace may be recommended for vertebral compression fractures in order to reduce micro-motions at the fracture or affected vertebral level, as well as reduce pressure on the spinal column.

Degenerative disc disease/lumbar herniated disc

When a spinal disc breaks down and/or herniates, a rigid or semi-rigid back brace can help stabilize and reduce micro-motions at the affected spinal segment. A back brace may also be used to limit bending and twisting and assist in carrying some of the weight the discs normally withstand.

Spinal stenosis

Bracing for lumbar spinal stenosis aims to reduce pressure on and limit micro-motions in the lower spine, both of which can cause nerve root irritation and radicular pain. In some cases, a brace can help adjust posture or shift weight to the abdomen the goal of unloading pressure from the spine.

Muscle tension and strain

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Short video showing musle strain in the lower back.

A back brace helps alleviate muscle tension by reducing pressure on the spine.

In relatively rare cases, a flexible back brace may be advised for low back muscle strain. A back brace can help alleviate muscle tension by reducing pressure on the spine, thereby reducing the amount of strength needed in the muscles to support the spinal column. Additionally, heat from the brace can help relax tense muscles, contributing to pain relief. A back brace for muscle injury or weakness is generally not recommended for longer than 2 to 4 days.

In some cases a back brace may not be recommended for the above conditions if other treatments are likely to be as or more effective, such as physical therapy, heat or ice application, and/or pain medications.

See Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Back braces have not been shown to help alleviate all low back pain. One study found that patients with specific back pain conditions are more likely to report pain relief after using a back brace than patients with nonspecific back pain.

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Factors for Bracing Success

Some known factors that contribute to bracing success include:

• Wearing the brace as advised. Adherence to wearing a back brace is one of the most important factors for success, although there are many reasons braces may be difficult to wear, such as discomfort or interference in daily activities. If a back brace is too cumbersome or uncomfortable, a doctor can help adjust the brace. It is advised to consult with a doctor before giving up on the brace entirely.
• Viewing a brace as a positive aid. One study found that back bracing provides more effective results when it is thought of as potentially beneficial and a positive attitude is maintained regarding its effects. Encouragement and support from family members, friends, or coworkers can help improve attitudes about a back brace and its ultimate outcomes.
• Not depending on the brace for long-term relief. Back braces are typically recommended on a short-term basis. Wearing a brace longer than recommended is thought to contribute to muscle atrophy and dependence on the brace, which can ultimately weaken the back, increase the chance of injury, and worsen pain.

If a doctor does not think a back brace will be beneficial, it is not recommended to wear one anyway.

Dr. Saurabh Dang is an interventional pain physician at Garden State Pain Control. Dr. Dang specializes in various methods of treating chronic back pain, including interventional pain injections, spinal cord stimulation, neuromodulation, and intrathecal drug delivery systems.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Sports Back Support Solution. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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Boost muscle endurance

Sports Back Support

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Has your back ever started to feel sore and tired after a long run? While it's true that the legs do a lot of the work, your core muscles play an essential role in maintaining your posture and protecting your spine from impact shocks. So after a while (especially if your spine isn&#;t as used to running 15 ks as your legs are), your core muscles may tire out. 

Studies show that compression knit helps delay muscle fatigue. A back brace does so in two key ways: 

1. It boosts circulation through your core. When the blood supply to the muscles increases, they get nutrients and oxygen at a faster rate, reducing the rate of fatigue. 

2. The compression weave communicates with muscle fibres, helping them transmit and receive messages to and from the brain. As a result, you can activate your muscles more efficiently.

Improve your running posture

Your running posture plays a crucial role in your overall running form. Even if the rest of your form is flawless, poor posture can negatively affect oxygen intake and muscle endurance, leading to injury. 

As a compression back brace communicates with the muscles, it will remind your core to keep your spine in a neutral position. With good running posture, you&#;ll more evenly distribute impact pressure through your back. You&#;ll also be able to breathe easier, as your ribs and lungs will be in a more &#;open&#; position. 

Help you avoid back injury and pain

Training for a marathon involves a lot of running. Unfortunately, even if you follow a training guide to the letter and safely increase your distance over time, your back muscles and spine may still disapprove. 

And as a result, you may experience tightening paraspinal muscles, sacroiliac or facet joint dysfunction, or even back tendonitis. Fortunately, as these conditions typically result from muscle fatigue or excess pressure from impact, wearing a back brace while you run can work wonders. Improved posture, muscle endurance, and pressure load distribution mean you&#;ll be less likely to develop these conditions.

Relieve back pain when running

SacroLoc Back Brace

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If you&#;ve had to minimise your marathon training due to back pain, a back brace can help here, too. At the risk of sounding like a broken record: 

• Back braces like our Sports Back Support and SacroLoc Back Brace incorporate special viscoelastic pads that massage painful areas as you move. 

• Compression knit works with your muscles, helping them better support your spine.

• With improved posture and increased support, your disks and nerves will be under less pressure and subject to less stress as you run.

Learn more: Pain in Lower Back When Running? Here&#;s How to Fix It

Some things to consider

A back brace is an excellent piece of gear for a long-distance runner. But not every back brace is made equal. You must keep size, quality, and relative comfort in mind when picking yours out. Simply put, a back brace that is made of quality knit, fits like a glove, and has good breathability and moisture-wicking properties will be much more effective and easier to wear than the alternative.

Additionally, it&#;s always best to combine bracing with other methods when it comes to boosting performance and preventing injury. Core strengthening, leg stretching, and rest days are all instrumental in keeping your back safe, strong, and pain-free.

To sum up 

Marathon training (and long-distance running in general) can put a lot of stress on your back. Fortunately, a good back brace goes a long way - especially when combined with other techniques. With Bauerfeind, you&#;ll reduce muscle fatigue, relieve painful symptoms, minimise the risk of injury, and improve performance. 

 

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