People suffering from low back pain often ask me if they should wear a back brace. The answer depends on several factors. Before we can determine when and how to use a back brace, it is helpful to know the cause of the pain and what aggravates the condition. When used correctly, a back brace can help in both postural support and pain relief.
Back pain can be the symptomatic result of many different problems. Some acute injuries that can cause pain in your back can be: muscle spasm, muscular strain, disc injury or herniation, nerve irritation, inflammation around a spinal joint, or spinal joint dysfunction. When acute issues are allowed to fester and are not addressed appropriately, then more chronic issues can develop.
Common chronic pain issues that result in lower back pain are: degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease, inflammation associated with spinal arthritis, nerve irritation or damage, chronic weak or tight muscles, and joint instability. In addition to these problems, back pain can also be a symptom of an infection or cancer, referred pain from organ dysfunction, or vascular disorders like an abdominal aneurysm.
The reason I named so many different causes of back pain (yet still just a small fraction of the many causes of back pain) is to bring a word of caution. Although there is nothing wrong with self-treatment, please be careful to not let continued back pain go for long periods without seeking the assistance from a healthcare professional. Prolonged use of pain medication, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, or a back brace can have severe health risks.
Is a back brace beneficial? I believe wearing a back brace can be very beneficial in small doses. During acute episodes of pain, a back brace can help provide the necessary support to aid strained muscles in supporting the back and body. It can allow you the necessary support to help get you up and moving. In chronic low back conditions, it can help aid in support during lifting, bending, or other activities of daily living.
Are there disadvantages to wearing a back brace? Absolutely, there can be negative consequences to bracing. Wearing a back brace too often and for too long can cause an increase in weakness to the supporting muscles and ligaments of the back and core. The same scenario happens when you wear a cast on a broken arm or leg. The muscles don’t get any work and they wither away. Depending on a back brace too much for too long can make your body more at risk of long-term instability and low back problems.
Movement, lower back stability, core strengthening, and spinal health are all essential during any low back rehabilitation, regardless whether it is acute or chronic. As your pain starts to diminish, your use of a back brace should also start to diminish. After the back has returned to pre-injury status, I recommend only using the back brace for prevention. Prevention use of a back brace would be during activities such as lifting or carrying. Even when used for prevention only put it on when lifting or carrying and take it off immediately after you have completed your task.
A back brace can be a great asset when used properly for short periods of time. Your chiropractor or health professional should be consulted to determine how to best treat the cause of your back pain if other symptoms are present or the pain continues. With or without a brace, always use proper lifting techniques and be careful not to lift more than you should. A back brace can be very helpful but can also be a false sense of security. Use a back brace only when necessary and as soon as you are injury free work with your health professional to strengthen your core, improve your flexibility, and stabilize your spine.
-by Brandon Crouch, DC
About the Author: Dr. Brandon Crouch is a Chiropractor with Crouch Family Chiropractic. He is an advocate for being proactive when it comes to your health and encourages people to make healthy informed decisions. For more information or questions, you can contact him online at: www.crouchfamilychiro.com.
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