BackBrace

Back Brace - Before you even start looking for a back brace, either online or at a retail location, you have to consider your pain. Where does your back hurt? Higher on your back or lower? Depending on where your pain is will help you pick out a brace that will help you the most.

Back Brace - If you sit at a computer or tend to stand for the entire day, look at braces that help pull your shoulders back. Most people have upper back pain as a result of poor posture. Braces that help with this usually have straps that loop around your shoulders and help support the hunch-over that seems to grow throughout the day.

Middle to lower back pain will be helped more by an orthopedic brace. These braces wrap around the middle of your body and usually use loop-and-hook fasteners. People who lift heavy loads at work tend to choose orthopedic braces for better support.

Others still may exhibit symptoms of scoliosis, where the spine shifts out of position to the left or right. Braces designed to help this disability are normally rigid plastic or metal and force the spine into a straight position. Sometimes individuals are required to wear these braces after back surgery, allowing the back to heal more easily.

Pregnant women also may have trouble with back pain due to the extra weight they carry around, especially as the term progresses. Special pregnancy braces exist to help alleviate some of that stress and give the back muscles a break.

Injuries dictate using a hot/cold brace to help relax the muscles. Hot and/or cold packs can be inserted into the back brace itself helping give relief to people who have an injury.

Once you’re decided on the type of back brace you need, you need to find a brace that fits you well. It should be snug around your body, but not so tight that circulation is blocked and you can do more harm than good. You should order a size that fits how you would normally wear it. If under your clothing, make sure the size will fit you properly. If you plan to wear it over your clothing, it must be large enough not to constrict your movements.

Also, make sure the brace can be returned to the seller if there is an issue after a couple days. The only true way to know if the brace is the right size and the right type to help treat your pain is to wear it for a few days. If you have issues, you need to be able to exchange the back brace for something that will really help.