At one point in life, pretty much everyone suffers from back pain of one form or the other. Even when this happens, resting does not solve the problem and we need help. Athletes performing over-the-top workouts and other individuals strenuously using their muscles can find relief using the best back brace. Besides overworking the back muscles, poor sitting posture has also been a great cause of back pain.
Many people assume that having some rest any time the back muscles feel fatigues is surefire way to overcome the throbbing pain faster. However, the truth is that if the back muscles don’t get the right amount of strengthening and activity, they will become less active and can aggravate your back troubles. However, no need to worry because we’ve got the best back support reviews for you right here.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
For the majority, back pains appears to be an unavoidable discomfort. However, the truth is that you may have more control than you actually think. You can wreck your back in numerous ways but a few major culprits stand out:
Poor Lifting Technique
Improper bending and lifting of objects causes lower back injury since it strains most of the spine-supporting muscles. This, however, can be prevented by engaging the abs to aid in supporting your back muscles. This ensures that the strength required to lift n item is distributed evenly across various body muscles.
Commuting and Computing
Sitting has been the norm – while driving to work, in your office and in front of the TV and this could be wrecking your back. The spongy discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine usually have a poor blood supply.
When you move, blood flows into the discs but when you’re seated, blood flow to the discs is cut off, thus depriving them of the much needed nutrition. Spending a lot of time sitting in front of your laptop or behind the steering wheel adds mileage to the discs, which causes stress in your back.
Injury to the Joints and Bones
Fractures of the sacrum bone and lumbar spine mostly affect the elderly, particularly those who’ve been under prolonged medication. For such individuals, occasional or minimal stress on the spine can result in a bone fracture.
Such a fracture causes an instant onset of thrilling localized pain which may radiate around the waistline in a band-like fashion and can even be worse with body motions.
Benefits of Using a Back Support Belt
Although many people suffering from back pain are yet to embrace this amazing piece of medical technology, here are some benefits you will enjoy when you use a back support brace.
Back Support.
This is by far the most widespread reason why individuals with back support problems, low back issues and other troubles wear back braces. It should also be known that back support is more than just meant for the lower back – it involves the mid and upper back as well.
Pain Relief.
Almost all individuals that suffer from a back ailment will complain of pain. Besides, this pain is normally exacerbated when specific positions and movements stress the affected area of the back. A back brace, however, will limit all your movements allowing the affected area to heal.
Besides, a back support belt will also alleviate any pain symptoms by compressing the abdomen, which helps unloads the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. By minimizing your dependence on the pain pills to relieve back pain, you’ll reduce harmful effects and save money as well.
Immobilization.
Many spinal conditions and injuries require that the back be immobilized for a period of time. A back brace will immobilize your back which minimizes motion at the injured area, thus allowing it to heal in a short time.
Without proper immobilization, the chances are that you may inadvertently re-injure the affected area during your daily activities.
When selecting a back support belt, it’s important that you go for a design that limits an array of motions including flexion, extension, and rotation.
Non Invasive Treatment.
Many people suffering from severe back pain are often required to undergo invasive treatments such as nerve blocks and surgery. Wearing a back brace is a non-invasive treatment that is a good alternative to surgery. Besides, it’s also appealing to persons who do not fancy back surgeries.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Back Brace?
The Material Used (Fabric)
Before picking a back brace from any store, be sure to check beforehand the fabric used. Besides, the nature of the fabric should benefit you and offer a solution to your back problems. Neoprene is a material commonly used for manufacturing back braces. It’s known for its excellent hear retention qualities that make your back feel relaxed.
Flexibility and Stiffness
Depending on the amount of support that your spine requires, you may need to go for a flexible brace or a stiffer one. A stiffer brace may come in handy if you need to restrict the motion of your spine and back or if you are just from a back surgery.On the other hand, a flexible brace is enough to aid in maintaining proper back posture when you are driving to work or sitting in front of your computer.
Size and Shape
Be sure to choose a back support belt that is well suited for your body size. While a back brace is naturally designed to support your back, it should not limit you from moving freely. Always try wearing it before settling on the decision to buy it for you to ascertain that you are totally comfortable with it.
Review of the Top 5 Back Braces
via Amazon
If you engage in strenuous physical activities, spend extensive periods of time sitting with minimal movement or suffer from lower back pain, you definitely need an AidBrace Back Brace Support Belt. This back brace offers excellent support to the abdomen, hip area and lower back to help relieve your back pain. Besides, the belts design is the pinnacle of optimal comfort and it easily conforms to all your daily activities.
This brace incorporates a breathable mesh and double side straps that facilitates good air-flow to reduce sweating and tighter tension adjustment respectively. In addition to incorporating industrial durability that will last for years to come, this back support belt comes in six different sizes from which you can choose one that suits your needs.
Pros
- Supports the lower back and lumbar well
- The breathable mesh makes it comfortable to wear
- This brace is easy to clean with water and some mild detergent
Cons
- This brace has a poor construction
- This belt is way too bulky
via Amazon
Whether you need to correct your posture, recover from an injury, or your lower back just needs some extra support, the Mueller 64179 will offer all those in a single back brace. This back brace wraps around your lower back perfectly, and the removable lumbar pad makes it more appealing.
Although this product comes in different sizes, you can personalize with the outer elastic tension straps. In addition, the flexible steel supports positioned along the spine offer more stability to the wearer.
The amount of comfort and breathability you experience from this back brace is just magnificent. From sunrise to sunset, this brace will support you and keep you comfortable as you perform your daily activities. If you want your active lifestyle to go unaltered, then this is the lower back belt for you.
Pros
- It is a great supportive belt
- Great product for a reasonable price
- Easy to put on and take off
- Construction is excellent
Cons
- This brace doesn’t stretch far
- Very restricting if you need to move around
via Amazon
Comfort and fit should always be your priority when purchasing a back brace, and this lower back support belt doesn’t disappoint in that regard. This brace offers comfortable support to your lower back while still allowing you full range of movement.
Its sleek, curved design helps reduce bunching and slipping in inopportune moments. Additionally, this lower back brace has two adjustable straps that allow you to wear it loose or tight, an invaluable choice for you.
Pros
- Allows a full range of movement
- The curved design prevents the brace from slipping
- Incredible relief for lower back pain
- The Velcro does not wear out after washing
Cons
- Poor back support
- It doesn’t cover much area
via Amazon
By opting for the ComfyMed breathable back support belt, you will own a medical grade accessory that offers sturdy back support for treatment of scoliosis, herniated disks, and sciatica. This back brace is durable and optimized for optimal back comfort and spine safety, and boasts of a washable material that neither slips nor irritates the body when in use.
This lower back brace also adjusts and stretches for any custom fit, has firm, easy-grip handles which ease adjustment, removal or wearing. If over-training or old age have taken toll on your comfortable life and not even a single remedy appears to offer a solution, this brace gives you a reason to smile.
Pros
- Naturally and effectively relieves lower back pain caused by herniated disc, loose ligaments or nerve injuries
- Suitable for everyday activities
- Innovative design
- Breathable mesh
- Lightweight
Cons
- Has a very strong odor after few hours of wearing it
- The belt shifts a lot when you walk around
via Amazon
Engineered for optimal back support and strength, the NeoTech Adjustable Deluxe Lumbar Brace is ideal for people who are grappling with debilitating back pain. This lumbar brace is constructed from a tough, non-stretch material and its double pull up mechanism further enhances its strength.
The support provided by this lower back brace improves your posture to aid in treatment of back problems such as Sciatica and slipped disc disease. This brace is designed to help minimize unwanted twisting movements and is the right product for people with a sport or manual occupation where weight lifting may be involved.
The neoprene material used in this brace is water resistant and traps warmth which helps ease back muscle spasms and spinal stenosis.
Pros
- Highly breathable material for optimal comfort
- Its slim profile makes it ideal for wearing under clothes
- Wide enough to help with lower thoracic pain
- It is a Unisex brace
Cons
- This brace can be a bit small even when you order your size
- You may have problems keeping the belt from slipping
The Ultimate Winner
With our list having the best back support belts in the market today, the gold award winner goes to the ComfyMed Breathable Mesh Back Brace. This back brace scored perfectly in a majority of areas of independent evaluations, including pain relief, design and suitability for everyday use.
Besides offering optimal back comfort and safety, this back brace is easily washable, can be adjusted for a custom fit and gives you a reason to smile all day. Developed to keep you cool when exercising or during the hot summer days, this product is by far the coolest lower back brace in the market.