You Might Benefit From a Back Brace: Pros & Cons

Functions of a Back Brace

Patients can use a back brace to treat a variety of conditions. For example, a back brace can relieve strain and injury. First, the patient’s healthcare provider will recommend a type of back brace based on the patient’s condition. Then, patients should follow any time limits or restrictions associated with wearing the back brace. A back brace can help with post-operative healing, isthmic spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, osteoarthritis, vertebral compression fractures, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Specifically, a back brace uses rigidity to reduce pressure and add stability to the spinal column. In post-operative healing, it limits movement and promotes healthy healing. Similarly, it limits bending and twisting movements that aggravate degenerative disc disease. For muscle strain, a back brace relieves pressure on the spine. Resultingly, the muscles do not have to work as hard to support the spinal column. Evidently, back braces have many functions.¹

Relieving Lower Back Pain

Unfortunately, lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain that almost every patient suffers from. Further, there are many causes of lower back pain. Specifically, it is a symptom of a wide variety of conditions. Fortunately, there are relief options. A back brace used for lower back pain is called a lumbosacral orthosis. Back braces may be prescribed by doctors, or they can be purchased over-the-counter. Lumbosacral orthosis devices reduce muscle tension, improve posture, and relieve low back pain. Additionally, back braces provide a healthy healing environment for the injured torso. Moreover, a back brace limits range-of-motion and micro-motions that impede the healing process. The additional stability and relief increase the patient’s quality of life while they heal. Patients have to listen to their doctor’s instructions for using the back brace, and they should follow the instructions for the over-the-counter brace.²

Dos and Don’ts

Patients should always learn about a new piece of medical equipment that they have to use. Usually, patients should have a good amount of knowledge about their medical condition. There are some fairly strict “dos and don’ts” of wearing a back brace. First, patients should wear breathable clothing under their back brace. Second, the back brace has to be properly positioned based on the patient’s condition. Third, the patient should try to perform regular physical tasks. However, patients have to be careful about how much heavy lifting they do. On the other hand, patients should not solely rely on the back brace. It is not usually a permanent replacement for weakened muscles. Next, the patient should not wear their brace while showering or bathing. In general, patients should not share their back brace. Back braces are usually customized to a specific patient’s body.³

Pros and Cons

Patients are usually prescribed back braces for acute low back pain, chronic low back pain, adolescent scoliosis, and post-surgery recovery. Braces are very effective spine-stabilizers immediately post-surgery. They support posture, and they are good support after initial injury. Patients who work in labor-intensive fields may find that back braces allow them to initially return to work after injury. On the other hand, long-term use of a back brace could lead to muscle atrophy. Patients should not become dependent on the brace. The spine is at a higher risk of injury when the muscles weaken. The brace does relieve stress on one area of the body, but it may transmit the workload to another area of the body. More research is necessary to determine the efficacy of having adolescents with scoliosis wear back braces. They may still need back surgery in the future.⁴

Chiropractic Care for Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where some of the spinal vertebrae slip forward. It is not always the direct cause of the back pain, but it can be part of the reason why patients develop mechanical back pain. Chiropractic care is an effective treatment for both spondylolisthesis and reducing back pain. There are several methods that chiropractors use to manually treat patients. Specific spinal manipulation, the flexion-distraction technique, and instrument-assisted manipulation are some of the options for treating spondylolisthesis. Chiropractic manipulation is a hands-on technique wherein the chiropractor gently thrusts upon and stimulates the joints and soft tissue. Flexion-distraction is similar to traditional spinal manipulation, but the chiropractor does not use thrusts. Other treatment options are trigger point therapy, manual joint stretching and resistance techniques, and instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy. It cannot totally fix existing spondylolisthesis, but chiropractic care can help patients address underlying issues.⁵

Arthritis and Chiropractic Care

Arthritis is another condition that chiropractic care can help patients manage. It is a very safe therapy, but chiropractors have to be more careful when addressing rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Also, chiropractors should not perform an adjustment when there is active swelling. Instead, chiropractors can use ultrasound, electrotherapy, cold laser therapy, and infrared sauna. First, ultrasound can decrease pain, stiffness, and swelling. Second, electrotherapy stimulates the nerves and muscles. Third, cold lasers may reduce inflammation and encourage healing. Fourth, infrared sauna relieves pain and increases circulation. Chiropractors cannot totally cure arthritis, but they can help many patients manage the debilitating symptoms. They can also address referred pain caused by arthritis. Patients who are unsure about trying a new therapy for their sensitive condition can consult their doctor. Some chiropractors and doctors work together to create a more effective, well-rounded treatment plan for their patients.⁶

Alternative Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is another condition that chiropractic care can help patients manage. Sometimes, degenerative disc disease is caused by degenerating spinal joints, bulging discs, or spinal stenosis. Unfortunately, the symptom of back pain comes from many different conditions. After the chiropractor has diagnosed degenerative disc disease, they will use the different forms of spinal manipulation and manual therapy techniques to treat the symptoms. If there is inflammation, the chiropractor will try to reduce the inflammation using ultrasound or interferential electrical stimulation. Additionally, chiropractors can treat their patients about stretches and exercises to reinforce treatment. Patients who have stronger bodies are more likely to resist pain and damage. A chiropractor might also recommend a back brace. The goal is to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain so that patients can live their regular lives normally and without pain.⁷