Lower back braces vary in composition to help address a range of back pain conditions, from severe muscle strain to postoperative healing. Most back braces are made from similar materials, but differ in their rigidity and postural control.
Generally, back braces are categorized as flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. Rigid braces tend to be used for moderate to severe cases of pain and/or instability, such as to assist healing of spinal fractures or after back surgery. Semi-rigid and flexible braces are used for more mild or moderate pain.
Flexible orthoses are made of a soft material, such as cotton/elastic blends, canvas, and/or neoprene (a type of synthetic, flexible rubber). These braces include corsets, lumbar belts, and sacroiliac belts.
Flexible lumbar belts or corsets typically come in a variety of sizes and designs. A corset brace looks similar to a woman’s corset, and allows for some limited bending. Corsets typically include vertical metal or plastic stays at the front, back, and/or sides of the brace that provide stability and some motion restriction.
Lumbar belts and sacroiliac belts provide somewhat more restriction in movement, and are typically made of a sturdier fabric without stays.
Flexible corsets and belts can help relieve lower back pain by:
- Applying light pressure to the torso to help adjust posture and shift weight off of the spinal column
- Providing some added spinal support to take pressure off of weakened or injured muscles
- Moderately limiting range of motion to allow for some bending and twisting. For instance, while wearing a flexible brace, it may be possible to bend forward enough to touch the top of the knee, but not past the knees
- Reducing micro-motion at a loose or weakened joint through compression of the torso or pelvis (especially in lumbar and sacroiliac joint belts.
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