Relieve Pain And Improve Posture With The Best Back Brace For Lower Back Pain
There are plenty of potential causes for persistent pain in your back, but all of these problems have one simple, non-intrusive solution – back braces.
However, choosing the best back brace for lower back pain isn't a simple task – there are plenty of things to consider beforehand. Luckily for you, though, I've decided to create this buying guide and make your decision-making process a lot easier.
So, if you're interested in learning more, you should keep on reading!
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*Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Benefits Of Wearing The Best Back Brace For Lower Back Pain
Before we proceed to find you the best back brace for lower back pain, I think we should take a moment to discuss the most noticeable benefits of wearing a back brace first.
I'm sure you already have some ideas – you wouldn't be here if you haven't already heard about at least one of these benefits – but here are the most important improvements you'll notice as soon as you put your best back brace for lower back pain to work:
Support – The main reason why people opt for wearing a back brace is the outstanding amount of support it’s able to provide by eliminating some of the strain that’s put on your lower back during your daily activities, especially if they involve heavy lifting or prolonged standing.
You’ll find that the best back brace for lower back pain might provide some support to your mid-back, too – to some extent, that is.
Pain Relief – The thing about back pain is that it not only keeps you up at night and causes a lot of discomforts, but it prevents you from doing the simplest of things, such as standing, walking, running, or even bending over, as well. Choosing the best back brace for lower back pain will provide pain relief almost instantly.
Promotes Healing – After an injury, or during post-operative care, you’ll be advised to rest and keep the use of the affected muscles at a minimum, to allow them to heal. Since wearing a back brace immobilizes the muscles, as well as tendons and ligaments, it’s an excellent addition to your recovery process.
Improved Posture – In addition to everything I mentioned previously, it seems like wearing a back brace could also help you work on improving your posture, as it helps with spine adjustment, and keeps it from moving in specific ways.
Note:
Even though wearing the best back brace for lower back pain does offer plenty of benefits for your overall health, you need to be careful not to overdo things. What do I mean by that?
You shouldn’t wear it for too long; the main disadvantage of back braces, which is muscle atrophy, actually stems from prolonged wear.
How To Choose The Best Back Brace For Lower Back Pain: Buying Guide
It goes without saying that choosing the right equipment and sportswear means all the difference in the world when you're dealing with a painful condition or trying to recover from an injury. There are several essential pieces of equipment you should consider getting to improve your current state.
If you already have your best walking shoes for lower back pain ready, a back brace should be the next thing on your list.
But how can you make sure you've honestly picked the best back brace for lower back pain?
Here are some constructive tips on the subject, so keep on reading!
Material And Quality
These two factors are, in most cases, closely related, as the materials used to make the brace largely determine the quality level you can expect to get out of it. Generally speaking, materials such as polyester, rubber, and nylon are considered to be the best options for back braces.
Why?
Because they’re not only able to withstand frequent (even daily) use, but easy to clean, as well, and trust me, you’re going to want that in the best back brace for lower back pain if you plan on wearing it every day.
Support Level
The level of support is a matter of individual needs, so it's not a deciding factor in determining if a particular model is, in fact, considered the best back brace on the market. However, it's one of the vital elements to include in your decision-making process when you're choosing the best back brace for your own needs.
You could consult your health provider, or go by your instincts, but either way, you should have a precise idea of the amount of support you're looking to get, even before you start browsing the market.
Breathability And Comfort
In some instances, you'll appreciate the therapeutic warmth the best back brace for lower back pain can provide. However, there's a fine line between heat that improves circulation and warmth that makes you sweat profusely, and it's a line that shouldn't be crossed.
You need to make sure the brace you get is breathable, or you might end up with your back dripping wet after just a couple of hours.
Also, make sure to include comfort on your list of features to look for when choosing the best back brace for lower back pain, especially if you plan on wearing it during while you're exercising. Performing back stretches for upper back pain will be a lot easier if the back brace you have on is comfortable.
Size And Adjustability
Lastly, you need to make sure the back brace fits appropriately, otherwise it won't be able to do its job. It can be a bit challenging to find the perfect fit when shopping online for the best back brace for lower back pain, but if you measure out your abdomen according to the manufacturer's instructions, you're one step closer to finding a suitable size.
Another thing you should pay attention to, and it's closely related to size, is adjustability. We all have bodies that differ in shape and size, and it's impossible for mass production to produce models that will fit everyone perfectly.
However, there's a way to deal with that, too – the best back brace for lower back pain will turn every standardized model into a custom fit brace by utilizing adjustable elastic or Velcro straps.
Best Back Brace For Lower Back Pain: My Top 5 Recommendations
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*Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
1. Mueller 255 Lumbar Support Back Brace with Removable Pad – Steel Springs For Added Support 90/100
Via Amazon.com
The first model I wanted to include in my round-up of the best back braces is this reasonably priced brace by Mueller – and here's why:
A perfect fit is critical in back braces – we've established that already – and to give you that custom feel, this brace features dual elastic straps. Not only do you adjust how it fits, but you also change the level of compression, as well. In that sense, a removable lumbar pad is a nice additional feature, too.
At the same time, the steel springs will give you an outstanding amount of support and stability – just what you need while you're recovering from an injury.
And don't worry about the brace not staying in place, either – the molded plastic component will make sure it does.
The brace isn't very breathable, though – this thing will turn your lower back into a tiny sauna. So, if you live in a hot climate, or you're not a fan of sweating profusely, you might want to consider one of the remaining four models, instead.
Also, make sure you don't put the brace directly on your skin – Velcro straps will scratch you.
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
If you want a model that doesn't draw too much attention, and is suitable for both men and women, but at the same time has all the essential features the best back brace for lower back pain should have, look no further. AidBrace could be the best option for you. Here's what it has to offer:
First off, the brace can be quickly adjusted – double straps allow you to do that, to ensure the level of compression and fit are perfect for you. The back brace features curved side design, so it doesn't slide up or cut into your hips as you go about your day.
On top of that, the lumbar pad is entirely removable, which gives you the option of using it only when you want.
One problem I had with this AidBrace model is its durability – the fabric gave in after a relatively short period of use. Here's what happened:
All those plastic stays that ensure the brace doesn't move around started poking through the fabric. Now, imagine wearing the brace and having to deal with the constant feeling of something poking you – not a very pleasant experience, is it?
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
Adjustability, breathability, and support: those are the qualities this BraceUP's model has to offer.
All you need to do to get the perfect fit (well, except choosing the right size) is to adjust the dual straps. These will ensure you get the level of compression you need, as well. Support isn't an issue, either – eight stays are a part of the brace's design for that exact reason.
A standard issue with back braces is that they can't seem to stay in place. Well, I'm glad to say that isn't a problem for this BraceUP's model, as it features silicone straps on its inner side – they'll stick to your clothes (or skin) and make sure the brace doesn't slide all over the place.
The main issue I had with this product is the fact that it's not returnable. I know it doesn't sound like that big of a deal, and in most cases, it's not. However, since online shopping can be tricky, and the back brace has to be a perfect fit to work, I can't help but wonder what happens if it doesn't fit?
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
The next model on my list is one made by ComfyMed and the perfect choice for those of you that prioritize adjustability. The double pull design will allow you to adjust the level of compression whenever you put the brace on, depending on what you need.
In addition to that, the lumber pad is entirely removable, and as your recovery progresses, you can choose whether or not you want the additional support it provides. It's nice to know that the back brace will stay in place, even during your most active days.
Also, this one is straightforward to use. I'm pretty sure it's the only back brace I've seen so far that has cinching handles that will allow you to get a better hold of your brace while you're making necessary adjustments. Amazing, right?
Now, there's one thing I didn't like about this particular back brace, and it's the lack of breathability. While I can't complain about the brace doing what it's supposed to – providing support and relieving your back pain – I would appreciate if there was a bit less sweat involved in the process.
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
While the previous ComfyMed model lacked it, this one made it its primary focus – yes, I'm talking about breathability. This model seems to be the perfect choice for those that live in hot climates or plan on wearing the brace during exercise.
Of course, that's not the only thing to like about this model. If you're an active person, you'll appreciate the fact that it stays in place. No sliding or rolling up means there's no need to re-adjust the brace constantly.
Also, if you're worried about the fit and overall adjustability, rest assured that the double pull compression gives you plenty of room for making adjustments, both regarding fitting and the support needed.
However, there are some issues to be discussed, as well. First of all, if you spend most of your days sitting, this one shouldn't be your first choice – it's just not comfortable enough for that.
Another thing I've noticed is that you can't wear it underneath your clothes, as it will make your skin feel itchy – a shirt should be present under the brace at all times.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts On The Best Back Brace For Lower Back Pain
The only question left to answer now is:
Which one of these is the best back brace for lower back pain?
In my opinion, it’s the ComfyMed® Premium Quality Back Brace CM-102M with Removable Lumbar Pad. I hate all that sweat, but it gets the job done, and that’s what truly counts!
Do you have a personal favorite, as well? Let me know in the comment section below!
