Our backs are incredibly delicate. No, it will not fall apart with the slightest touch, but we risk the chance of injury (minor or critical) whether we're lifting heavy objects or just gardening in the yard. This is where back braces and supports come in handy. With a wide selection of braces to choose from, don't wait until you have a strained muscle or a slipped disc to wear one.
Brace Yourself
If you're recovering from an accident or surgery, need your posture readjusted, or suffer from scoliosis, back braces will help make life much easier and a little less painful. There are various braces to fit different back problems and areas.
* '''Rigid''': For serious back injuries such as fractures rigid braces are fitted and limits spinal motion by 50 percent. Although these braces are used to correct the spine's curvature and posture, they're very uncomfortable and confining. Rigid braces are found in two forms: the Boston Overlap Brace (BOB) and Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (TLSO). The BOB corrects moderate injuries and is typically used as a replacement when other braces fail. If anyone suffers from scoliosis and needs a lateral correction of the spine, then TLSO braces must be used. But the TLSO brace isn't solely for the back; it's an underarm brace that wraps around the rib cage, hips, and lower back.
* '''Elastic (Corset)''': These braces are flexible, which allow for movement and should be used as a support aid during lifting and when the back is in motion. One elastic brace, the lifting belt, supports the mid-back. For additional support, suspenders can be added to the belt to ease shoulder pressure. Short corset braces target the lower back while the longer version extends up the middle. Although they're made from plastic, corset braces have metal buckles for a secure fit.
* '''SpineCor Brace''': This adult-only scoliosis brace must be worn 20 hours a day and is attached around the body and pelvic area.
* '''Milwaukee Brace:''' This once-popular brace is used to correct high thoracic curves. The Milwaukee brace wraps around the hip area where metal poles extend and lock onto a chin collar. This brace offers minimal correction for rotations.
* '''Pregnancy Support''': The additional weight put on during a pregnancy can take its toll on a woman's body, especially her back. From strained muscles to lower back pain pregnancy, braces support the lumbar region and abdominal muscles.
