Back Brace And Support - Rigid And Corset Back Brace Options

When it comes to weighing back brace and support options, there are two primary categories to consider. Bracing the back is useful in promoting healing of fractures and spinal fusions following an operation. This is because any motion in the lower spine can set back healing progress, delaying healing and causing unnecessary pain. The two basic types of back bracing products are rigid braces and elastic or corset bracing supports. Understanding how each type of bracing can be beneficial to the spine and general back health is important in determining whether or not a specific bracing support to the back is right for a certain need.

There are different types of rigid bracing products, including Thoracolumbar Sacral Orthosis, also known as TLSO, and Boston Overlap. Both are form-fitting back bracing and support options made from plastic. These bracing materials have to be fitted properly in order to benefit the spine. When properly fitted, they limit spinal motion by approximately 50 percent. The most common uses for rigid bracing involve healing broken bones and fractures in the back because limiting the range of motion can improve healing time. The downside is that these rigid plastic bracing supports can be heavy, uncomfortable and hot for many patients who wear them.

Corset back brace and support options are softer than rigid bracing materials, but still sturdy and effective at limiting motion of the back. They are often recommended to limit the motion of the spine following injury or lumbar fusion surgery. The bracing prevents forward-bending, strengthening the back while preventing further injury from occurring. Corset braces can vary in height depending on how much stability is required. They are also effective in preventing lifting injuries in jobs and industries where employees lift heavy objects on a regular basis. Such bracing of the back can aid in promoting the right type of lifting, which prevents unnecessary injury.

Choosing the right back bracing and support devices is absolutely necessary in benefiting from their use. The wrong back brace can cause more harm than benefit, which is why working with a trained physician is essential in choosing a back support device. Using a soft brace when a rigid bracing is necessary, or forcing the use of a rigid brace when a soft bracing is adequate, can both present problems. A trained physician can aid in choosing the right back brace for an injury or to prevent injury, especially when it comes to diagnosing a back injury and prescribing the right treatment accordingly.