Although more extensive research is needed, it is generally agreed that back braces can help to provide lower back pain relief when worn as prescribed by a physician.
A lower back brace can be an effective element of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain spinal conditions, and can provide support for the spine as it heals following back surgery.
Also called a lumbosacral orthosis, or LSO, a back brace may be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. Nonprescription braces are available without a doctor’s recommendation, and it is important to wear these devices according to their provided instructions to prevent further injury to the lower back. This article focuses on back braces prescribed or recommended by a doctor.
A back-bracing prescription usually has a few complementary goals:
See Non-Surgical Treatments for Lower Back Pain
The above goals are achieved by the basic mechanisms of the back brace during use. Mechanisms of pain relief vary somewhat by brace design, but in general a brace is able to:
Adding a back brace to a treatment regimen has been shown in some studies to improve mobility and pain scores better than only physical therapy and pain medication. However, more research is needed to confirm this finding.
While it is generally agreed that back braces can help in providing pain relief, the medical literature suggests more rigorous research is needed to address questions about back bracing, such as:
Much of the available medical literature points to limited patient participation and low- to moderate-quality research methods and study design, which limits the information available on back bracing.,
Additionally, some doctors suggest back bracing may cause core muscles to atrophy due to dependence on the brace, potentially making the back more susceptible to injury. However, some studies have found no significant reduction in core muscle strength with the use of a back brace. The general consensus is that when a brace is worn according to a doctor’s instruction, atrophy is unlikely to become a problem.
It is important to recognize that a back brace is almost never a permanent part of a treatment plan. A lumbar brace is typically prescribed to be worn for a certain number of hours each day, and the regimen may range from a couple days to several weeks. The time frame for bracing is outlined and monitored by the physician to limit dependence on the brace, prevent muscle atrophy, and mitigate other negative effects of prolonged use while ensuring maximum effectiveness.