Best Back Brace For Lower Back Pain
Chiropractic Recommended
On a daily basis I see patients for chronic back pain caused by a variety of conditions. From herniated discs to sciatica and scoliosis, there are many causes of back pain, but discomfort and inconvenience are always a result. Moving, twisting, and bending your spine is a vital part of everyday life. I’ve seen firsthand with my patients how much chronic back pain can limit one’s mobility and quality of life – parents who are unable to pick up their children without wincing, industry workers who countdown the hours to the end of their shift, and older patients who are just itching to get outside and do some gardening.
One method I often recommend for those with bad backs is a back brace. I certainly don’t recommend it for everyone, but those who need it for short periods during activities or heavy lifting can benefit. Back braces can help alleviate muscle tension and stress on the joints by reducing pressure on the spine. Having consistent lumbar support while you are walking, bending, or lifting reduces the amount of strength needed in the muscles to support the column, and therefore the amount of strain placed on your muscles, and the amount of pressure on the discs, and vertebrae.
A consultation with a doctor is recommended prior to using a back brace to determine what will suit your needs. Given there are many causes of back pain, evaluation from a medical professional is important in determining whether a brace will be beneficial, and if so, what kind and how it should be worn. It is important to note that back braces are often one method of a comprehensive treatment program, and that just wearing a brace on its own may have limited effects or cause further injury. Those with chronic issues such as post surgical lumbar pain, scoliosis, arthritis, spondylosis, degenerative disc/joint disease, or sciatica may benefit from using a back brace at the recommendation of their medical provider.
With that said, not all back braces are created equal, so it helps to know what you are looking for. As a chiropractor I’ve rounded up a selection of options that my patients and I have seen the best results with. I’ve come up with some guidance on what to look for in back braces to ensure you are getting one that works well for you. I feel confident that the options I selected are great choices for alleviating pain and getting back to your life. Here are the best back braces for lower back pain.
#1 Back Brace For Lower Back Pain - BaxMAX
- Single-pull compound pulley system gives you support in a cinch
- 5x tighter than standard elastic braces
- Lightweight and breathable, doesn’t trap heat
- Easy to clean – hand wash or throw in washing machine
- Internal pockets for stowing your phone or extra cash
- $69.95
#2 Best Back Brace - Sparthos Back Support Belt
- Comes in a range of sizes (S – XXL)
- Adjustable and removable lumbar pad to provide extra compression
- Breathable fabric for comfort
- Strong Velcro for support that stays
- Less bulk for discreet wear under clothing
- Lower price point at $34.67
#3 Best Back Support Belt - FREETOO Back Brace
- Back brace comes in a range of sizes (S – XXL)
- Mesh, soft fabric, and breathable elastic for premium comfort
- 6 vertical stays (2 spring, 4 memory-aluminum) for back support
- Two anti-skid reinforcement straps
- Non-scratchy fasteners for comfortable wear
- Lower price point at $36.99
#1 Back Brace For Lower Back Pain - BaxMAX
The BaxMAX back brace is an option I recommend time and time again. This brace has a lot to offer, comfortability and support being two major attributes. Many braces on the market offer too much of one or the other, but the BaxMax provides the perfect balance of sturdy support and mobility.
Having extra support without excessive limitation while you are active is essential. The BaxMAX provides support while still allowing you a range of motion to do what you need to do. This makes it a great option for anyone with demanding jobs or tasks that frequently wear on their back.
The sturdy brace is lightweight yet durable, making it a great option for anyone who is extra active or on the move. The brace is made of lightweight and breathable nylon material that won’t trap heat, so you won’t have to worry about excessive sweating or chafing underneath.
Putting the brace on is a cinch with its 5:1 compound system. You can easily adjust the brace for optimal tightness by pulling from just one side and securing across your waist. It folds for compact stowing, making it discreet and convenient to stow and pack along for travels or other on-the-go activities. It is also easy to clean and fast drying, so you can hand wash or toss in the washing machine when it needs a refresh.
The BaxMAX price point is $69.95, but the pain relief it can provide is invaluable. Additionally, purchasing an item proactively or as a means for preventing further injury could save you the cost of surgeries, therapies, other treatment, and worst of all, more limiting back pain further down the road. Wellness professionals with decades of experience agree, the BaxMAX brace is a phenomenal tool for supporting the lumbar spine and addressing lower back pain.
Some Reviews From BaxMAX
Ehsan K
THANK YOU BAXMAX
“Our patients continue to love this product. There is nothing like it out there. Thank you BAXMAX”
Nicole R.
Great!
“This thing is a lifesaver. With two herniated discs, this brace keeps me comfortable at work.”
Dr. D
Love This Brace!
“LOVE these back braces! Perfect for our acute low back patients.”
Lori M.
Very Impressed
“My husband has degenerative disc’s disease and bone Spurs in his lower back. He has been using this for about a week and has been very happy with the support and relief.”
#2 Best Back Brace - Sparthos Back Support Belt
Many who experience chronic pain have been dealing with it for some time. Sparthos understands the relief and contentment that comes with pain-free movement after the beaten path of multiple doctor visits, physical rehabilitation, and trial and error approach to other support belts. That is why their back brace was designed with guaranteed relief in mind. Being able to sit, walk, lift, or complete other daily life tasks without pain is their top priority.
The Sparthos Back Support Belt incorporates lumbar support not only through its wrap-around compression, but also an adjustable pad that stabilizes your back. It has a smooth and adjustable fit that conforms to you, so you can be carefree without worrying about the bulk of your brace getting in the way.
If you have not tried a back brace before, you may not know that they can be almost too limiting and bulky, but the Sparthos belt was designed intentionally to offer the support that you need while also offering the range of motion to twist and turn more naturally. This makes it an ideal choice for someone who is needing a boost of extra support but perhaps a less restrictive option.
While you cannot expect a support belt to immediately fix back pain, you may be feeling more support than you have in years within even minutes of putting on the belt. Many of my patients who experience chronic back pain for months and years have remarked at the difference the right kind of back support and care routine can make.
With continued wear, you may feel more capable of performing other daily movements, unencumbered by stiffness or pain. Fortunately, the light and soft feel of the Sparthos belt makes it ideal for all-day wear if needed. It is sleek enough to be worn under clothing and is made with breathable fabrics that will keep you comfortable and cool.
The Sparthos Back Support Belt also offers great value for your money at a price point $34.67. Sparthos offers a 100% happiness warranty, so you can try the support belt risk-free. Be sure to reference their size guide and consult your chiropractor to find the best fit and routine that suits you physically.
William M.
Immediate Results
“I bought the Sparthos back brace for a friend in the DR who has a herniated disc. He does a lot of farm work which he found painful because of the disc problem. When I gave him the back brace he put it on immediately, and he has worn it every day since (about a week now). He loves it and says that it has alleviated his back pain better than he expected.”
Lucy F
With This Belt I Have My Back Back!
“The double belt wrap adds extra support and is very firm. Since I am small it gives me great support and can firmly wrap around my low back. I sprain my back, without it I cannot move and am in incredible pain.”
Mamma T
Go Granny Go
“Holds my sacral/lumbar area in better than the $600 brace from the doctor’s office. Hint: Wear it tight to get maximum support. The width is nice as I’m only 5’1″. It does not squeeze my breasts in or hike them up to my neck like a wider one does. LOL.”
Flavia
Instant Pain Relief
“I actually bought this item when I very skeptical if it would help my back pain, but the instant the Amazon van pulled into the driveway . I slowly made my way out to the porch to get my package .I read the instructions and put it on . I think it is the second seal with the solid lumbar support that really gave me the most instant relief that I have experienced other than getting a shot of painkillers in the E.R. It is worth every penny. I recommended it to everyone that was working long hours standing.”
#3 Best Back Support Belt - FREETOO Back Brace
FREETOO is a brand that maintains commitment to understanding the needs of its customers. FREETOO products are designed in consultation with chiropractors, physical therapists, and sports experts, so you can be sure their high-quality back support options live up to the task. The FREETOO Back Brace will have you feeling free to move like you once could, knowing you have the support you need.
With 6 vertical support straps, this brace evenly distributes support to your back, reducing the load on your spine’s lower discs. The adjustable compression it provides cushions your lumbar spine so that you can move about or lift objects without worry that your back pain will flare up. This brace wears well under clothes and is made of 4-way stretch elastic material that molds to your form for a superior fit and compression. The belt comes complete with two anti-skid bands that prevent it from rolling up while sitting or bending. Altogether, these features make for a back brace that goes the extra mile so you can too.
The FREETOO back brace was made with comfort in mind. It features high sticky touch fasteners that are most often used on baby clothes, ensuring your skin or clothing will avoid scratches and damage. Made of mesh material, this brace is designed to be lightweight and breathable so you can be one the move without breaking a sweat. Say goodbye to unsightly sweat and rest easy, knowing you will not only be supporting your spine, but staying cool and comfortable at the same time. The brace also features 2 silicone anti-skid bands that prevent the brace from riding up or shifting in uncomfortable ways.
Patients who have tried this product can vouch for noticeable improvements in their back pain. After several days of wear with the brace, many report they are no longer limited by their pain. At a price point of $36.99, this product also provides great value for support that you can count on every day.
Matt Q
Immediate Relief And Support
“Out of the bag and straight on. This morning in A and E to be told sciatic nerve. Doctor told me to get a support. All day I have been struggling. As soon as I put it on it was a relief. It holds my back straight. The ribs at the back I can feel are supporting me. Fits under my t shirt fine. Ordered in the morning and delivered before 10pm. Can’t ask for better service.”
KK
I Suggest You Give It A Try!
“I have fibromyalgia and I clean houses for a living. My back is getting weaker the older I get. I ordered because I also help people after surgeries or when they are dying. One of my patients wore one after surgery so I thought I’d try it. Yes it works it helps the muscles where yours are weak. It helped me be able to clean the house without it giving out on me. I’m thankful because it so far has saved me from having to go to Dr or take med for it. I would suggest anyone to try it!”
JR
Really Solid Back Brace
“Over the years, I’ve bought dozens of back braces, ranging in price from $10 to well over $200. This is one of the best braces I’ve found. It has strong stays and is wide enough that it doesn’t fold over at the top. And unlike many of the other braces, this one is comfortable while sitting, without digging or riding up. An excellent product at a great price.”
Cristin M
This Will Save Your Back!
“I just had lumbar discectomy and cage built on my spine. I am self pay so the surgery took every dime I had. I took a chance on this back brace. I love it. My surgeon loves it and made sure to write the name down for patients who can’t afford a $1500 back brace. When I take it off I can tell a notable difference in my pain. Amazing brace.”
FAQ's
Excessive use of your muscles or too much pressure on your back can cause or amplify back pain. Wearing a back brace provides consistent lumbar support and prevents unnecessary movement that exacerbates back pain. Consistently supporting your spine helps it stay aligned and reinforces your back muscles. The reduced strain on your vertebrae while your spine is injured or weakened provides a healthy healing environment for present injury and/or prevents additional injuries.
Additionally, this is often seen as a less drastic option for treatment. Many patients would prefer to avoid surgery or other major procedures, or do not want to be on painkillers. So, opting for support options and lifestyle changes like bracing can make a world of difference without going to extremes.
As with any treatment, there can be some cons to wearing a back brace. Relying on it too much can actually weaken your back muscles, so following your chiropractor’s recommendations for use is essential. Performing light back exercises to increase back strength in addition to wearing your brace may help. Be sure to consult with your chiropractor and other trained professionals before engaging in exercise so as not to cause or exacerbate an existing back injury. Finally, understanding your limits and being sure to use good form when bending, lifting, or otherwise using your back will help you achieve the best protection from injury.
To relieve back pain or prevent back injuries. Back braces are ideal to wear during any activity that may require additional lumbar support (think sports and fitness, laundry, cleaning, moving furniture, etc.) These tasks can be cumbersome and add strain to your back, so adding additional reinforcement can help reduce the impact on your lower spine.
Back braces are also used for a multitude of spinal conditions and treatments including but not limited to post-operative healing, spondylolisthesis, muscle tension or strain, stenosis, disk slippage, and more. It bears repeating that these conditions can be very serious and should be treated in tandem with professional guidance.
Typically, yes. Most back braces offer some form of adjustability so the wearer can be comfortable yet supported. The material and closure on the brace vary from brace to brace, but often includes some form of velcro strap, pulley, or elastic strap to act as a closure and keep your trunk firmly supported. Many braces are also offered in a variety of sizes (S, M, L, XL) so you can narrow your choice and fit accordingly.
This answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Everyone and their needs are different, but as a general rule of thumb, the more you have pain or weakness in your back, the more often you should wear a brace. Wearing a brace can help you heal and/or offer support through a busy day, providing relief for either temporary or chronic back pain. Be in regular communication with your chiropractor about your wear, so they can advise any lifestyle changes or adjustments as necessary.
Summary
Avoiding back injury is of course the best-case scenario, but should you ever be in the market for a back brace, you now know what to search for. The top three chiropractic-recommended options on the market are listed above, so you don’t have to worry at length about making the right choice. Depending on your needs and the treatment plan determined by you and your provider, you can now select a brace option with confidence and stop settling for minimal results. Along with regular chiropractic care, these back braces can help you on your journey to a pain-free life.