IS WEARING A BACK BRACE WISE?
If you have lower back problems or back pain, a back brace can help. A back brace provides support to your back during movement. In this article, we will tell you everything about back braces: what they are, when you can use a back brace, and also when it is better not to use a brace.
WHAT DOES A BACK BRACE DO?
A back brace is a medical device that helps support your back. It is typically used for lower back pain but can also be beneficial for back injuries. A back brace supports both your back muscles and your spine. In this way, it stabilizes the back and helps keep it in the correct position, which can alleviate pain.
HOW DOES A BACK BRACE HELP
Many people with back problems become less active due to the pain caused by these back issues. This often has a negative effect on recovery because the muscles become stiff as a result. Stiff muscles can actually make the symptoms worse, leading to a vicious cycle. A back brace can help in this situation. The support provided by the back brace reduces the discomfort, allowing for increased mobility. This helps keep your muscles flexible.
FOR WHICH BACK PROBLEMS IS A BACK BRACE SUITABLE?
"In general, low back pain can be divided into two groups:
1: Specific complaints
2: Non-specific complaints
SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN
These are back problems that have been diagnosed with the help of diagnostic tests by your general practitioner or physiotherapist (for example, lumbar osteoarthritis). For these back problems, there is a specific cause that can be identified, and solutions can be targeted accordingly. In the case of specific back problems, it is advisable to follow the specialist's advice. If a back brace is a suitable solution, they will advise you on it.
NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN
These are back problems where the cause remains unknown (even after specialist examination). In about 60% of adults with non-specific back pain, the pain comes suddenly, for example, due to activities such as bending or heavy lifting. In the remaining 40%, the symptoms have gradually increased. In both cases, a back brace can be a solution. Because there is no specific cause to identify in non-specific back pain, it is often difficult for the specialist to provide clear recovery instructions. Therefore, wearing a brace is often considered a good option to promote recovery and prevent worsening or an increase in symptoms.
WHAT TYPE OF MATERIAL IS MOST SUITABLE FOR A BACK BRACE?
Back braces can be made from various materials. Everyone has their own preference, and it depends on how your body responds to a specific material. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. One commonly used material is neoprene. This material has good mechanical properties, is highly durable, and is the same material used for things like wetsuits. However, besides neoprene, there are also other materials that can be suitable. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose a material that you personally find comfortable. We recommend paying particular attention to materials that may cause skin reactions. For example, if you quickly develop a rash from a certain fabric, then it's best to avoid back braces made from such material. Neoprene is generally a safe choice for most people.
DEGREE OF SUPPORT PROVIDED BY BACK BRACES
There are different levels of support to choose from. For example, you can opt to buy a brace with or without stays. Stays are plastic or metal rods incorporated into the brace. You typically don't feel them, except for the extra support they provide. Whether you should buy a back brace with or without stays generally depends on the reason for purchase. If you only need some extra support during physical activity, stays may not be necessary. However, if you're looking for support because movement is painful, a back brace with stays is likely to be more beneficial. Generally, a back brace with plastic stays provides sufficient support.
WHAT SIZE BACK BRACE IS SUITABLE FOR ME?
When it comes to finding the right back brace, size matters. Choosing the correct size back brace is important for both comfort and effectiveness. A brace that is too small can be uncomfortable and may not provide the support you need. A brace that is too large can be cumbersome and may not stay in place properly.The best way to find the right size back brace is by referring to a size chart. This chart often indicates which part of your body you should measure and which size brace corresponds to that measurement. Never rely on your clothing size, as it rarely aligns with the size of the back brace.If you are not entirely sure about your size or experience weight fluctuations (resulting in changes to your waist circumference), it is advisable to purchase an adjustable back brace. This way, you ensure that you have some flexibility in your hip/waist size. This ensures that the back brace always has an optimal fit.If you find it challenging to measure yourself, you can also schedule an appointment with a physiotherapist. They can measure a brace for you. However, many physiotherapists may also recommend purchasing an adjustable back brace.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WEAR THE BACK BRACE?
How long you should wear a back brace depends on the type of symptoms. If you have specific back problems, meaning a specific cause has been identified, it is advisable to discuss this with a specialist.
They can provide you with personalized advice.If you have non-specific back pain, meaning no specific cause has been found, it is more challenging to determine. After all, the cause of the pain is unknown. To provide some guidance, we can categorize these back problems into 3 groups:
1. Acute back pain (lasting 0 to 6 weeks)
2. Subacute back pain (lasting 7-12 weeks)
3. Chronic low back pain (lasting 12 weeks or longer)
Wearing a back brace is primarily intended for the acute low back pain phase. The brace can be worn during the day and should be removed at night during sleep. The brace is designed to provide support during daily activities. This means that the brace can be worn during all activities, except for activities in the water. During water activities, the pressure on the back is already reduced, making the use of a brace usually unnecessary."
WHEN CAN I START REDUCING THE USE OF THE BACK BRACE?
A back brace is primarily intended for use in the acute phase when the pain is most severe. As the pain decreases, it is advisable to gradually reduce the use of the brace, ultimately allowing you to perform your daily activities without it. If you continue to stay active as much as possible, the symptoms will often decrease, and the pain will diminish. Gradually reducing the use of a brace is always recommended.
HOW DO I PREVENT A RELAPSE IN SYMPTOMS?
The likelihood of recurring complaints with back pain is unfortunately high. Someone who has experienced back problems in the past is much more likely to experience them again in the future. Therefore, it's essential to be proactive in addressing this issue. In addition to the usual advice (such as lifting with a straight back), there are other things to consider.
Doing the right exercises can also be immensely helpful. It is generally advisable to engage in exercises that help build strength and improve mobility. Both can assist in reducing symptoms and preventing the recurrence of issues.
We have created an overview of all the exercises that can help you with this through this link. However, make sure you maintain good posture during the exercises (especially during twisting movements)."
WHEN SHOULD YOU STOP WEARING A BACK BRACE?
If you notice that your body reacts poorly to the back brace, for example, if there is an increase in pain, it is advisable to stop wearing the brace immediately. Additionally, it is also recommended to discontinue using a back brace if you develop a rash or experience chafing. In such a case, you can explore whether a brace made of a different material works better for you. Lastly, it is essential to follow the guidance of your treating doctor/therapist. The specialist's advice always takes precedence.
WHERE CAN I BUY A BACK BRACE?
You can purchase a back brace from many different places. Where you buy it doesn't matter much in principle. What is extremely important, however, is that you only buy back braces that have a CE marking. A back brace is considered a medical device and must undergo thorough testing before it can be introduced to the European market.
If a back brace has a CE marking, the seller indicates that the brace complies with all European requirements. Only with back braces bearing the CE marking can you be assured that it provides the support you need.
All our braces come with a CE marking. This guarantees the quality you can expect from a medical device. Additionally, we provide all our customers with the support they need after purchase through our 'Myguide' platform. Here, we offer tailored advice, instructional videos, recovery exercises, and more. Braces are available through our online shop."