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The Best Back Braces for Lower Back Pain Reviewed (Buyer’s Guide)

Are you looking for a back brace to help you maintain your good posture? Or maybe you’re having incessant back pain or other health conditions? Well, the right brace is essential in solving these issues.

Although back braces are generally not ideal for long-term daily wear, it’s purpose is to strengthen and retain your muscles without building dependence on the device. A back brace could be really efficient at enhancing your posture pretty quickly.

But there’s a real problem…

There are lots of wonky back braces out there that leave you doubting if they ever really work. You don’t have to worry though. I researched the best back braces for lower back pain to help you!

These devices are vetted by tons of users who are satisfied by its corrective effects. So, without further ado, let’s unveil the best back braces for lower back pain.

PRODUCT

PRODUCT DETAILS

OUR BEST CHOICE

Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace

TOP PERFORMANCE

Vive Lower Back Brace

CAN'T COUNT IT OUT

BraceUP Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace

Best Back Braces for Lower Back Pain

#1 Best Choice: Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace

The Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace comes with steel springs and a lumbar pad for excellent support and fit. Thousands of users are satisfied with this particular device.

The lumbar pad at the back of the brace provides reinforced support. There are two adjustable elastic tension straps which ensure a perfect fit. This brace comes in two sizes, fitting waists up to 70 inches.

FEATURES

PROS

CONS

#2 Top Performance: Vive Lower Back Brace

This lower back brace comes with highly supportive vertical stays and a removable lumbar pad for targeted pain relief and support. It is manufactured with neoprene, which ensures breathability and washability. Additionally, it is fully adjustable with two fasteners which does not limit movement. One can simply make adjustments by fastening the straps.

FEATURES

PROS

CONS

#3 Can’t Count It Out: BraceUP Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace

This back support is ideal for men who undertake outdoor activities. The adjustable back brace comprises breathable mesh panels to keep you dry as you carry on with your day.

BraceUP Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace’s 8 stays offer sturdy support, while the curved design and dual adjustment straps ensure a customized fit.

FEATURES

PROS

CONS

Other Back Braces For Lower Back Pain

#4 Ergodyne ProFlex 2000SF Back Support Brace

This elasticated support features zig-zag stitching that has been constructed with polypropylene stays and rubber tracking webbing. In addition, the removable suspenders ensure that this back brace is snug.

The Ergodyne ProFlex 2000SF is an affordable lumbar brace that is designed to protect your back during lifting by providing truncal support and restricted range of motion. Unfortunately, users have decried the weak stitching of this lumbar support.

#5 Sparthos Mesh Back Brace

Whether you’re lifting weights at the gym or going about your daily routine, trust that Sparthos Mesh Back Brace will help you on your journey to healing.

The belt also uses an adjustable lumbar pad for extra compression in your lower back to prevent excessive rolling of your muscles plus decrease the pressure on your discs.

#6 NMT Back Brace Lumbar Support Belt

NMT Back Brace Lumbar Support Belt is one of the most popular back straps around. It is known for quality in amazing proportions. NMT Back Brace Lumbar Support Belt is suitable for most back issues like sciatica, scoliosis, herniated disc, and degenerative disc.The brace is manufactured with skin-friendly fabric for comfortable use underneath the clothes.

#7 Copper Compression Recovery Back Brace

If your lower back needs extra support, then the copper compression recovery back brace is a convenient choice to help you to get through your day.

This back brace is a great support for your back. The strong, synthetic material keeps your lower back muscles warm for optimum flexibility. Plus, the Velcro closes in front of your body.

#8 ComfyMed Back Brace

This removable lumbar support comes with easy-grip handles for sizing. It fits waists up to 50” and can be your faithful buddy when it comes to the conservative management of this condition. It does not scratch, slip or bunch and is suitable for activities like fishing, golfing and heavy lifting. The ComfyMed Back Brace comes with a 12-month warranty.

#9 Aveston Lower Back Support

Whether you’re engaged in high-impact activity or just doing your daily rounds, this lower back brace offers maximum support that will keep your spinal cord in the right position. The three-layer bilateral elastic lets you customize the brace to your exact specifications. However, the back brace may be a tad uncomfortable to wear under clothing.

#10 Aid BraceBack Brace for Lower Back Pain

This unisex back support for men and women comes with a customizable lumbar pad to facilitate posture correction. It also has built-in stabilizing stays for additional support. In addition, the curved side design alleviates pressure on the abdominal area and the breathable vented mesh imbuements keep your cool and dry. This product may not be suitable for heavy set people.

#11 BraceAbility Plus Size Bariatric Back Brace

Overweight people can turn their attention to this lumbar support. It is soft, breathable and reliable for those who need light compression to reduce lower- or middle back pain. It is well contoured to fit your stomach and give your back full support while lifting and smoothing your abdominal region.

#12 Flexguard Support Lower Back Brace

People with aching lower backs usually find it rough to get on with the day. The strong yet comfortable back support improves your posture by training your upper back muscles and spine to return to its natural alignment. The cushioned straps of this back brace pull up your shoulders for an upright stance, and its wrist strap has your lumbar area covered, too.

#13 King Of Kings Lower Back Pain Relief

The right back brace can remove the pressure that comes with the pinching of your sciatic nerve, and King of Kings Lower Back pain brace deploys a unique pulley system to help you regain the perfect level of support. It supports your lower back by limiting waist movement, which may help alleviate pain and numbness around the muscles.

#14 CopperFit Lower Back Support

This product is made of spandex and polyester, and is also infused with copper ions to provide targeted pain relief and odor-wicking. The internal beaded gel pack can be put in the freezer or heated in the microwave to provide temperature therapy for sore muscles. The product is lightweight enough to fit under clothes for all day wear.

#15 Neo G Dorsolumbar Support Brace

This brace was developed by orthopedists for flexible one-place stay to relieve scoliosis pain. It gently gives your spine proper alignment to relieve the pain in your discs and reduce muscle spasms and strains. The breathable design and wide array of sizes make it perfect for both children and adults.

#16 Airlift Lumbar Brace For Men And Women

This brace comes in three variants, with their centers of concentration being different. The premium designation is the comfiest and provides additional compression and support with the addition of east grip handles. The mesh provides exceptional breathability and is one of the lightest. It is one of the best medical devices for the treatment of back pain.

Check out these other back braces for women.

If you enjoyed this list, you may also like to read our write ups on best knee braces for stability, or best knee braces for footballbest knee braces for skiing and best knee braces for hiking.

What to look out for when buying a back brace

Material

Most back braces are made with some combination of nylon, spandex, neoprene, and Velcro. Some also feature hard-plastic stays for improved rigidity. Some of them are breathable, while others purposely retain heat to aid in keeping the muscles loose.[1]

Either way, choose a brace that is machine washable as you are guaranteed to sweat in it. Typically, you would want to choose a brace that is lightweight and allows for full-range motion, while providing plenty of support.

Sizing

Some back brace manufacturers make room for very small and large body sizes but others don’t. Measure yourself if you can to find out if the size you need is available before staking your money.

The best lumbar support braces provide amazing support without restricting your range of motion. Ideally, you should measure the circumference of your abdomen around your belly button. If your measurement falls between sizes, you’ll likely want to opt for the larger size because most back braces allow for great adjustability.

Strap type

Buckle style belts are generally sturdier and long-lasting compared to Velcro straps. However, there are some exceptions. Medical-grade Velcro is very tough and lasts for a very long time. Furthermore, Velcro-style braces tend to stay in place better.

Compression and support

Whether you’re nursing an injury or suffering from a chronic back pain, a lower back brace can provide you with the much-desired compression and support needed to heal. Opt for moderate support if maintaining your range of motion is high on your priority agenda.

Application

Braces help when you’re suffering from bulging or herniated discs, sciatica, scoliosis, osteoporosis or when you need additional lumbar support for exercise or heavy lifting. You may need an improved blood flow or perhaps you just want to facilitate an overall well-being.

Some braces can help with multiple needs, while others are designed to help with a specific ailment. By and large, be sure to choose the best option for you.

How to properly wear a lower back brace

1. Stand in a neutral position

It is important to naturally assume a super-upright position and suck your stomach in while getting measured for your back brace. If you buy a smaller back brace than is needed, your healing process may be hampered.

Make sure that you’re standing in a neutral position where your stomach is comfortable, but not hanging unnecessarily over your belt.

2. The width of the belt should cover the lower back and tailbone

A good back brace for lower back pain should comfortably cover your lower back and tailbone. Use a brace with a split anterior panel to centrally align your back for correct support.

3. Properly position the top edge of your belt at or below the navel

It is crucial to keep in mind that the goal here is to wear your brace properly. If the brace is too snug or loose, it may not support your muscles and ligaments. This will interfere with the healing process, prolong it and exacerbate your pain.

4. You can use ice packs alongside your back brace

Physiotherapists and other medical professionals often recommend using ice packs with your brace in instances where you have inflammation. This inflammation may have occurred after you have suffered an injury and your body needs to heal at a certain section.

Place the icepack on your back, then place the brace on top of the ice pack to hold it firmly in place – the ice will numb the pain and decrease the inflammation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A back brace is a device that offers support to the bones and muscles in the lower back to minimize and eliminate pain. [2] As this key area of your body gets support from the back brace, enabling your body to relax and begin to heal from the stress or pain that caused the discomfort. Back braces also limit the movement of the spine, which further aids in minimizing pain and discomfort.

A back brace can help relieve the discomfort that comes with a number of conditions. Some of them are listed below.

  •   Sciatica
  •   Degenerative disk disease
  •   Muscular spasms
  •   Scoliosis
  •   Slipped or herniated disks
  •   Arthritic conditions
  •   Muscle weakness
  •   Lumbago
  •  Nerve injuries

Don’t wear a back brace if you’re only having an everyday normal muscle strain or back strain.[3] Wear lower back braces for conditions like scoliosis or postoperative surgery. Do not wear back braces preventively. Many brace manufacturing companies encourage people to buy back braces for strenuous work. This is wrong.

Generally, back braces are considered flexible, semi-rigid and rigid. Rigid braces can be used to treat conditions such as pain and instability as well as for the healing of spinal fractures or after a back surgery. Semi-rigid and flexible braces are used for mild or moderate pain.

Lower back braces are varied in composition in order to address an array of back pain conditions such as severe muscle strain to postoperative healing. Most braces tend to be made from similar materials but differ in their rigidity and postural control.

  •  Acute pain
  • Postoperative
  •  Facet syndrome chronic or traumatic disability herniated disc
  •  Postural back pain
  •  Fracture management
  •  Spinal stenosis
  •  Degenerative disk disease
  •  Sciatica
  • Scoliosis
  •  Athletes
  •  People with active job lifestyles
  •  People who need moderate support during the day
  •  Arthritis sufferers
  • Typists who sit on a chair all day long and require additional support

Braces ensure that you’re not overworking your muscles when you’re working hard, training or sitting.

Using back braces everyday may cause your supportive muscles to atrophy. [4] This happens when the supportive muscles are no longer in use and they begin to weaken. This may cause it to become heavily reliant on the back brace.

Secondly, your spine becomes vulnerable, and as the back and abdominal muscles continue to atrophy, the spine stands a greater risk of injury.

For adolescents with scoliosis, back braces are used to prevent spinal curvature. However, further studies are needed to verify this claim.

The general advice is that back braces should not be worn when sleeping. However, there are certain conditions such as scoliosis that can benefit from wearing a bed brace as you sleep. Some people find that sleeping in a brace relieves their back troubles. If you’re one of these people, be sure to wear your back brace over clothes in order not to irritate your skin.

Final Words: Weighing all the factors

Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace is the top pick for alleviating the symptoms of lower back pain. It is imbued with reliable supportive stays and lumbar pad. Also, all the other back braces examined are noninvasive methods of protecting your back and accelerating the healing process after a surgery or injury. Read through our guide for the best braces for men and regain control of your posture.

Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace

Our #1 Back Brace for Lower Back Pain

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