Lower Back Support for Lumbar Pain
Considering the millions of people who suffer from back pain each year, with much of this pain centering in the lower back, it is not surprising that lower back pain brace items are an in-demand item in the world of orthotics. Indeed, an estimated 80% of Americans will experience low-back injury or pain at some point in their lives, according to a WebMD article that cites Ronald J. Sisneski, MD.
Low back pain is not a condition, but rather a symptom, that, in most cases, can be eliminated or at least managed, often with the help of a lumbar support brace. BraceAbility offers a wide array of lumbar braces for the wide variety of conditions and injuries that can cause low-back pain.
Lumbar Brace for Degenerative and Herniated Discs
The low-back area of the body and the spine supports the weight of the entire upper body and is subject to a substantial amount of stress. Over time, this can cause the protective cushioning discs of the spine to wear down, as is the case for arthritis, or they can be injured, ruptured or bulged.
Herniated or degenerated disc treatment involves taking anti-inflammatory medications, applying ice and heat to the low-back, massaging the area, engaging in physical therapy and using lower back support belts like our lumbar back brace for chronic pain or spinal stenosis back brace.
These low-back braces support and stabilize the back to reduce pressure on the spine. Both of these lumbar back supports feature lightweight, breathable material, and a low-profile design so they can easily be worn under clothes.
The spinal stenosis back brace comes with a gel pack for heat or ice therapy. It features rigid inserts so that one receives ultimate support with this adjustable back support.
The lumbar back support belt features moisture wicking and it odor absorbing fabric, making it a good choice for an active individual.
Unfortunately, conservative treatment methods are not always effective, so surgery may be needed to alleviate low-back pain from the problematic discs. In such cases, a post-operative back brace like this comprehensive lumbar sacral orthosis might be needed. This brace features a unique pulley system that makes it easy to put on and adjust as needed.
Lumbar Back Support for Sciatica
A degenerated or herniated disc can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve of the spine, which can cause severe pain that can radiate across the buttocks and down the leg. This condition is known as sciatica.
There are a number of back braces for lower back pain stemming from the sciatic nerve. An anatomically contoured adjustable back brace supports the back without restricting one’s mobility, and elastic back braces can be easily worn beneath clothing thanks to their low-profile design, as well as the lightweight, breathable material. Low back braces are quite versatile and can be used in a number of other conditions or situations, ranging from back strain to degenerative joint diseases to poor posture to post-surgery rehabilitation.
Lower Back Brace for Spondylolisthesis
Another condition that can cause sciatica and be a problem in and of itself is spondylolisthesis. This refers to a condition where one of the bones of the spine slides out of position and onto the bone below it.
Spondylolisthesis might be present from birth or it can occur over time from aging as the cushions between the vertebrae degenerate and lose water, making them less able to withstand the pressure of the bones of the spine. Spondylolisthesis can also occur if numerous stress fractures to a bone of the spine weaken it so much that the vertebra slips out of alignment.
Treatment for spondylolisthesis depends upon the age and health of the individual as well as the amount of slippage. Most instances can be treated conservatively by taking a break from activities that pressure the spine and, in some instances, supporting the lower back with a lumbar brace support.
This comprehensive LSO – lumbar sacral orthosis features a panel-back chair design that improves posture and supports the spine. This lower back chair support has removable padding so that an individual can adjust it to fit her or his needs. And as with most Cybertech products, this back brace for lower back pain can be tightened and secured with a simple pulley system for customized compression and ease of use.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also help bring down any associated inflammation or pain in the spine. Physical therapy centering on stabilization exercises can improve the strength and flexibility of the back and core muscles so that they can help ease the amount of pressure on the spine.
In some instances, stronger medications or steroid injections may be needed. And if these fail or the condition worsens over time, surgery may be considered.
Lumbar Back Brace for SI Joint Pain
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is another condition that can develop due to cartilage erosion over time, an unusual gait, inflammatory conditions or hormone changes and weight gain during pregnancy. Generally speaking, this type of pain, which centers in the low-back but can radiate through the hips, groin, thigh or pelvis, stems from a sacroiliac joint that is either too mobile or not mobile enough due to the aforementioned conditions. (See SI Joint Pain Symptoms and Causes for more.)
This discomfort can usually be eliminated by wearing a low-back support to stabilize and this part of the spine. Sacroiliac joint braces are specifically designed with SI joint dysfunction in mind. They are lightweight, breathable and easy to adjust in terms of compression thanks to the pulley system.
Other ways of treating SI joint pain include engaging in exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back are able to stabilize the SI joint on their own. In some cases, an injection may be needed to ease SI joint pain. And, of course, when SI joint pain is a symptom of some treatable underlying condition, SI joint pain treatment will involve addressing whatever is causing this discomfort.
Lumbar Brace for Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis refers to an unusual narrowing of the canal through which the spine passes, with the result being compression of the spine. This can occur anywhere on the spine, but lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) of the low-back is one of the more common. This narrowing of the canal might occur due to aging, a herniated disc or a tumor. In rare cases, it is congenital.
The pressure on the spine can cause low-back pain and a strange feeling in the thighs, feet or butt. It can also cause one to lose control of the bladder or bowels.
There are medications and injections for treating this condition. Physical therapy to improve the strength of one’s core can also be helpful for reducing spinal stenosis pain, along with the use of a lumbar spine support.
The Corflex Disc Unloader LSO relieves low-back pain by shifting the pressure on the lumbar disc to the abdominal part of the body. This lightweight, breathable lower back pain brace features anatomically contoured inserts as well as a gel pack for applying heat or cold treatment to the low-back.
If conservative modes of treatment are unsuccessful, surgery may be pursued.
Lumbar Spine Brace Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that where a person’s spine is curved to the side so that an x-ray shows the spine taking the shape of an “S” or “C.” While scoliosis can be a secondary symptom of some other condition (often of the neuromuscular variety), such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy or an injury to the spine, in most instances, the cause is unknown. It most often occurs during a child’s growth spurt just preceding puberty.
Treatment for this condition depends upon the maturity of the skeleton as well as the degree of spine curve. Bracing the spine throughout the day and night can help prevent scoliosis of the spine from worsening or in severe cases it can help straighten the spine. Physical and occupational therapy can be helpful for scoliosis treatment.
This pediatric posture brace is a brace that can support the child’s spine to prevent the curve in it from worsening, and its underarm, low-profile design means it will not interfere with a child’s active lifestyle.
This scoliosis back brace supports both your upper and lower back. Its design allows for air circulation, and it is composed of a lightweight, plush liner. This spine support brace has not one, but two pulley systems for easy adjustment to both the upper and lower part of the brace.
Surgery is typically considered if the curve is greater than 45 to 50 degrees, as this signals a higher chance the curvature will progress. Surgical procedures may also be considered if the curve interferes with sitting or care, would be cosmetically unacceptable as an adult or if it interferes with bodily functions like breathing.
Sprains and Strains and Lumbar Supports
As mentioned earlier, the back is subject to a lot of pressure simply in that it supports the upper body. Compounding the amount of stress it endures, we also rely on it for such activities as lifting heavy objects. Not surprisingly, this is sometimes too much for the ligaments and muscles of the back to endure and a strain or sprain can occur.
Rest in moderate doses is typically the best mode of treatment for a sprain or strain. Ice or heat treatment, massage, and stretches can also help ease low-back pain stemming from the soft tissue sprains and strains. Muscle relaxants and pain medications can also help. And a low-back brace can ease some of the strain on the back, allowing the injured tissue to heal.
The Low Profile Corset Back Brace is one of the best back braces for lower back pain with a very affordable price tag. This lumbar corset brace scores high for its sleek design, the patented Cybertech pulley system for easily adjustable compression and its removable posterior panels for the option of additional support.
Low Back Support for Spinal Fractures
Major force is typically required to fracture the spine. Thus, this injury is sometimes seen in instances of a car crash or after one has fallen hard onto the butt or head. In some instances, underlying conditions that compromise the strength of the vertebra can ultimately result in a lumbar fracture of the spine. The severity of this injury and its symptoms are dependent upon the type and location of the damage.
In some instances, a fracture of the spine can be repaired by wearing a lumbar support back brace or cast and gradually increasing motion over the course of several weeks to months. In other cases, surgery is necessary, followed by a rehabilitation period that will likely include time wearing a brace.
BraceAbility offers a number of mobility-limiting and post-operative lumbar back support products that can help one heal from a low-back fracture. This athletic back brace is a good choice for an athlete slowly working his or her way back into the game following injury without sacrificing everyday mobility.