Chronic back pain is commonplace in today’s society.
Between 60 and 80% of U.S. adults suffer from low back pain.
I am sure you would agree.
What causes back pain?
We have covered that subject in another blog post.
In a nutshell, most back pain is the result of our prolonged postures.
Medication, treatment, and exercise can definitely be lower back pain solutions.
However, there is another thing that can bring immediate relief in most cases.
Any guesses?
I am talking about the compression back brace.
A back brace can go by several names.
Compression back braces, back belts, lumbar support back braces, and so on.
The Benefits of Wearing a Compression Back Brace
Don’t you hate it when back pain stops you from enjoying life?
This is why low back pain braces are loved by millions of people around the world.
They help immobilize injured areas and assist in recovery.
If your job involves heavy lifting, you should embrace back braces as your best friend.
They lessen strain and pressure on the spine, thus allowing you to lift heavy.
Compression back belts also help improve posture and assist your natural core function in supporting the spine.
In my opinion, back braces allow us to be mobile and do stuff that we cannot because of annoying back pain.
Moreover, wearing a back brace can also help prevent future problems.
How to Choose a Compression Back Brace?
Shopping for a compression belt can be overwhelming.
Google it, and you will see hundreds of brands out there.
How to decide which is the right one for you?
Short answer- Choose the one that's easy to use, and that actually WORKS!
Easy to say, right?
Let’s get deep.
Stays in Place
We talked to hundreds of people suffering from back pain, who use back belts.
And their number one complaint was that the belt does NOT stay in place.
Choose a belt that does not shift when you walk, stretch, exercise, or do the heavy lifting.
Belts with silicone lining offer this advantage.
The idea is to provide maximum support to the spine.
If the belt moves, the core purpose is defeated.
Quality Material
You don’t want a compression belt made from cheap fabric.
Make sure the belt uses perforated neoprene.
This helps in comfort, insulation, and breathability.
Adjustable
No two bodies are the same shape or size.
Why should a belt be otherwise?
A good quality compression back brace should be adjustable so it can fit your body.
Go for back braces that have adjustable velcro straps, stretchable neoprene, and dual elastic bands.
Lightweight and Durable
Heavy compression belts might work great.
But they are not for people on the go.
You don’t want to look like a patient, do you?
If you lead an active lifestyle, you want a lightweight low back brace.
Wearing the belt day after day can also make it dirty- all that sweat, you know.
Ensure that your back brace is machine washable.
Convenience
A good compression brace need not make you look like a patient.
You should be able to wear the back belt at work as well.
Browse for braces that you can tuck under your clothes.
Low back pain comes unannounced, isn’t it?
Heat/Cold System
A research paper on low back pain suggests that the use of thermotherapy and cryotherapy (aka, heat and cold therapy) could relieve pain in patients with acute low back pain.
Why shouldn't your compression back belt use the same?
Shop for a back brace that has an internal pocket to hold hot cold gel packs.
In short, pain relief on the go.
Good Reviews
Check out the reviews before buying a back brace for lower back pain.
If hundreds of users are raving about a product, you can bet it’s a genuine one.
Read testimonials of the product.
A good brand would even allow you to check our video testimonials of users who have suffered from back pain.
I hope these tips will help you find the right lower back pain solution for you.
Back braces need not be boring.
And you should be able to wear the compression back brace anytime, anywhere.
What’s your experience with compression belts?
What do you like/dislike?
Leave your comments below.