How to Use and Wear a Lower Back Brace

QI Spine Clinic, 3 years ago

You might have seen people with lower back pain wearing a back brace or belt, these belts come in various shapes, sizes and based on the condition they are suffering from. A medically prescribed lumbar support has the potential to ease pain, provide support, correct posture temporarily, and prevent injuries.

Most of the frequently asked questions about lower back brace are following: –

When should I wear a lower back brace?

People who suffer from lower back problems are temporarily prescribed a lumbar belt which is also called a corset. Lumbar belt uses are many and can vary from condition to condition. Your orthopaedic, spine specialist or physiotherapist might recommend you the belt in the following conditions: –

• Moderate to severe pain lower back
• Post-surgical state
• Traumatic instability of the spine
• Compression fracture of vertebra
• Postural pain
• Poor posture
• Degenerative scoliosis

How many hours a day should I wear a lumbar back brace?

The answer to this question is very subjective to the condition you are suffering. If pain is your primary concern, then wearing it most of the day, especially when travelling, is recommended.

Belts are used for postural correction, for instance in the case of scoliosis, the corset needs to be worn for more than 20 hours a day until your doctor determines that you have achieved skeletal maturity. At that point, you might switch to put on the belt only while sleeping. You are expected to slowly wean off the brace completely or wear it only when needed.

Like those prescribed after fracture, some lumbar belts might need to be worn all day and night to enhance healing in good alignment. Having said that, you can take it off for clearing and bathing. This belt off time is also significant to allow the skin to breathe.

However, if you have undergone surgery, it is advisable to ask your surgeon about the duration.  People with a metal implant or other major surgery are usually asked to wear it the whole day for the next one to two months. Although minor surgeries do not require support from the belt for this long duration.

Can I sleep with a Lumbar belt?

It is critical to note that the lumbar support is not safe to be worn 24×7. Until you are advised by your doctor, it is not recommended to sleep with the lumbar support belt on as it may eventually lead to rashes on skin and muscle weakness.

Is it good to wear a belt for back pain? Are back belts effective?

The belt is a mode of transition between being unwell to being well. It is good to wear the belt after back surgery as prescribed by your spine surgeon. In postural pain and malalignment, a belt helps you to reinforce and maintain the posture that stresses your spine the least, it also protects your spinal discs, spinal nerves and spinal bones from injuries.

How to wear a lumbar brace?

To maximize the effectiveness of the brace, you must wear it properly.

Here are the steps to wear the brace:

• Read the instruction on the packet. Most of the brace comes with a manual indicating how to wear it explaining the brace position
• Feel free to ask for help, as some braces are difficult to wear. A caregiver can assist you.
• The size of the brace is essential; it must cover the area of concern and maintain stability while keeping the scope of some flexibility.
• Your clothes must be loose and free from poky buttons and zippers.
• Wear the belt above your shirt to prevent rashes on your skin.
• Always wear the belt as per the prescription
• In case of itching, discomfort or increase in pain, remove the brace and inform your healthcare provider.

How to care for or maintain a back brace?

If your brace is made up of washable fabric, it is needless to say that cleaning it with soap and water is safe.

Make sure not to use bleach, hard detergent. Handwash is always safer than machine wash. Do not use a hard washing brush as it may tear it off.

The fibre or plastic brace can be wiped with disinfectant or even hand sanitiser.

Dry it properly before wearing it again.

Side effects of medicated back belts?

There is a shortage of scientific proof that back belts are safe for the long term. It is recommended to wean off the belt as soon as your medical prescription indicates. The main reason is the muscle weakness it may cause.

Skin rashes and getting habitual to wear are also reported. It may induce false reliability and psychological support if you wear it more than is required.

Considering the above ill effects a belt may cause, it is advisable to seek a consultation from a spine specialist.

Reach out to QI Spine Clinic for consultation.