Back problems are a common cause of chronic pain, but they do not always respond to conventional treatment methods. Orthotic back braces may offer an effective solution for those who are looking for long-term support and pain relief.
Back pain affects roughly 27 million adults in the US, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. While mild occasional pain (especially in the lower back) is common, some people suffer from chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities. In some cases, pain medications, physical therapy, and other conventional treatment methods do not provide the right support or relief. Although spinal surgery is an option, these procedures are associated with serious risks, such as infection or nerve damage. Those who need safer and more effective pain relief might benefit from wearing an orthotic back brace for back pain.
Common Back Conditions
Chronic lower back pain is the most common type of pain that affects your back and spine. However, there are several other conditions that can cause back pain, such as the following, which can be treated with a back brace:
- Muscle Injuries – Muscle sprains, strains, and tears can occur at work, while exercising, or during sports activities. These injuries can happen any time your muscles are overworked or overstretched.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – This condition typically occurs during the aging process, which can cause your spinal discs to slowly deteriorate and cause you chronic back pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Scoliosis – This condition causes the spine to curve, which can potentially affect your ability to perform daily activities. If your spine curvature is not too severe, or if you have stopped growing, using an orthotic back brace is a highly recommended.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis – Spinal inflammation can cause spinal bones to slowly fuse, which can lead to deformities.
- Spinal Fractures – These fractures typically require a brace to keep your spine stable as it heals, which lowers your risk of complications or re-fracturing.
Benefits of Orthotic Back Braces
Orthotic back braces provide those who have back pain with a way to relieve soreness without the risks associated with surgery. If you need to prevent or correct a spinal deformity, bracing can offer three-point force systems that help straighten your spine, leading to reduced back pain.
For those experiencing chronic pain or healing from an injury, orthotic back braces can provide the stability you need to ease common pressures on your spine. Braces keep your spine held and supported in one position so it can recovery properly with less stress.
Types of Orthotic Back Braces
There are several orthotic back bracing options that could be the right for you, depending on your diagnosis. These braces can be made of flexible materials that promotes more movement or harder materials that are more rigid to hold the spine in place. Semi-rigid back braces are also available. Some common types of back braces include:
- Corset Braces – These flexible braces treat lower back pain, including pain caused by deformities, injuries, or degenerative disc disease by relieving pressure on your spine.
- Hyperextension Braces – These braces treat spinal compression fractures by preventing you from bending your spine or stretching your back muscles in ways that could affect the healing process.
- Rigid Braces – These durable braces treat lower back pain by keeping the spine stable. Different types of rigid braces include chair back braces, Williams braces, and Raney flexion jackets.
- Sacroiliac and Lumbosacral Belts – These braces help treat lower back pain by easing pressure on the affected area, which helps relieve potential pain points.
If you are struggling with persistent back pain, call Horton’s Orthotics and Prosthetics at 501-683-8889 for an appointment. Our team of experienced orthotists in Arkansas can help you find the right orthotic back brace for back pain.
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