Will a back brace help alleviate my lower back pain?

Back braces are commonly used for back pain.  They provide support for the back and may relieve pain.  They are best used to help brace the back to prevent injury (such as a work belt) rather to treat pain.  They may be useful during flareups, but wearing a back brace all the time can lead to weakening of the back muscles and increased ironically more back pain.

A properly fitted back brace will limits spinal movement. It may affect participation in sports, especially if a lot of back movements are involved.

Back braces are commonly used after spinal surgery, especially fusion surgery.  They limit movement, support and most importantly remind patients to not over do it.

Back surgery today is not like 10 or even 5 years ago.  Most back surgeries can be done using a small spinal endoscope through an incision the size of your fingernail (index.php).  Since the surgery is minimally invasive their is less tissue damage and as a result pain.  Patients may forget they just had surgery and over do it.  Heavy lifting, strenuous activity or running may re-injure their back.  Wearing  back brace may remind the patient to take it easy.

About US:  Dr. Spivak is president of Executive Spine Surgery.  He specializes in extremely minimally invasive spine surgery utilizing new endoscopic technology recently introduced from Germany. Dr. Spivak has offices in Manhattan, NY, West Orange, NJ and Hackettstown, NJ.  Please call 908-452-5623 or click on schedule-an-appointment.