What Is a Lumbar Support Brace and When Is It Used?
If you've ever experienced significant low back pain, you may have wondered whether a back brace could help. A lumbar support brace can provide additional support and stability to the lower back while your body recovers from an injury or painful flare-up.
At our office, we use the Horizon™ 631 LSO by Aspen Medical Products for certain patients who may benefit from additional lumbar support.
What Is a Lumbar Support Brace?
A lumbar support brace, also called a lumbar spinal orthosis (LSO), is designed to provide support and compression around the lower back and abdomen.
The Horizon 631 LSO uses adjustable compression and supportive panels to help stabilize the trunk and support fatigued muscles. Its low-profile design allows it to be worn underneath clothing.
Why Might Someone Need a Lumbar Support Brace?
A lumbar brace may be recommended when additional support is appropriate during recovery from certain injuries or episodes of low back pain.
Depending on the individual patient and their condition, a brace may help:
Provide additional support to the lower back
Reduce strain on fatigued muscles
Provide compression and stability
Support the lower back during recovery
Help patients remain more comfortable while performing everyday activities
A brace isn't appropriate for every type of back pain, which is why your chiropractor should determine whether one is appropriate for you.
When Might a Lumbar Brace Be Recommended?
The Horizon 631 LSO is designed for patients recovering from injury or surgery and for situations involving acute or chronic low back pain.
Your chiropractor may consider a lumbar support when additional stability or support would be beneficial as part of your overall care plan.
The goal isn't simply to put a brace on your back and hope the pain goes away. Instead, a brace may be used as one part of a larger treatment plan.
Does Wearing a Back Brace Make Your Back Weaker?
This is a common concern.
A lumbar brace is not intended to replace the muscles of your back or to be worn indefinitely without a reason. Depending on your condition, your chiropractor may recommend using a brace for specific activities or during a particular stage of recovery.
As your symptoms improve and your body becomes more capable of handling normal activity, your need for additional support may change.
How Should a Lumbar Support Brace Fit?
Proper fit is important. A lumbar brace that is too loose may not provide the intended support, while one that is too tight may be uncomfortable.
The Horizon 631 LSO has an adjustable design and is intended to fit a range of waist sizes. Aspen recommends having the brace properly sized and adjusted for the individual patient.
If you're prescribed a brace, our office will show you how to put it on and adjust it properly.
Is a Lumbar Brace a Replacement for Chiropractic Care?
No. A lumbar support brace is a tool—not a replacement for an individualized evaluation and treatment plan.
Depending on your condition, your care may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques such as Active Release Technique (ART), exercises, stretches, ergonomic recommendations, or other treatments.
A brace can provide additional support while you work toward improving movement and function.
The Bigger Picture
Low back pain can make everyday activities difficult, especially when your back needs additional support while recovering from an injury or flare-up.
For some patients, a lumbar support brace can be a useful addition to their care plan. At our office, we evaluate each patient individually to determine whether additional lumbar support is appropriate and, if so, how it should be used.
If you're experiencing low back pain and wondering whether a lumbar support brace could help, talk with your chiropractor. We can help determine whether additional support is appropriate for your particular situation.
