We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Lumbar Brace?

Deanna Baranyi
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,883
Share

A lumbar brace is used to support the lumbar portion of the spine. The spine is comprised of 24 vertebrae, with lumbar region being the lowest portion of the spine. It is usually an area that is afflicted with back pain because it carries the largest amount of weight from the body. The lumbar area is also subject to significant spinal stresses and forces.

Back pain is typically the result of strain or injury from strenuous overuse. For example, lifting heavy objects or twisting the back excessively may cause lumbar back pain. If the nerve roots of the spine are subject to undue pressure, pain may also be experienced. This is most common with herniated or slipped discs, osteoarthritis, compression fractures, or other medical ailments or injuries.

Every lumbar brace has the ability to fit the wearer snugly. Some have two bands that adjoin with Velcro® while others have several additional bands that also cross the wearer to provide maximum compression. Depending on the brand of lumbar brace, it can also have several adjustments -– perfect for providing the tightest fit and the most compression for the back.

It is also important that the lumbar brace provide plenty of support and stabilization. Tired back muscles, strains, and other injuries can only rejuvenate themselves if they are provided adequate support. Many lumbar braces have firm foam pads that can be inserted into pockets to provide additional stabilization as well.

There are a few options for those who need a lumbar brace. For example, some have warming pads. In some cases, the temperature of the warming pads can be regulated by an outer controller. Another option is a massage pad. It typically massages pressure points in the lower back to stimulate and relax the lower back muscles. Bone stays, gel pads, shoulder straps, and steel springs are additional features that can be found in some models.

The proper fit is essential when purchasing a lumbar support. They typically come in generalized sizes, such as extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large. However, it is important to look at the sizing guides to make sure that it will fit around the waist, yet still compress and support the muscles of the back. For example, a small may fit a 24 to 30 inch (61 – 75 cm) waist.

Some braces are worn underneath clothes and others are worn on top of clothes. If it is something that will be worn for an extended period of time each day, it may be best to purchase a brace that is worn inconspicuously under clothes. In the alternative, if is going to be worn briefly when certain projects are underway, such as moving a heavy item, it may be better to have an outer lumbar brace that can be quickly taken off when the project is completed.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Deanna Baranyi
By Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her work. With degrees in relevant fields and a keen ability to understand and connect with target audiences, she crafts compelling copy, articles, and content that inform and engage readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By julies — On Jun 23, 2011

Wearing a lumbar brace is certainly not very comfortable, but it is much better than the alternative. I have a lumbar support brace that I wear under my clothes because of back pain from compression fractures.

Once you get used to the brace, you don't think about it as much and because it is worn under my clothes, people don't even realize I have it on. The times I try to go without it for awhile, I can tell, so have got in the habit of wearing it as much as possible.

It is better to deal with a little bit of discomfort from the brace than the pain I have if I don't wear it on a regular basis.

By Mykol — On Jun 21, 2011

My mother has osteoporosis and has used a lumbar brace for many years. This back brace helps stabilize her back so it is easier for her to do what she enjoys doing.

When she first started wearing it, she wore it most of the time, but now only wears it when she feels that she has overdone it. Wearing a brace does make you more conscious about what you are doing when you do any lifting or twisting.

Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-lumbar-brace.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.