Ever wonder how to use a back brace safely or how long to wear it for?
Being a Chiropractor in Livermore, I get asked this question frequently from people who are blue collared and are complaining of back aches. It is a valid question as wearing a back brace incorrectly or at the wrong times can actually cause more harm to your back than good.
The main points to understand are the following:
Always get the right type of brace for your back. There are several kinds based on the area of pain, how much stress you will be putting on your back and your size. A brace should fit very snug around the weakened area of the spine making it feel stable.
- Know when to wear a brace. If you have been wearing a brace for years, more than likely your back condition needs some attention. A person who wears a brace regularly usually has weakened their muscles and have caused their backs to become more fragile and injury prone. The best time to wear a back brace is when your doctor has recommended you one for your size and injury and when it is an acute injury.
- Wearing a brace for several hours on a regular basis is also risky for weakening the joints and causing further damage.
For more information on how to use a back brace, email me at drhaque [at] haquechiropractic [dot] com
