Waist & Back Braces
According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly 80 percent of adults will develop lower back pain at some point during their lives. If back pain is making it difficult for you to complete your daily activities, waist belts and back braces may help you get relief. CVS offers a diverse assortment of waist and back braces, giving you the ability to buy online and have your new brace shipped to your home.
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain can have a number of causes. Poor posture that puts extra pressure on the lower back can be responsible for discomfort. In addition, back pain may be caused by sprains, strains, problems with spinal discs, sciatica, injuries and irregularities of the spine. If you're experiencing back pain for the first time, see your health care provider for a diagnosis. He or she can determine the cause of your back pain and recommend the best treatment options for your needs. Should your medical provider recommend a waist or back brace, he or she can give you tips regarding what type is right for you.
Protecting Your Back From Strain
Lifting heavy objects may pose a risk for back injuries and for abdominal hernias, a medical condition in which the organs or fatty tissue stick out through the muscles of the abdomen. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk of injury by wearing a work back support brace. These braces resemble belts and often have suspenders that fit over the shoulders. Once they are in place, the braces help you maintain proper posture while bending and lifting.
Supporting Your Lower Back With Back Support Belts
Belt-style waist and back braces may also be recommended for individuals experiencing low back pain. By lifting the abdomen and promoting proper posture, belt braces ease pressure on the lower back. This in turn can reduce inflammation and discomfort. Typically, belt-style braces are adjustable; however, it is important to check the sizing information to ensure that you select a brace that will fit your body.
Easing Back Discomfort Before and After Pregnancy
Back pain can be common during pregnancy, as a growing baby bump can put extra pressure on the spine. Maternity belt braces can address this problem. The braces fit under the belly and help to lift and carry the load to ease strain on the back. After pregnancy, some women are told to wear abdominal binders to assist with the recovery process.
Does a Back Brace Help a Herniated Disc?
A back brace can help if you're dealing with a herniated disc because it works to help support and stabilize the spine. While a back brace isn't the only treatment for a herniated disc, it might help to support the healing process. Some doctors will prescribe a back brace after surgery for a herniated disc or other issues such as acute sprains and injuries. If you have a herniated disc, be sure to talk to your doctor to find out whether or not a back brace is recommended, and which one is right for your unique needs.
How to Wear a Back Brace
There are several types of back braces available at CVS, including waist belts, posture correctors, and back stabilizers to help provide lumbar support. You should determine which type is best for your specific back pain by asking your doctor. A posture corrector can be worn daily to help you sit or stand up straight, while a medical back brace is designed to assist with healing after surgery or while dealing with back pain and minor injuries. To wear a back brace, position it over a tight-fitting shirt made of cotton. You can add another shirt over the brace if you want to conceal it. Adjust the back brace until it's tight enough to provide ample support, but not so tight that it feels restricting or uncomfortable.