There are a wide variety of back braces available in the market, and each with its own set of features and benefits. Every back brace is different in terms of component materials, which entails unique benefits in each of them.
Various issues such as muscle injuries and or surgical pains can be relieved by using these particular types of back braces.
The basic principle is quite similar. However, they might differ in supporting attributes and maintaining a specific posture. They are also applied in patients who have suffered mild or severe fractures.
1. Flexibility-oriented Back Braces
Back Braces whose primary purpose is to aid in Flexibility are usually manufactured from delicate material, such as cotton or a particular type of plastic or some elastics alloys.
Flexible braces, which are used for lower back pain, are available in a variety of sizes, each having its own benefits. For instance, the function of corsets is to aid in bending forward and are used for patients who have terrible cases of back pain.
They are equipped with some soft materials or plastic alternatives, providing some support to the back.
Features
- A typical back brace will tend to apply a subtle pressure over your belly region, which will aid in keeping your spine upright.
- It will help in the optimal distribution of the pressure, avoiding putting all the pressure in a specific muscle region.
- For those having fractured body parts, it can considerably limit their movement options. Depending on the type of back braces, the movement could either be only back and forwards or only sideways.
- It can also be an effective aid in relieving muscle tension.
2. Rigid or Semi-Rigid Back Braces
The primary motive of rigid braces is to provide optimal support to the affected part of the body. Patients who have been unable to move even an inch are prescribed to use these supportive back braces.
A typical back brace usually consists of a rigid panel made from multiple layers of cotton or some hard plastic alloys. Most of them are utilized to reduce the range of movements in a specific direction.
On the other hand, back braces which are semi-rigid, also possess a flexible component that partially reduces the range of movements. Movements such as back and front or sideways are somewhat limited, which means they can be gradually moved if the patient tries. Else it tends to stay in a stationary position.
Moreover, semi-rigid back braces are equipped with various plastic supports, which are generally absent in rigid ones.
Features
- These types of back braces are pretty efficient in providing a subtle pressure over the T-region of a patient's body.
- It helps in optimal positioning of the spine and helps in equally spreading the weight all over the body.
- It is especially beneficial for those who are suffering from severe cases of back pain or fracture injuries.
- Injuries such as spinal fractures or dislocated joints, or even dysfunctional nerve roots can all be relieved using this type of back brace. Various medical institutes also use them as post-surgery supporting units.
A case study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of the back braces. It is found that using these back braces can remarkably reduce the pressure and tension index of the muscle area, providing optimal support and weight distribution.
As a result, these back braces are recommended by various doctors or orthopedists to monitor the recovery progress of multiple fractures or severe injuries.
Components Used in Back Braces
Braces, whether they are rigid or flexible, always consist of a given set of equipment:
- Every back brace will have a wing-like structure that is generally made of flexible materials. They are made so that they can cover the whole region of your belly and provide flexibility and support to the torso region. However, for rigid braces, these flaps are generally made from sturdier materials.
- In the case of rigid and semi-rigid back braces, it is equipped with some intricate panelling situated at the back region of the braces. They aid in providing optimal support to the lumbar region and also help in keeping the spinal area in a correct posture.
- Some rigid back braces even have a set of abdominal panelling, which puts some pressure on the whole T Region of the body. It substantially limits the forward and backward movement of the patients.
Final Thoughts
We all know that cases of back pain and or knee pain are a pretty standard site among elders. However, recently many of the working population are also prone to these problems. Most of it is due to unhygienic or unhealthy daily routines such as prolonged sitting in front of computers, irregular eating routines and consuming junk foods.
Whatever may cause pain, these braces can be of great help to those suffering from any pain. Make sure to consult a doctor before buying one, as it will give you a better understanding of which brace will be best suited for your condition.