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A lower back brace provides additional support for the spine and muscles. It helps reduce pressure on the spinal nerves, joints and muscles to reduce pain by keeping your body in the correct posture. Wearing a lower back brace will also see you through your day-to-day activities without causing further injuries and straining the back.
Back braces usually help alleviate pain associated with sciatica. There are many different types of sciatica. That’s why its important to understand the type of sciatica you’re dealing with to help you choose the right lower back brace for your condition since its usually caused by a range of underlying issues.
Thankfully, there are several lower back braces for sciatica available on the market that can help you treat your condition. For starters, sciatica is a radiating pain that presents in one or more spots around the lower part of the back and at the back of the leg resulting from different underlying causes. However, you need to remember that sciatica is only but a symptom and not the diagnosis.
For the most part, sciatica always occurs due to pressure at the root of the nerve extending from your spinal cord around the spinal column. It’s always advisable to get a diagnosis of the underlying cause that contributes to the pain in that particular area from an expert. In this article, we’ll not only explore the best lower back braces for sciatica but also two different types of sciatica.
The first type of sciatica results from compression of the nerve root and usually involves the spinal column. It’s also referred to as true sciatica. The second type of sciatica is as a result of other different conditions beyond the spinal column. Some of these conditions include trauma, piriformis syndrome and sacroiliac joint dysfunction among others.
Sometimes pregnancy also causes sciatica symptoms.
Best Lower Back Braces for Sciatica
There are two most popular lower back braces for sciatica including sacroiliac belts otherwise known as SI belts and decompression braces. These back braces are quite handy and equally effective especially for those leading an active lifestyle. Those who sit for an extended period also find braces helpful.
Decompression Back Braces
These types of back braces are best suited for true sciatica. Decompression back braces usually feature a combination of a decompression belt along with a traditional firm support for the lower back area. They have a rigid structure that provides support in all the right places while the decompression element helps expand the low back (lumbar) belt. Consequently, it reduces pressure on the spinal column as it expands the intervertebral disc space which in turn alleviates pain.
Sacroiliac/SI Belts
Sacroiliac belts help stabilize sacroiliac joints through direct compression. These types of back braces are best suited for those dealing with sciatica pain resulting from outside the spinal column like for instance, sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
These belts help limit sacroiliac joint movement that tends to irritate the sciatic nerve. In this case, the sciatic nerve is unlikely to cause radiating pain at the back of the leg going all the way down to the toes owing to reduced irritation. Sacroiliac belts are minimalist and equally lightweight which makes them relatively easy to wear. Plus, they are comfortable for all day wear.
Importance of Lower Back Braces for Sciatica
Here’s a roundup of the importance of wearing a lower back brace for sciatica:
- They are easy to wear and take off
- They provide ultimate support along with the right amount of compression to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with sciatica
- They help limit movement to help speed up the healing process
- Lower back braces promote a healthy posture
- They are easy to use and are readily available on the market
- They are relatively affordable
Best Lower Back Braces for Sciatica
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Back Support Brace by Sparthos is hands down the best lower back braces for sciatica. It’s a semi-rigid type of brace that offers ultimate vertical support, partial coverage and helping stabilize the spine. If you are looking for a lower back brace that provides instant and lasting pain relief then Sparthos is your best bet.
You can wear this back brace when stretching, walking and bending as it allows for a range of movement. The best thing about Sparthos back brace is that it comes with a removable lumbar pad for added comfort and support along with compression to help alleviate pain. It’s equally adjustable to provide a more secure fit for all day comfortable wear.
As earlier mentioned, this lower back brace doesn’t limit movement without compromising on its functionality and quality. What’s more, it securely stays in place without rolling to provide ultimate support and much need stabilization along with helping align the spine. It’s made with premium quality breathable fabric to help wick sweat away from the body to prevent you from feeling too constricted or heavily wrapped.
This lower back brace is as comfortable as it is supportive. Plus, its lightweight and you can easily wear it and take it off. Sparthos also remains virtually invisible underneath clothing. It’s the best medical lower back support brace that helps reduce any pain and discomfort resulting from sciatica and other chronic conditions.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Kings of Kings Lower Back Brace is a semi-rigid type of brace that offers vertical support and partial coverage. It’s extremely comfortable and offers the right amount of support and compression in all the right places to help alleviate pain and discomfort. It has a pulley system closure for ease of wearing and taking it off. Plus, it offers a more customized fit which makes it ideal for all day wear.
What’s more, it’s made with high-quality and durable materials and that makes it one of the most dependable lower back braces for sciatica. Besides, it falls on the lower side of the pricing spectrum meaning its relatively affordable than its counterparts. Kings of Kings Lower Back Brace is an excellent choice for those looking for the best lower back brace available on the market without having to dig deeper into their pockets.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Just as the name suggests, MODVEL Back Support Brace helps support the lower part of the back. It’s not only strong but also specially designed to provide instant and lasting pain relief for sciatica and other chronic conditions. It’s equally lightweight and extremely comfortable without compromising on quality and functionality.
This lower back brace is quite effective when it comes to alleviating pain and discomfort in the lower back area. What’s more, you can also use it to help improve posture that’s why its one of the best lower back braces for sciatica. It additionally features an orthopedic design that is uniquely engineered to target the lower back.
This lower back brace offers ultimate support along with helping keep the spine correctly aligned as you go about your daily activities. It features a Velcro design that offers a more secure fit and also makes it an easy on and off back brace. Ultimate support is very essential when dealing with sciatica that’s why you need to ensure you are well braced when walking, standing and even sitting and this is where MODVEL back brace support comes into play.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Back Brace by BraceUp offers different compression levels to provide instant and lasting relief for sciatica and other chronic conditions. It comes with two adjustable straps to provide ultimate support and help keep the brace securely in place without rolling. The eight rigid support stays, on the other hand, provide firm support that helps limit movement to prevent further injuries.
In addition, the support stays have a snug fit around the back and tummy without adding unnecessary compression and resistance. This lower back brace is versatile owing to its multi-purpose use which makes it ideal for everyday wear. It offers full support and allows you to enjoy freedom of movement without making you feel constricted or heavily wrapped.
This lower back brace is made with premium quality, lightweight and low maintenance materials. It’s extremely comfortable, supportive and durable. It has a mesh panel to help wick sweat away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day. What’s more, cleaning it up is equally easy. It features a low profile anatomical design which makes it easy to wear underneath different types of clothing.
The inner lining is feels soft and smooth against the skin for comfortable all day wear. This Back Brace by BraceUp additionally features four anti-slip silicone straps that securely stay in place to prevent it from rolling as you go about your business. The best thing about this brace is that the brand offers a money back guarantee without asking any questions.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
This brand has been around for the longest time and is known to make high-quality back braces for pain relief and Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace isn’t an exception. This back brace offers instant and lasting pain relief for sciatica, lower back pains and other chronic arthritic conditions. It’s tailored to provide ultimate support and compression to help alleviate sore and aching backs.
Mueller Support Back Brace additionally features an adjustable and removable lumbar pad for added comfort and support along with compression on the lower back. If you need less support, you can remove the pad. The double layer design, on the other hand, provides a flexible fit for comfortable all-day wear. Plus, it’s lightweight, extremely comfortable and supportive.
This back brace has four different steel springs for stability and rigid lower back support. What’s more, the steel springs conform to the lower back to provide the right amount of support and also help align the spine. It’s made with breathable materials to help wick sweat away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day without making you feel heavily wrapped or constricted. It also helps limit movement to prevent further injuries as you go about your duties.
Other Options That Can Help Manage Sciatica
You can try supplementing the use of lower back braces with physical therapy and exercise. Different exercises for managing sciatica as a result of nerve root compression should aim at helping reduce radiating pain, improving mobility and taking pressure off the affected area.
Radiating pain is also known as centralizing pain. Always consult with your healthcare provider or physician to help you choose the right lower back brace for your condition. The doctor should also be able to give you a healthy exercise plan to help manage your sciatica. Remember, sciatica pain is usually an on and off thing so it would help to be prepared with proper gear in case it returns.
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