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Looking for the best back brace for compression fracture? Read our guide for the top 5 options that are comfortable and reduce pain.
A back compression fracture usually occurs when the vertebrae collapse resulting in poor posture and pain among other symptoms. However, you don’t need surgery if you have a spine compression fracture. Most specialists recommend custom-fit back braces and modified exercises to alleviate pain and help you remain active.
Most compression fractures heal within three months but that depends on the severity of the condition. You might need to wear aback brace too stabilize and support the spine while a compression fracture heals.
Symptoms of Back Compression Fracture
Compression fractures that result from back injuries are quite painful almost like being stabbed by a knife. Fractures that are caused by osteoporosis are more excruciating when you stand as opposed to sitting or lying down. The fractures can also make you develop a hump on the back, stoop over and lose some inches in height since the vertebrae tends to collapse.
These symptoms are not quite common but are usually caused by pressure on the spinal cord owing to poor posture. They include:
- Incontinence
- Difficulty moving around and walking
- Decreased flexibility or mobility
- Nerve damage and pinched nerves
- Tingling or numbness in different parts of the body especially the limbs
- Problems controlling your bowels or bladder – in case of severe and untreated fractures
Causes of Compression Fracture of the Back
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bone tissue to become thin and lose density. It mostly affects the elderly and is one of the most common causes of compression fracture.
Here are other potential causes of back compression fracture:
- Infection of the bones of your spine – Vertebrae
- Congenital disease like osteogenesis imperfecta
- Physical trauma on the back
- Tumor originating from the spine or spreads to the spinal area
Menopausal women are more likely to experience compression fracture of the back along with older men above the age of 60. Plus, those struggling with calcium deficiency.
Diagnosing Compression Fracture
Your physician will start by examining to see if you have a hump on your back or if you have a curved spine. The doctor will also check for osteoporosis using a bone density test, X-ray, MRI or CT scan. Save for the bone density check, all these tests help diagnose compression fracture, Tumors can also cause compression fractures and tends to show up in imaging tests and so do traumatic back injuries.
The doctor might recommend a back brace that offers ultimate back support and limits your range of motion. Bracing is one of the most common types of treatment for compression fractures as it occurs when the bones in the spine crumple or weaken.
Is a Compression Fracture Preventable?
You can prevent compression fractures although not as often as you’d like. Here are some of the things you need to do to reduce the risk of a compression fracture resulting from osteoporosis:
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol
- Avoid smoking and using any tobacco products since nicotine always weakens the bones and can cause cancer in severe cases
- Always eat a well-balanced diet that includes calcium and Vitamin D to strengthen your bones
- Follow your prescriptions to the latter and do routine checkups especially if you are more susceptible to osteoporosis
The Outlook for Those with Compression Fractures
Generally, the outlook tends to vary depending on the severity of the fracture, age, overall health and the type of fracture. Most compression fractures always heal within a few months of medications, limited movements and rest. Remember, your chances of suffering another compression fractures are much higher if you have osteoporosis.
Let’s now look at recommendations of the best back braces for compression fracture available on the market.
Best Back Braces for Compression Fracture
Here are some of our top picks of the best back braces for compression fractures:
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
JILIER Back Brace is available in five different sizes to accommodate all body types and sizes. It’s typically an upgraded lower back brace for back pain. Wearing this brace along with your treatment regimen will help alleviate pain and discomfort along with improving mobility. It comes with a bionic spine support and an extra large X-shaped plate for ultimate support.
It additionally features spring support fit waist curve for additional support and stability to help reduce pain and speed up the recovery process. It’s made with low-maintenance and lightweight materials for ease of clean up and moving around respectively. The fabric also has breathability capabilities with air mesh construction to prevent overheating and absorb sweat so that you can stay dry and comfortable throughout the day.
This back brace comes with removable lumbar pads for additional support and comfort. It’s specially designed with a perfect fit to fit under any type of clothing without making you feel heavily wrapped or constricted. Plus, it allows for a range of motion. That’s why its one of the best back braces for compression fracture.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Freetoo Back Brace comes with 4-memory aluminium stays that are extremely rigid and two steel springs along the waist area to offer maximum support for the lower back. It also helps keep the brace in place to prevent rolling of the muscles and reduce pressure on the discs. It’s made with a 4-way stretch fabric and 3D knitting technology with different compression levels for a more customized fit and added comfort.
This back brace has two elastic straps specially designed to provide extra compression on the affected area to alleviate pain and prevent further injuries. It allows you to go about your duties with ease especially if it involves weight lifting, standing and sitting for an extended period. The two anti-skid silicone bands on the waist helps prevent the brace from rolling up when you’re doing other activities.
The elastic straps also provide stronger adhesion without scratching your skin or causing irritation. This back brace additionally features double seams on the waist for durability and quality control. The best thing about Freetoo Back Brace is that it provides instant and lasting pain relief.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Sparthos Back Support Belt is hands down the best back brace for a compression fracture as it offers instant and lasting pain relief. It allows you to enjoy your freedom of movement and that’s why you can wear it when stretching, bending and walking. It comes with an adjustable lumbar pad that provides extra compression for the lower back.
The vertical support stays, on the other hand, prevent rolling and help stabilize the back while providing the right amount of support to keep you active. It does so without adding pressure to your back. This brace is made with breathable fabrics to help wick sweat away from the body and prevent overheating to keep you comfortable all day long. It’s not only adjustable but also has a perfect fit for increased comfort and also makes it easy to wear under different types of clothing.
Sparthos Back Support Belt is naturally effective without compromising on quality. It’s equally versatile for everyday use since it provides enough support to help alleviate pain while allowing you to turn and twist your torso in a more natural way. What’s more, it feels light and incredibly soft against the skin even after a whole day use.
This brace comes with a removable lumbar pad and a flexible elastic mesh. The latter gives you the extra stretch you need to customize fit and prevents build up of excessive heat.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
You can use TSLO Thoracic Full Back Brace to alleviate pain resulting from osteoporosis. It helps support the back as well as align the spine that’s why it’s the best back brace for a compression fracture. It features a pulley system and abdominal belt that compresses the affected area to transfer pressure from the spine and relieve pain.
The combination of the abdominal belt and pulley system helps improve posture and prevent further injuries while speeding up the healing process. What’s more, it addresses other related problems associated with compression fracture such as pressure on the nerves due to spinal stenosis. Thanks to remova, you can use this brace at different stages including pre and post surgery.
This full back brace is extremely comfortable to wear owing to the breathable fabrics, spinal cutout and soft padding. The quick-release buckles and fastener makes it an easy on and off brace perfect for those with limited dexterity. Plus, you can adjust it to your desired specifications to suit your needs. The pulley system allows you to generate different abdominal compression levels to take the pressure off the spine.
TLSO not only supports your lower back but also helps align the spine correctly, to limit you from moving dangerously. What’s more, the abdominal panels help distribute pressure from the back to the abdomen to provide instant pain relief.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
TLSO Medical Back Brace helps alleviate pain for patients with degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, osteoporosis and fracture management. It supports different vertebral bodies on the healing journey that’s why its one of the best back braces for compression fracture. It has an adjustable and customized fit making it east to wear and take off even for those with limited hand mobility.
This brace additionally features a pulley system that gives you control and varying compression needs. It’s made with lightweight and breathable materials to regulate temperature and keep you comfortable throughout the wearing period. Besides, it offers instant and lasting back pain relief along with helping improve posture and aligning the spine.
TLSO Medical Back Brace comes with padded shoulder straps for additional comfort and support.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
BraceAbility Lumbar Decompression Back Brace is a semi-rigid type of brace. It features a dual adjustable pulley system that conforms to your spine allowing you to increase the amount of compression on the affected area to alleviate pain. Plus, it offers enough support to help improve posture and align your spine.
This back brace is easy to wear and take off since it was designed with comfort in mind. This means that you don’t have to bed, twist and turn when applying the support belt. BraceAbility Lumbar Decompression Back Brace does it all when it comes to relieving pain caused by different conditions and injuries. What’s more, it’s lightweight and allows you to move freely without feeling too constricted.
This lumbar support brace is equally adjustable to provide a more customized fit for comfortable wear especially when wearing it for an extended period. It’s made with a breathable mesh that helps take pressure off the spine to provide instant and lasting pain relief. It’s best suited for both pre and post surgery and recovery support for different conditions along with treating lower back pain and osteoporosis.
