Wearing a back brace can help you if you are suffering from lower back pain or recovering from a back injury. And if your job involves a lot of heavy lifting or you struggle with poor posture, your back brace can help your spine maintain a neutral position while reducing the strain on your back muscles.
Your back brace will help you feel better, but only if you wear it properly. If you ignore your doctor’s advice or don’t pay attention to how you position your brace, it will be more difficult to enjoy its benefits.
These tips will teach you how to wear a back brace properly.
1. Ask a healthcare provider to help you get the right fit
It’s simply not a good idea to randomly choose a back brace without the guidance of a healthcare provider. There are different types of back braces available, and they are designed to address different conditions.
If you want to be able to wear your back brace properly, you need to make sure you get the right fit and the right type of brace to meet your needs.
2. Follow the instructions for your specific back brace
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how and when to wear your back brace. Be sure to listen to their advice.
You should also follow the instructions found at the back of your brace. This is how you will know how to position your back brace, adjust it, and remove it properly.
3. Make sure your brace is not too tight
To put on your back brace, wrap it around your lower back while sitting or standing and connect its two ends across your abdomen. You can then adjust the fit of the brace with its adjustable straps.
The goal is to make sure your brace fits snugly but without being too tight. If you feel pain or discomfort, your back brace is too tight, and you need to loosen it up until it feels snug and comfortable.
4. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before wearing your brace
Wearing your back brace properly will help you avoid skin irritation and rashes. Therefore, remember to never wear your back brace over dirty, sweaty, or wet skin, which could result in a nasty bacteria build-up.
So take a bath or a shower, and always dry your skin thoroughly before putting on your brace.
5. Don’t wear lotion under your back brace
Applying moisturizing lotion should help you be more comfortable if you have dry skin. However, wearing lotion under your back brace is not a good idea. Your brace could slip, leading to skin irritation over time.
Instead, apply lotion to your dry skin after removing your brace and before bed. Remember that you will probably not be wearing your back brace long-term and that the condition of your skin will improve.
6. Consider wearing a t-shirt under your brace
Wearing a t-shirt under your back brace could be a good idea, as it could help prevent friction, irritation, and blisters.
Be sure this shirt is light, smooth, and free of wrinkles. The goal is to increase your comfort while you wear your back brace, not to make you sweat excessively or to cause even more friction between your brace and your skin.
7. Wear loose clothing over your brace
You don’t want to wear tight clothing over your back brace, especially not if you’re already wearing a light t-shirt underneath it. Tight clothing will restrict your movements and could cause some discomfort.
Instead, wear loose clothing. You will be able to move freely, and on top of that, your back brace will be a lot less noticeable.
8. Avoid spending time in hot environments
Your back brace should ideally be made from breathable materials. But if it isn’t, you might sweat excessively while wearing it. And if you wear a brace over sweaty skin, your skin could get irritated.
Even with a brace that allows your skin to breathe, avoiding spending time in hot and humid environments is best. Stay cool as much as possible, and drink water to stay hydrated.
9. Don’t wear your back brace while you’re sleeping
Again, it’s important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider. If you wear your back brace for too long, your back muscles could weaken and atrophy.
Above all, don’t wear your back brace while you’re sleeping. Even if you just want to lie down and take a short nap, it’s best to first remove your brace.
