Do Back Braces Help Improve Posture?

Do Back Braces Help Improve Posture? : Many people struggle with good posture, particularly as most of us spend half the day or more sitting or working at a desk. However, these postures can contribute to back pain and stiffness after a while. So, is it possible to change those less than ideal postures? The answer is yes! And a range of strategies can help, including posture devices.

Back braces for posture are specially designed devices that support the back and encourage good posture. They are usually low-profile and discreet, acting as a gentle reminder to shift the body into better positions throughout the day. Not every brace will be right for every person, so it’s important to consult a health professional on the most suitable posture brace.

What Contributes To Poor Posture?

Poor posture can come from a variety of different causes. It’s usually not just one thing, but a combination of different factors that contributes to poor posture.

For example, poor posture may stem from:

General deconditioning (lack of fitness)
Muscle imbalances or weakness, particularly in the back muscles
A current or past injury, particularly involve the back
Lack of postural control
Poor sitting habits
Sitting for prolonged periods
Incorrect environmental or workplace set up, including desk height, chairs, and use of devices
Emotions and mood

Poor posture can affect joint flexibility and contribute to neck, shoulder, or back pain. Although poor posture can be detrimental to health, it is possible to improve it with the right help and tools.

Ways To Improve Posture

Alongside being mindful of posture throughout the day, maintaining a healthy diet, and wearing comfortable footwear throughout the day, there are a few key ways to improve posture:

General Exercise

Staying active can help improve posture. Long periods of sitting, common in office jobs or sedentary lifestyles, can decondition the muscles and contribute to poor posture. Any kind of exercise that reconditions the muscles and incorporates overall strength and flexibility movements can help improve posture. This might include going for a daily walk or attending exercise classes like yoga or tai chi. For posture that gets worse at the end of the day, it’s a good idea to target muscle endurance as well to improve how the body is able to cope with longer tasks.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is another useful way to improve posture. Physiotherapists are trained to assess and establish the underlying cause of musculoskeletal issues, like back pain from poor posture. They can evaluate the factors that contribute to the problem, and recommend treatments to address these.

Oftentimes, physiotherapy treatment will include a tailored exercise program to improve core strength and postural control. Additionally, a trial of postural taping may be used to determine the response to an external posture reminder. If there is a good response, the physiotherapist may then recommend a more supportive device like a posture back brace for the short term. They will usually check the fit of the brace and give advice on the best way to use it, such as the duration of use.

Back Braces

Back braces can be used as part of a treatment plan to improve posture. They are usually lightweight, flexible, and easy to put on and take off, and are commonly contoured to match the shape of the body. You can get back braces in stores or from trusted online stores like Medi Brace. The brace doesn’t have to be worn throughout the entire day to have an effect, but can be used at key times to reduce the onset of pain or to help teach more optimal postural patterns.

How Do Posture Back Braces Work?

Posture back braces do not “force” the spine into a particular position. Rather, they are usually made of a light elastic material that gently guides or reminds the user to sit or move with better posture. These types of back braces provide tactile feedback to help the user self-correct their posture. In this way, when the body starts to fatigue and lapses into a poor position, the brace can help the user adopt a better position.

Posture back braces are usually only used for a short period of time, with the goal to taper off when better posture can be sustained throughout the day. Therefore, it’s important that back braces are used in conjunction with other tools and strategies that improve endurance and self-awareness, like exercise and physiotherapy. This will also help prevent relapse when the user finishes wearing the brace.

For the right effect, poorly fitted or uncomfortable back braces should not be used. A health professional can help find the most suitable brace for each individual situation.

Types Of Posture Back Braces

The types of posture back braces include:

Upper back posture braces: To support the neck, shoulders, and upper back posture and prevent kyphosis (excessive rounding of the upper back and shoulders).
Lower back posture braces: To support the lower back and normal curvature of the spine.

It’s important to note that a posture back brace is different from the types of back braces used after a traumatic injury, which are rigid and prevent all unwanted movement while the injury is healing. A doctor or surgeon will prescribe back braces for injuries when this is appropriate.

Who Uses Posture Back Braces?

Many different situations can benefit from a back brace. For example, a posture back braces can be used for:

Pain relief
Reminders to improve posture
Correction of poor postural patterns
Postural control

It is usually not recommended to use posture back braces for long periods, rather as a short-term tool to teach better posture. It’s a good idea to check in with a health professional on how to optimally use a posture back brace.

Can A Back Brace Help Improve Posture?

Yes, a back brace can improve postural awareness by providing sensory feedback to the user and reminding them to move into better positions throughout the day. It can also help address some of the factors that contribute to poor posture. In this way, back braces can help improve posture, particularly when used alongside other therapies.

Get Support To Improve Posture

It’s easy to lapse into poor posture throughout the day. But when this becomes a problem, causing stiffness or back pain that interferes with everyday life, it needs to be addressed.

Posture can be improved with a few simple changes, like setting up the workplace correctly or wearing comfortable footwear. Posture back braces can also be beneficial for posture, providing light guidance to improve postural endurance and body awareness. Physiotherapy and general exercise should be used concurrently to address the other factors that contribute to poor posture. A health professional can help determine the best way to restore healthy spinal movement and ease back pain.

Be sure to consult a health professional prior to starting any new treatments or using any new devices.