back brace any good

[Radars]

I am thinking about getting a back brace for my mild to moderate wedge compression fracture of t12, does anyone think they will help me at all.

[Kaarina]

One con I have read about back braces is that doctors are concerned that use of the back braces long-term may result in atrophy of some muscles that support the spine through lack of use. In other words, the muscles and ligaments that do not have to work due to the support of the brace will weaken. A back brace can be useful/helpful after an operation for example.

[MayGodBlessYou]

i put a brace on my Mum a couple hours a day, very lightly, when seated. just make sure you don't have to contort to put it on and take it off.

make sure the edge/ line of the brace isn't on an injury.

i put it on my Mum's back once this week just a little firmer, and she said she took it off as it was hurting.

good to wear in a car if you find it helps.

[Walkingdogs]

I used a brace for a while when I got my fractures at first. It helped keep me upright, and was a great help. I was told not to use it too much as I needed to strengthen my back muscles. I used it less and less until I didn’t need it. I had 5 fractures in my spine. That was 6 years ago. My back only bothers me now when I stand too long. No problem walking at a brisk pace though. Hope your back feels better soon.

[Southerngirl2787]

I have a full thoracic/lumbar brace...it's hot and uncomfortable, but it helps with travel, and as long as I don't eat much with it on, it gives support so I can get out and be active and safe in places I'm not used to. I wear it when we do "touristy" things, as I don't know about uneven terrain, getting tired too soon. My doctor ordered it, neurosurgeon, but said don't use it daily, don't wear it longer than 2 hours at a time...your muscles must be used to get stronger. He also told me using a lumbar one for the thoracic is not good, it can do more harm, so if you get one, get a thoracic one that goes over the shoulders like a "vest" type thing.

[Radars in reply to Southerngirl2787]

thankyou, I will get in touch with gp after the holidays and ask about a thoracic back brace.