Back suppory

[MFDA]

I have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I have a number of fractures. Some old, some new. I would like to buy a back support, can anybody recommend a brand / type that works well with my condition.

[Lilbil]

Hi MFDA I wear a Spinomed Active back brace which you can only get on prescription. I have 8 spinal compression fractures and this had be a great help to me. Some people say that back braces shouldn’t be used as they don’t help with your muscles tone, but I can manage to walk my dog and do limited Pilates with this brace on which I couldn’t do before. Hope this is helpful

[MFDA in reply to Lilbil]

Hello Lilbil. Thank you for taking the time to reply. It is very helpful

[Pineau]

Hi MFDA, welcome to the club!!I got mine through the NHS, the consultant arranged it and i just collected it at my local hospital. There are different types depending on where your fractures are, so really your gp or consultant would need to decide what type is best for you. I did find it really helped and improved my posture too, and I still wear it sometimes now if my back is painful, so do definitely pursue it. Good luck!

[Fruitandnutcase]

It might be worth finding a good physiotherapist who is experienced in working with osteoporotic clients and who possibly teaches Pilates who can give you some exercises to strengthen your muscles, particularly your back muscles and core to help support your spine and also teach you the best way to move to preserve your bones.

[Posy-White]

Hello MFDF,

Like others have said get a physio / hospital referral, but just to try and see if having some supports help, why not try a simple neoprene wrap style belt? Look online for the simple style back support belts, they are fairly cheap. If that gives you comfort, so you feel less as if you have 'nothing holding you up' especial when exercising ten you can explain to the physio why you think it would be helpful.

There is a worry that by have a back support you will not use muscles and therefore become weaker. Having said that I have a back brace (via the physio) which is very very helpful for me, I can do more because of it. However I do some excercises everyday without the brace and more through the day with the brace. It was suggested by the physio to try the neoprene wrap style belt first.

Good luck with sorting something helpful out for yourself

best wishes

Posy White