My experience of a Back Brace

[Mongoose59]

For information and anyone interested I have just tried out a back brace so that I could have a day out at the museum and quite a lot of walking 10,000steps. What I would have done pre osteoporosis and slight wedging in my spine. I was so pleased that I got about 5 hours of no discomfort being able to keep going. I wouldn’t use a back brace every day just for times when I know that I will suffer from back ache. I feel it’s better than sucking on paracetamol.

I understand that back braces are not favoured by some of the medical profession but this has made a big difference and I feel used in moderation they work well.

I would appreciate any opinions you may have or experienced.

[Fruitandnutcase]

Fantastic that you were back to your 10000 steps as you were osteoporosis. I bet you feel great having done that. I have read that some professionals frown about corsets but if it let you have a great day out then well done you! I’d probably just stick to using it for special occasions rather than use it every day. How did you feel the next day? No nasty after effects?

[Mongoose59 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I will see as it was today I tried it and yes, will not use it for every day to avoid weekening muscles. My problem has always been that after an hours walk I have to rest due to back pain so this was a significant improvement. Thanks for your encouragement.

[Mongoose59 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

It’s the next day and no nasty side effects. I not use it now until I have another long day out .

[Lilbil]

Hi Mongoose59

I have been using a Spinomed active back brace for the last 2 years, I wear mine all day every day and it has changed my life. I can now do more things and suffer less pain. I was lucky that my consultant prescribed them for me, but I know some doctors and physios say they don’t help your core muscles but at 70 years old my quality of life is more important, and my posture has also improved. I hope you can carry on with your brace, it does take some getting use to and increasing the amount of time you wear it each day. Hope this is useful

[mollysuki]

I asked on here about using a back brace. (I think if you put my name in search bar the thread should come up) Can I ask what back brace you used? I saw the physiotherapist last week and she gave the expected answer that they don’t recommend them. She said to ask my GP to refer me to Spinomed. I so want to be able to walk a longer distance without being in pain. I don’t think my GP will recommend or refer me. I wouldn’t wear it all the time and I still do all the exercises to strengthen my muscles.

[Mongoose59 in reply to mollysuki]

Hi mollysuki

Yes it is this one from amazon but there are many others to choose from.

Aollop Posture Corrector Men and Women - Back Brace Back Support Belt with Breathable Adjustable Elastic Bands Back Straightener Improve Lumbar Support Belt Lower Back Pain Relief (Waist 27'- 48')

I am thinking the same as you. I also do my exercises to keep things OK.

The good thing about amazon is you can easily return it if no good for you so you wont be wasting money.

Hope you have success.

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to Mongoose59]

Hello Mongoose59

Do you have to be fitted by a specialist or just go ahead and buy it?

And just wondering what sort of exercises you do please. I’m too afraid to do too much for fear of another fracture.

[Mongoose59 in reply to Jennyjenny2]

Hi Jennyjenny2

I just bought it and tried it. To exercise I do various things but first thing in the morning I concentrate on a few which are gentle bending and stretching and balance. As i expect you are aware depending on your bone fragility certain exercises aren’t good. I think that its a good idea to have a look at the exercises on the National Osteoporosis Society web site as I dont want to give bad advice.

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to Mongoose59]

Thanks for your reply.

I’m thinking either this one or the spinomed that is mentioned by Lilbil. The one you use is more affordable so would be worth a try first where as the other one seems like more of an everyday long term brace.

[Lopera in reply to Jennyjenny2]

I have purchased the spinomed active brace privately and have just recently started wearing it. I cannot manage a full day yet but I feel there is improvement already. I am straighter when I am wearing it and feel a little stronger already.

I also asked my GP to refer me to the Orthotics department at my local hospital and they are organising a different spinomed brace. They had not prescribed the spinomed active before so urged me to try this (link below) but said they had not ruled out the spinomed active for the future! I pick this one up on Monday and am happy to try both. I think the corset style may get quite warm in the summer. I also visit my daughter in Spain regularly and I think this one might be more suitable from that perspective. Also from the front it looks like you are wearing a backpack. I'm not really concerned about looks, more concerned about mobility.

mediuk.co.uk/products/spino...

PS: I'm not really very good at links but it works if you copy and paste into your browser.

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to Lopera]

I’d written you a lengthy reply, almost finished, then I lost it all!!

Thank you for all the above info. I have become quite hunched over the last few months without getting into it and from what I have just read about the spinomed it might be the solution.

I’ll approach the local hospital orthotics dept for help and advice.

I was wondering about the corset style brace getting too hot as we live in a subtropical region in Australia and even our winters are mild.

I’d be really interested how you feel in another week or two, the fact that you are feeling stronger already, that’s wonderful!!

I appreciate your input, thank you.

[Lopera in reply to Jennyjenny2]

If I don't remember to give you an update in a few weeks, give me a nudge!

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to Lopera]

Thank you so much!

I have a lot going on here at the moment with my darling husband very ill in hospital for the last 3 1/2 months but I’ll give you a nudge when my brain gets back on track.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Jennyjenny2]

Sorry to hear about your husband Jenny, I hope he has some improvement soon, sending hugs zxx

[Lilbil in reply to Lopera]

Hi Lopera

Glad you have finally got your Spinomed active back brace, once you are use to wearing it you will feel the improvement, I still do Pilates but consultant told me to continue to wear my brace when do it which the Pilates teacher is happy and has adapted my exercises. The other Spinomed back brace is not as hot but I didn’t find it as comfortable as the active. Hope you continue to improve I’m now walking a lot straighter and can now do 10,000 steps

[Lopera in reply to Lilbil]

That's fantastic to hear. What is shocking is that the health professionals in my experience make no effort to get you fit. They just treat the osteoporosis and leave you to your own devices.

[Mongoose59 in reply to Jennyjenny2]

Years ago I tried a really cheap one and didn’t really work and there is a lot on the market. The spinomed does look the business and expect more expensive. Be interesting to see how you go.

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to Mongoose59]

I’ll start making enquiries but as I’ve just replied to Lopera above, I have a lot happening at the moment and to be honest this is a bit of a distraction, but a very important distraction as I can’t look after my husband if I can’t look after me.

Thank you for your input.

[Haz58]

Could you tell me which back brace it is please?

[Mongoose59 in reply to Haz58]

Hi Haz58

This is the one

Aollop Posture Corrector Men and Women - Back Brace Back Support Belt with Breathable Adjustable Elastic Bands Back Straightener Improve Lumbar Support Belt Lower Back Pain Relief (Waist 27'- 48')

Got it from Amazon but they have others as well

[Nottinghamryan2]

Good Morning in 2021 I suffered severe back strain there was still very little nhs care due to covid , I found a private physio who recommended tens machine and a lower back support. My journey back to health began from there and I have used both since when required , I also do Nordic walking once a week , do what works for you,

Good luck

[pking1952]

I wore a back brace for a couple of fractures for about 6 weeks. The fractures healed. Now I put it on a couple of times a week - usually when walking 3 miles or more and house work. I got to where I wasn't having near the pain prior to it. I was told to not wear it all the time because you don't strengthen the back muscles - but for me I will continue to wear it periodically and do physical therapy for the strengthening part. Hope all goes well with you.

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to pking1952]

Can I ask what sort of brace that you wear please?

[pking1952 in reply to Jennyjenny2]

Yes. I have an Aspen Horizon TLSO Adjustable back brace. It was prescribed by my neurosurgeon.

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to pking1952]

And is that to help your lumbar area? My problem is mainly in the thoracic area, or maybe the Aspen could help both areas?

[pking1952 in reply to Jennyjenny2]

My fractures were thoracic area. I've had 3 back surgeries - when I was much younger in low back area. Ruptured a disc when I was 24 L5 SL and had to have another one, so I do have a fusion in lower back. My lower lumbar is not bothering me. It's mainly thoracic.

[CinnamonRose in reply to pking1952]

Being able to walk one mile seems like a dream, you walking 3 miles is amazing. It's it all on the flat?

[pking1952 in reply to CinnamonRose]

No I live in a neighborhood and every road going west is uphill. My heart rate is usually around 135 when I get to the top of the hill. I'm always ready for the downhill. LOL

[Mongoose59]

yes think this is key everything in moderation.

[Posy-White]

Hello Mongoose59

So pleased you had a great day out with minimum problems. Do think all these differnt aids and activities to maximize ability and improve quality of life are worth tring out.

I have two braces one for use in the water (hydro and on calm sea days in the sea with lots of help!) and one during the day which I wear after I've done my daily physio. Physio at the spinal department of the hospital orgainized the braces and over the years I've tried several different models and made to measure ones. I still need to spend a couple of hour in bed in the afternoon and have a patch to help pain management, however with the brace I can sit and remain fairly upright and with crutches manage to get round the house and into the garden. I am pushed in my wheelchair if I go any distance.

Does seem to be the idea that you'll get weaker muscles by using a brace, but I found like Libil I can do so much more with the brace, such as being able to hold my arms away from my body , therefore I can enjoy knitting / sewing and some crafting even eating is easier! Over the years I have got stronger, even the physio is amazed how much progress I've made.

Enjoy many more days out, kind regards

Posy White

[CinnamonRose in reply to Posy-White]

That's really encouraging to hear, I think I'll ask about one. Xx

[pking1952]

Sorry you are in so much pain and so restricted. Glad the brace helps you. Prayers you will get much better.

[Blackcat99]

Interested in all this discussion around back braces, as I think that I might find this helpful when I have to walk longer distances, or sit for long periods (e.g. on a long haul flight) However, last year I broke several ribs + part of spine (T.9) which has left me with a lumpy bit sticking out, just above where my bra sits. So, wonder if I'd actually be able to wear a back brace, or if it would rub against the lump and cause more pain/discomfort?

[Lilbil in reply to Blackcat99]

Hi the Spinomed active back brace is made to measure and the metal part is bent to copy the contour of your spine . I have a bumpy spine and the metal part is bent around this, so no rubbing or digging in.

[Blackcat99 in reply to Lilbil]

Ah, sounds good. How do you get the data for made-to-measure? Does it have to be done through bone clinic ?

[Lilbil in reply to Blackcat99]

Hi Blackcat99 I was prescribed the back brace by my osteoporosis consultant and was measured and fitted by the appliance department in the same hospital. They are made in Germany, I now have 3 of the same brace so I still have one when the others are getting washed. I think for me they have been a game changer, as my pain has reduced and my mobility has improved and I can stand much straighter.

[Blackcat99 in reply to Lilbil]

Thanks for the info, Lilbil - I’m hoping to manage without for a while yet (🤞) but realise that the day is coming, so will keep all the info safely to one side. Best wishes, J

[Fatpidgeon]

Hi Mongoose,Thank you so much for posting and to everyone who has contributed to the thread. It has made a really interesting read and the back braces seem to have real positive impact on mobility. I have wondered about braces over many years. I wondered if they would help with the pain from my scoliosis. So if I do suffer from osteoporotic fractures in the future I shall definitely consider.