At some point, lower back pain comes for us all. It’s a reality of getting older and while staying active and eating healthy definitely helps to ward off the natural effects of aging, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, lower back pain is experienced by 80 percent of adults at some point in their lives. Lower back pain is the number one job-related disability and it’s listed as the leading contributor to missed workdays. Lower back pain doesn’t play favorites and eventually, it comes for (almost) all of us. Thankfully, there are some non-medical ways to get relief, including a lower back brace.
As noted by the NINDS, there are two types of lower back pain. Subacute lower back pain is short term and often lasts between four and 12 weeks. It can be caused by many things, including lifting something heavy or leading a sedentary lifestyle with inconsistent blips of strenuous works.
The second type of lower back pain is chronic back pain, which is the prolonged version of acute pack pain. In fact, approximately 20 percent of people who suffer from acute back pain will see it transform into longstanding chronic back pain, which can require medical intervention and even surgery.
Thankfully, there is an easy and cost-effective tool that can be used to both help ward off lower back pain and alleviate it. When using a back brace, the back is supported and posture is aligned correctly, which also helps to reduce the effects of lower back pain. Whether you’re working out, walking the dog, or standing all day at work, these braces literally have your back.
1. Back Brace by NMT
With a focus on lumbar support, you can relieve pain from arthritis, sciatica nerve damage, scoliosis and more thanks to the Back Brace by NMT. Using large Velcro pads, the FDA-approved back belt can easily adjust on waists measuring 34” to 40”, helping to alleviate pain by stimulating blood circulation, which promotes cell and collagen renewal, two things that can decrease as we age.
Pros: The NMT back brace not only helps to alleviate back pain but also doubles as a posture corrector. The washable belt comes with an eBook that explains how the braces’ tourmaline nano-tech magnets help with healing.
Cons: Because of the use of magnets in the brace, the NMT is not safe for people with electronic implants, defibrillators, insulin pumps, drug delivery patches or women who are pregnant.
2. Lower Back Brace By FlexGuard Support
If you’re looking for a friend to spot you at the gym, we recommend the Lower Back Brace By FlexGuard Support. Using a pulley system, firm fabric and metal bars, the FlexGuard holds users in a straight position, ideal for wearing while lifting weights or for pain relief. The FlexGuard supports the spine and the muscles around it, alleviating lower back discomfort by removing pressure from inflamed areas caused by sore muscles, herniated discs, joint pain and more.
Pros: Like the NMT, the FlexGuard also comes with a 25-page book to educate users on how to get the best experience from their lower back brace. We also like that the size range is slightly larger than the NMT, with a M/L FlexGuard suitable for people with a 33 to 40.5” waist.
Cons: The FlexGuard comes with a mesh pocket that allows users to easily add hot or cold packs for relief, but the packs must be purchased separately.
3. BraceUP Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace
Discreet enough to wear under clothing and made with breathable material that will keep you comfortable all day, the BraceUP Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace is a great option for those who need support for extended periods of time. The adjustable belt can be fitted to your body using strong Velcro straps made with anti-slipping silicone, providing all day comfort for those who suffer from temporary and chronic lower back pain.
Pros: The lightweight BraceUP can be worn while working out and is smaller than the other two braces on our list, making it a great choice for people with shorter torsos, with a design that limits bunching and slipping.
Cons: The BraceUP offers more subtle support than the first two braces.