A back brace provides a level of immobilization sometimes necessary for back injury recovery. According to Dynamic Chiropractic, a back brace ensures proper positioning of the spine while leaving patients with sufficient mobility to perform exercises that also aid in recovery. Many patients wearing a comfortable back brace continue with normal daily activities and modified exercise routines. Back braces stabilize the spine to prevent further injury and protect the bones and muscles while exercising.
Abdominal Strengthening
The ability to perform crunches and other abdominal exercise usually is restricted when wearing a back brace. At the same time, it is crucial to maintain core strength while recovering from a back injury, according to Keller Chiropractic. An exercise that strengthens the core while you're still wearing a brace requires you to stand up straight and focus on your abs. Pull in your stomach as if you were trying to touch your navel to your back. Continue breathing regularly while tightening your abs. If you have trouble breathing, you may be tightening your diaphragm instead of your abdomen. Hold the abdominal contraction for a count of three and release. Repeat 10 times at least three times a day. The ab tightening routine can also be performed while sitting or kneeling as long as you can keep your shoulders erect and stable to get the full benefit of the exercise.
Bird Dog
The back brace helps to maintain a neutral spine while you perform the bird dog exercise to stretch and strengthen your back, abs, arms and legs, according to the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. To do the bird dog, get on the floor on your hands and knees. Extend your left arm and right leg and hold for a few seconds, release and repeat 10 times and then switch to the other side. If you feel unsteady when first trying this routine, start by extending one arm at a time. Add the leg extensions as you gain your balance.
Knees to Chest Stretching
While restrained in a back brace, your muscles and tendons can tighten and spasm if not stretched regularly. According to Physio Advisor, an effective exercise for stretching the lower back without bending is the knees to chest exercise. Lie on a mat on your back with your legs bent so your feet are flat on the floor. Keep your arms lying at your sides. Slowly raise your knees toward your chest. Grab the front of your knees with both hands and tug lightly to provide extra stretching. Stop pulling if you feel any pain. As you continue with this exercise, you should be able to pull a little further each time you do the exercise as your muscles loosen up.
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