A back problem doesn't always have to stop you from hitting the tennis courts. If you are recovering from a serious spinal injury, your ability to resume physical activity will be determined by your doctor. Some back braces, such as molded jackets and hyperextension braces, are too limiting to allow for physical activity. However, certain braces for scoliosis and lesser injuries can be removed for tennis or are flexible enough to be worn while playing.
TLSO Brace
A thoraco-lumbo-sacral-orthosis brace, also called the TLSO brace, underarm brace or Boston brace, is prescribed for cases of moderate to severe scoliosis in the lumbar or thoraco-lumbar part of the spine. This brace is meant to be worn for 23 hours a day, meaning that although you must sleep and do most of your daily activities in the brace, you can remove it for up to one hour of the day in order to participate in physical activity. Ask your doctor whether you can play tennis without the brace. A similar brace, the Milwaukee brace, includes a neck ring for further stabilization. It can also be removed for one hour per day for physical activity.
Charleston Brace
The Charleston bending brace might also be a good option for those who play tennis because it is only worn while asleep. In order to qualify for this brace, you must have a fairly severe scoliosis curve -- 20 to 40 degrees -- and the apex of the curve must be below the shoulder blade. According to an article by Dr. Paul C. McAfee, the Charleston brace has been shown to be as effective as the Boston and Milwaukee braces.
Lifting Belts
If you do not have scoliosis or a serious back injury but experience low back strain and fatigue, you might be prescribed a lifting belt. These belts are worn by people doing work that involves lifting heavy objects to help correct the associated muscle strain. You can do physical activity such as tennis when wearing a lifting belt. It might help you to use correct posture when bending.
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