There are two types of back braces. Rigid back braces immobilize the muscular and bony structure of the spine. Soft elastic braces, also known as lumbar corsets, are designed to support the spine. Back braces are a valuable resource for people who...
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...
Back braces are used to assist spinal fracture healing and post-operative spinal fusion, according to Spine-Health. Minimizing your spinal motion enhances your bones' healing processes. A back brace may also decrease your low back pain and...
There are numerous types of back braces. Some have different levels of stabilization and all have to be measured appropriately to your body. A back brace borrowed from a friend may not be the right size or even be appropriate for your specific...
While you are more likely to see weightlifting belts than back braces at the gym, people use both for lumbar support. A back brace immobilizes your back muscles, typically necessary during recovery from an injury or surgery. People who wear...
After back surgery, it is commonplace for a surgeon to recommend a brace to help keep your spine immobile while it is healing. Limiting motion aids in the healing process and may also decrease discomfort. Generally, braces are recommended based on...
Back braces may temporarily relieve back pain caused by a spinal fracture. Your bones become weak when you have osteoporosis and therefore may need a little support when you are healing from a fracture. A brace is particularly useful during...
Posture is the relative position your body assumes when upright and is a critical component of back health. Normal posture allows the back to maintain its natural curves and is facilitated by the complex back, spine and core musculature. Impaired...
Fibromyalgia causes inexplicable muscle pain that can be very debilitating. The large muscles in the back are particularly vulnerable due to their size and involvement in all upright posture. Keeping the head and shoulders supported for extended...
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. This can be caused by neuromuscular conditions and birth defects, but doctors aren't always able to find a cause for scoliosis. When this happens, it's referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. Although...
A compression fracture is the collapse of the vertebral spine usually caused by trauma to the spine, osteoporosis or tumors on the spine. They are most often found in the elderly with osteoporosis. Most mild to moderate compression fractures are...
Rigid braces are made of firm plastic and designed to fit the contours of the body. They severely limit movement for the back, sometimes by as much as 50 percent. Due the brace's rigidity, you must constantly stand or sit in an upright position,...
Lower back pain commonly affects a large portion of the population. This pain can limit progression of activities throughout daily life, and there are noninvasive modalities such as back braces which can help reduce the pain. Back braces are best...
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...
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says straightening crooked or poorly aligned teeth can improve a person's ability to properly to chew, bite and speak. Teeth that are correctly aligned also enhance the overall health of teeth and...
An abdominal support brace, also known as a back brace, can be used for many therapeutic purposes, ranging from preventing injury to helping provide support after an injury or surgery. Braces come in two main types: rigid and soft. Rigid braces...
A pinched nerve is also referred to as a slipped disc. A pinched nerve can occur as a result of an accident, a sports injury, a fall in the home or as a result of the aging process. A pinched nerve can be painful. The pain can range from a dull...
Back supports, or orthoses, are used by people rehabilitating from a back injury or surgery. The belts are intended to provide additional support while the back heals, and come in a variety of forms, ranging from cervical braces to corset-like...
A torn lower back muscle can be the result of improper stretching or lifting techniques. Lower back muscles help with simple movements such as walking, turning or even standing in place, so a quick recover is always desirable. According to an...
Cheerleaders are a big part of any sports event, but the physicality of their sport puts cheerleaders at risk for injury. With all the jumps and stunts that cheerleaders perform in their routines, they put a lot of stress on their bones, joints...
Lower back pain can be mild to severe and can be caused by injury, viral infections, degenerative diseases, being overweight or obese, smoking, pregnancy, stress, poor posture and being in poor physical condition, reports the National Institute of...
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, scoliosis refers to an unnatural "S" or "C"-shaped curve of the back. Scoliosis can be idiopathic, which means its cause is unknown. In some cases, scoliosis can result from such conditions...
When you think of scoliosis, you might picture big back braces and people with other disabilities. Although that scenario is true for some, a scoliosis diagnosis does not mean the end of regular physical activity for most. Scoliosis cases vary...
A compression fracture of the spine occurs when one or more of the bones in your spinal column crumble down upon themselves. This can occur due to an injury from a car accident or, more commonly, due to weakening of the bones of the spine...
When you have chronic back pain or a shoulder stoop, you may turn to pricey chiropractic services or even pharmaceuticals to help you find relief. But the solution may start with you and your posture. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes...
MayoClinic.com reports that as many as two percent of Americans are afflicted with fibromyalgia syndrome, a chronic condition that causes aches and pain all over the body. Pain can be in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Feeling frequently...
Scoliosis is a condition of the skeletal system in which one or more lateral curves are present in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar region of the spine. The majority of cases of scoliosis are diagnosed in adolescents, although it may affect...
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine. For some people, signs of scoliosis occur in adolescence, typically after a growth spurt. Curves that can be identified by a physician through tests such as x-rays...
The gastrocnemius is the largest and most visible muscle on the back of your lower leg. It is mainly responsible for plantar flexion -- moving the top of your foot away from your shin or lifting up onto your toes as in the calf raise exercise. To...