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Choosing the Best Back Brace - What's the Difference?

by Juan Lopez May 03, 2022 0 Comments

Choosing the Best Back Brace Finding the best back brace means sorting through the available options to match your health needs. Let us guide you through our selection of products to find your ideal brace, whether that means a support for lower back pain, boosting your workout, or treating conditions like sciatica. We’ll consider factors like material, sizing, and support level, as well as recommendations tailored to specific medical conditions or athletic needs.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Back Brace

See all the most important factors below and decide which is most important to you.

Material

Our lower back brace is made of lightweight and durable neoprene. This material is ideal as it prevents stretching and resists moisture buildup, while staying comfortable with its breathable material. The lower back brace also includes a removable lumbar support pad and secondary support straps.

 

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, our waist trimmer offers heat-retaining material to induce sweat. It still offers the benefits of neoprene like durability, and it is slim and lightweight enough to fit easily under clothes.

 

Our posture corrector is made with nylon and polyester straps for streamlined durability. A thick foam cushion keeps the strap from digging in to sensitive areas, while hard plastic loops stay durable and lightweight.

Sizing & Fit

Our lower back brace, waist trimmer, back ice wrap, and compression back ice wrap are all designed with adjustable sizing that makes it an easy fit for almost anyone. In addition, our lower back brace offers extended sizes to accommodate those a bit wider around the midsection. Both feature adjustable Velcro straps for a snug fit.

 

The posture corrector comes in small, medium, and large sizes, and can be adjusted around the shoulders to your needs.

Level of Support

While serious injuries need maximum back support, most users benefit from more flexible, lightweight braces. Learn more about your options below.

  • Rigid

    Rigid back braces come with hard plastic or metal supports that offer maximum stability. They are sometimes prescribed by doctors for the most serious back conditions or recovery from surgery. While effective, they do restrict movement and are not recommended for the everyday user.

  • Semi-Rigid

    Our semi-rigid back braces fit around your midsection and are made of neoprene to allow for some range of motion. They often include rigid support elements, like the lumbar support pad in our lower back brace, which offers an additional level of stability for mild to medium back pain. Our Posture corrector is another good semi-rigid brace, which allows you to improve upper back health while staying flexible and easy to wear.

  • Flexible

    Flexible back braces offer the lowest level of support, but use flexible straps to provide other benefits. Our waist trimmer is the perfect example, as its thick, heat-retaining body is designed to allow for a full range of motion, during any workout.

  • Compression Support

    While supportive, our compression braces serve a different purpose than our rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible braces. Compression helps to increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Our Compression Back Ice Wrap is designed with 3 supportive splints to support the back, plus a pump + valve system to inflate the wrap to your desired level of compression. Our Back Ice Wrap has the same 3 supportive splints, but desired compression is applied by tightening the brace.

Our Recommendations for... 

Take a look at some of the most common conditions and needs for back braces below, and learn which type of support will be best for you.

Lower Back Brace by vive

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects a wide range of people, from those who regularly lift heavy objects to individuals who spend long hours in uncomfortable seating. Luckily, our Lower Back Brace offers focused support, without excessive stiffness or overheating. It offers balance between comfort and stability, which is perfect when you are dealing with a long term condition that requires daily treatment.

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Posture Corrector

Posture

Plenty of our customers are looking to improve their posture, though when it comes to upper back pain, there is no one size fits all solution. The Vive Posture Corrector features an adjustable fit, and can treat a range of conditions from chronic neck aches to rounded shoulders. As a plus, itcan be worn discreetly beneath clothing to avoid interfering with your day-to-day life. You can improve your posture at home or at the office too, with a lumbar support cushion.

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Waist Trimmer

Working Out

Whether you’re an avid runner, dedicated athlete, or all-around gym enthusiast, the right brace for you is one that can offer protective support while also enhancing your workout. Try our Waist Trimmer which is made to trap body heat and stimulate sweat production to boost the effectiveness of your workout. It features a durable construction, to stand up to whatever you throw at it. For a post-workout recovery, try our extra-large hot and cold pack, with will soothe any aches and pains and help you bounce back quicker.

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Back Ice Wrap

Pain Relief

There are numerous causes of back pain and regardless of the source, both hot and cold therapy are typically beneficial during the stages of your recovery. Our Back Ice Wrap offers a convenient source of both. Simply freeze or heat the reusable gel packs and apply the brace to your lower back, and secure with the adjustable straps. You’ll get long lasting relief that reduces swelling, soothes sore muscles, or promotes blood circulation.

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Lower Back Brace

Herniated Discs

Herniated and bulging discs are some of the most common conditions affecting adult backs today. Avoid unnecessary suffering with our Lower Back Brace which can treat all of them and more, while still staying comfortable. The key is applying constant pressure to align the spine and keep it from slipping out of place during daily activity.

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Lower Back Brace

Spinal Stenosis Pain

Over time, back problems like spinal stenosis can begin to affect your quality of life, making it difficult to move or even sit for long periods. Our Lower Back Brace is the ideal brace for this condition, as it will be easy to slip on and off as needed and offer optimal support to aching backs. Moisture-wicking neoprene means you can wear it all day without worrying about unpleasant odors or discomfort.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about proper back brace use? Find answers to the most common questions we get below.

Q: Should a back brace be worn to bed?

A: The answer depends on your specific back condition. Generally back braces should not be worn in bed as they can cause your spine to rest in an unnatural position, leading to further complications. However, some doctor prescribed braces are designed for night time wear. Talk to your physician to find out what option is best for you.

Q: How long should a back brace be worn?

A: While back braces can be an effective way to treat pain and offer support, they are not designed to be worn 100% of the time. Doing so can cause the muscles in the back to atrophy, weakening the muscles and risking injury. If you want to wear your back brace more than a few hours each day, talk to your doctor

Q: How does a lower back brace work?

A: Our lower back brace works by offering stability to the back, while also reducing pressure on the spinal structure, alleviating pain in discs, joints, and muscles. It also limits movement during the healing process which allows the back to heal without the risk of further harm.

Q: How can a back brace improve my workout?

A: The Vive waist trimmer is designed to retain heat around the midsection, boosting calorie burn and promoting sweating. As a bonus, it also offers another layer of stability, protecting you from accidental tears and strains.

 

Need More Help?

Still have questions? Want to make sure you find the perfect back brace for your needs? Get in touch with our product experts via phone from 8:30am and 9pm EST daily at 1-800-487-3808 or email us at service@vivehealth.com.

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Juan Lopez
Juan Lopez

Juan Lopez is part of the product development and improvement team at ViveHealth.com. His understanding of products and vast knowledge of consumer needs makes it easy for him to provide helpful information on choosing the best products.



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