Build It. Don't Brace It!

I get the "can I get a brace for it?" question periodically from patients.  My answer is "absolutely not" about 90% of the time.  I will tell you why.

First of all, the braces I am referring to are a lumbar (low back) and thoracic (mid and upper back) supports.  I am not referring to braces for scoliosis.  Those are completely different.  When someone wears a lumbar or thoracic brace to improve posture or protect the low back, they are using something external to do what the muscles in the area need to do.  This will cause already lengthened or weakened muscles to weaken further, as they are not being used.  This will ultimately make the problem worse, not better.

The only time I will allow bracing or support is when the patient has to perform a job or activity that is beyond their current capabilities.  This can help prevent back pain from worsening.  For example, if someone is suffering from a serious low back problem and still needs to work in an active job, a brace may help get them through the day.  Even then, the brace is used on a temporary basis only.

In today's pop-a-pill, quick-fix world, people always seem to be looking for a short cut.  Sometimes, there are no short cuts.  If you want your back to feel better and stay better, you have to use and build the muscles that stabilize it.  There is no substitute.  If you slouch, you need to work your upper back and develop the muscle stamina to pull your shoulders back and keep them there.  If you don't, your back pain will continue to come return and your upper back and neck will likely develop osteoarthritis from the constant strain caused by poor body mechanics.  A similar scenario is true for the low back.  Weak abdominal muscles cause an increased lumbar curve.  This shifts weight bearing backward onto the facet joints.  These joints are not designed to bear weight all day.  Over time, they will thicken and become arthritic.

Your chiropractor can help relieve your back pain while you are working on stabilization.  This is a process and it takes time.  Adjustments will get your joints moving and give you proper alignment, but you need to work on the muscles that will hold the alignment long term.  I know that is one of the major reasons people do not follow through with care.  They want to be better immediately and they don't want to have to change anything in their lives to get there.  Unfortunately, when poor body mechanics or posture are at the root of the issue, nothing else will give lasting relief.  You have to be willing to do the work.  You expect your body to work for you.  You need to give it the tools to do so!