Lumbar Back Braces For Lower Back Pain

Recommended By A Chiropractor

Millions of Americans struggle with lower back pain due to past injury, constant strain, improper posture, or degenerative changes. When this pain has become debilitating, a back brace may be necessary if it is recommended by your doctor. But with so many types out there what is the best back brace?

A lumbar back brace can provide the proper support to help your constant back pain. It is important to note that back braces should only be used when necessary (lifting or bending), as using a back brace throughout the day can cause atrophy in your core muscles and cause a further progression in your degenerative changes. With that being said there are many options. When choosing a lumbar back brace you want to search for the brace that gives you the best support while still allowing you to go about your normal daily activities. Keep in mind, these braces are not to correct posture, they are back support braces doctors typically recommend after healing from surgery or injury.

We have searched through dozens of lumbar back braces to find the best. We have come up with the 3 lumbar back braces that rank highest under these criteria: Support, Comfort, Rating, Price, and Warranty.

Here are the top 3 lower back braces recommended by a chiropractor.

#1 Best Back Brace – Bax Max

bax-max-brace
  1. An all purpose brace
  2. Best belt for activities
  3. Extremely durable – Made of Kevlar
  4. Not bulky – Easily stored away
  5. 1/3 the price of other back braces – $70

#2 Back Brace – Aspen

aspen-back-brace
  1. Considered the gold standard for back support
  2. Most used back brace among medical providers
  3. Doctor recommended most
  4. Best used for post surgery
  5. Price – $180

#3 Back Brace – Ottobock

ottobock-back-brace-2
  1. Rivals Aspen
  2. Quality materials
  3. Best for after injury
  4. 6 : 1 pulley system
  5. Price – $180

#1 – Back Brace For Activity

BaxMax
bax-max-brace

Best Back Brace For Lower Back Pain

Bax Max is a brand I like and trust for those who are looking for a brace that is lightweight, durable, breathable, geared towards activity, and affordable all in one! This flexible brace is one of the best back braces on the market because of its ability to offer pain relief while supporting your low back and spine during lifting, all while not feeling too bulky when your wearing the belt. Back pain no longer has to be synonymous with lifting or any sports related activity. The pressure on your lower back and spine can now get the support and pressure relief it needs.

This company has been around since 2013 and their braces are one of a kind. Some features of this brace include an open celled Kevlar cable stitching which is what allows for its perfect combination of durability and breathability when relieving pressure off of your muscles and discs. The adjustable belt has a 5:1 pulley system that will give you the support you need during any activity. This brace is so lightweight and small that you can even hide it under your clothes. It is quick and easy to use and easily folded or stored away. If you hate bulky back braces then this brace you need!

In my opinion the Bax Max offers the best combination of lower back support while still not completely inhibiting range of motion. However, If you do need a bit more lumbar support, they offer a lumbar pad attachment for additional pain relief. I recommend purchasing the attachment. Your lower back will thank you.

I have recommended the Bax Max brace to dozens of patients and every patient loves it. Bax Max also carries a 5 star rating, multiple verified customer reviews, and a 5 year replacement guarantee. This ensures you get exactly what you are looking for in a back brace for your lower back pain. Best of all this brace is about a third of the cost of other back braces.

#2 Back Brace For Post Surgery

aspen logo
aspen-back-brace

When it comes to chronic degenerative back pain Aspen is the brand that most people know and trust. It is the most popular back brace on the market today among medical doctors, chiropractors, and other providers. Aspen is an inelastic back brace which is different from most lumbar support braces out there. This particular lumbar back brace is made of quality materials. It has velcro fastening straps and dual pulley tabs that help adjust the waist to get the exact compression you need to relieve pain and give you additional back support. It is made with breathable lightweight materials making it comfortable for all day use. It also has a removable lumbar pad which gives extra support when needed. And because it is not made entirely with elastic fabric it provides you with proper posture, unmatched support, and pain relief for your lower back all while still remaining comfortable.

Aspen brace comes in a wide range variety of sizes and is adjustable so you can choose the one that will fit you best. The back brace is a 100% satisfaction guaranteed product, so if for any reason you are not satisfied with it you can return or replace it within 30 days of purchase. It also comes with a 1 year warranty. This brace is far more expensive but is considered medical grade and the gold standard by medical providers when it comes to back braces.

Side Note: When purchasing the right size it is important to measure around your stomach at your navel to get the right fit for you.

#3 – Back Brace For Injury

Ottobock-back-brace
ottobock-back-brace

The Ottobock LSO adjustable brace is for lower back pain, but more specifically is a post surgical medical grade brace that helps stabilize your spine post spinal fusion, laminectomy, disc replacement, stenosis, burst fractures, etc. It’s chairback frame offers a superior 6:1 compression adjustable pulley system. It will give you support and stabilization from the lower thoracic spine to the lower back and even the top of the sacrum. This belt also has two lateral support panels for back pain sufferers who require additional stabilization and another level of support. Lastly, this belt features a posterior panel that can be heat molded to customize the brace specific to a patients spine, giving the patient comfortable compression and support. This is important, especially after surgery or an injury.

This is a brace that rivals the Aspen in terms of quality materials and design. The Ottobock brand is a reputable medical grade brand, and this specific LSO brace has over 5000 reviews on google and carries a 4.6 rating. They are also FSA certified. Also similar to Aspen is its price. The Ottobock back support brace runs just under $200.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best back braces for lower back pain?

The best back braces for lower back pain are ones that provide an ample amount of support. The brace should have compression velcro straps that are also adjustable to your preferred level of support. The back brace should be made of quality materials to withstand wear and tear. Lastly, the brace should be made of breathable materials.  It should be comfortable while still being helpful.

What is a good brace for back support during activity?

Back Support braces for back pain should only be worn during isolated activities, and not for long periods of time unless your doctor recommends it. This is because long periods of wearing can cause the muscles around the spinal column to become weak, thereby increasing pressure on the joints and discs and causing more back pain. Having said that the best brace for activity should provide proper support of the muscles, joints, and discs. It should have an adjustable elastic velcro pulley system, it should be made of quality materials, and should be breathable.

Do back braces really help?

Back braces can help ease back pain temporarily during activity, lifting, post surgery, or after injury.

Is wearing a back brace for long periods good for the lower back?

Wearing a back brace for long periods of time can adversely affect your health because your body can become reliant on it. The muscles around your spine are your primary support for your low back. When you assist these with a back belt you are providing temporary relief, but long term wearing will cause the muscles in your body to atrophy, causing further injury.

Thanks For Reading! I hope this information was helpful! 🙂