How Long Should I Wear a Back Brace?

Back braces are usually prescribed to help properly support the spine, alleviate pain and assist in recovery of injuries or ailments, including scoliosis, herniated discs or post-surgical healing. However, among the most popular questions people may ask themselves is what period of time they should wear a back brace.

It will depend on your health situation, the kind of brace, and what your doctor advises. Proper use of back brace can be extremely healthy- however when the brace is either overused or the wrongly used it can in turn create weak muscles or add a dependency.

 

The Reason to Wear a Back Brace.

A back brace gives:

Spinal support: Assists in good posture.

Pain relief: Alleviates stress on the pain at the muscles due to injury or strain.

Documentation: Aid in recovery because of surgery or injury.

Preventive care: Shields against additional harm in physical exercises.

The Conditions by Which the Back Brace Has to Be Worn

Kind of Condition

Acute injuries (sprains/ strains): Braces are usually applied a few hours a day, on 1-2 weeks.

Chronic (herniated disc, arthritis): Possibly have to be used longer but generally need to be activity restricted.

After surgery: Continuous use with post surgery can be prescribed by surgeons up to twelve weeks depending on the success of recovery.

Scoliosis: Braces are usually worn 16 to 23 hours a day by children as well as those that have reached adult age.

Doctor’s Recommendations

Each case is an individual one. Your doctor or a physical therapist will provide you with particular advice depending on your spine condition.

Daily Duration

Braces are not intended to be worn on a full-time basis, in the greater majority of instances. They are worn especially when one is awake or indulging in activities that can result in back strain.

Dangers of using Back Brace over a Long Period of Time

Although braces can aid, their excessive usage is associated with the following consequences:

Weakness in muscles (as a result of less usage of core muscles).

Resorting to the brace in the postural stance.

Irritation/discomfort of skin.

Safe Back Brace Tips

Take care to follow what your doctor tells you to do.

Wear the brace on activities that bring pain or when one can get injured.

Use less and less until your back has regained strength.

Add in core-muscle strengthening exercises.

It is also important to wash the brace and retain a good fit so as not to cause skin problems.

Conclusion

The question of how long you should wear a back brace does not really have a universal standard answer. This takes time, based on the condition, treatment and medical advice. With short-term injuries it might only take a week or two, with post surgical recovery or scoliosis, it may take months.

The trick is moderation: the brace intended as a supplement not as a permanent replacement to back muscle strength and health. When considering any change in your wearing routine of the brace always check with your healthcare provider.