How Long Should You Wear a Back Brace During the Day?

Back braces are applied in order to support, alleviate pain and facilitate healing of different issues of the back. A back brace can provide great benefit to you whether you are in the healing process of an injury, have chronic pain or are attempting to correct your posture. But one question that many individuals often are compelled to ask is the question of how many hours should you keep a back brace on?

What Is a Back Brace For?

First of all, before discussing timing, one should be aware of the reasons why you are wearing a back brace. Back braces also help stabilise the spine and restrict some movements, stopping muscles and ligaments becoming over-strained. Such aid can assist:

Ease pain of strain or injured muscles

Promote excellent posture

Aid post-operative/ post-traumatic healing

Avoid additional trauma incident to exercise

Due to such effects, it is critical to wear a brace according to your particular case and planned treatment results.

Overall Recommendations on Use of a Back Brace

1. First of all follow Medical Advise

You have to comply with the directions given by your healthcare provider. They will also standardize the time on the basis of your injury, rest stage and general health.

2. Do Not Wear a Brace Everywhere All the Time

Although it may sound like wearing a brace around all the time is most supportive, the bones can become weakened by using it too much. To ensure that your back muscles remain strong and flexible you must engage them. It is not usually advisable to wear the brace all the time more than 8 hours per day unless a doctor advises.

3. The average time of wearing

Individuals use a back brace most of the time which is 2 to 4 hours and they mostly use it when they are involved in tasks that stress the back which include lifting of items, standing continuously and/or exercising. Wearing it through these times is a form of support that is handy at the most needed times.

4. Take Breaks, so that Your Muscles Work

Take encouragement to take off the brace sometimes during the day, so your muscles are able to work and remain active. In case you experience discomfort or pain when not having the brace, approach your care provider.

Warning signs that You Are Wearing Your Brace Too Long

The stiffness or weakness of the muscles increased

Chafing of the skin or sores beneath the brace

Increase following the removal of the brace

Or getting dependent or feeling that one cannot move without the brace

In case you observe these symptoms, you may consider cutting down or consulting your physician regarding different courses of actions.

Safe Back Brace Tips

Be sure the brace fits well; it must not be tight or too loose.

Put on a few pieces of clothes beneath the brace so that your skin is safe.

Continually remember to reduce the amount of wear time just as your pain reduces or condition improves.

Use brace and exercises suggested by a physical therapist to toughen your back.

Final Thoughts

Back braces are helpful instruments when dealing with back pain and recovery. Nevertheless, they are not the magic bullet, and one should know how to use them. Use of a back brace a few hours a day, especially during exercises that over-strain your back is usually enough. Do not rely much on using a brace, but take the advise of your health expert selectively to have the best results.

Medical advice is recommended where you may be unsure of the length of wearing your back brace, or are still in pain.

Can also give exercises or pointers on back health, in addition to using a brace, should you be interested!