Types of Lumbar Braces

The need for lumbar braces is increasing every year, and lower back pain is now the second most common cause of disability in the United States, say Timothy S. Carey, M.D., director of the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina, and Sarah Graham Kenan, a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. In many instances, a correctly fitted lumbar brace can aid healing and prevent more damage from occurring.



Lumbar braces come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, but most fall into one of several categories geared toward relieving pain, assisting the healing process and strengthening muscles.

Soft Lumbar Corsets

• Soft lumbar corsets are often worn by people afflicted with arthritis in the lower spine. Soft corsets are intended to be worn while engaging in specific tasks because long-term use could weaken the lumbar muscles. Use of the corset is gradually tapered off while back muscles are strengthened via physical therapy.

Rigid Lumbar Braces

• The rigid lumbar brace is often prescribed for people who have undergone spinal surgery. It is designed to keep the back immobilized, usually for three months or until the spine has stabilized. Rigid braces are commonly worn by adolescents afflicted with scoliosis or other diseases causing spinal curvature.

Hyperextension Braces

• Common reasons for wearing a hyperextension brace include post-operative recovery from spinal fusion surgery. The brace is also designed to immobilize and help treat frontal compression fractures. Hyperextension braces stretch the spine and keep constant, simultaneous pressure on three different body points.