Your Questions Answered: How to Wear a Back Brace

When it comes to lower back pain, knowing how to wear a back brace properly is one of the most beneficial things you can do when you need support. Whether it’s a strain from lifting heavy equipment on the job or pain from an injury years ago, wearing a back brace all day can provide you with pain relief and give your muscles a break. If you want to know how to wear a back brace all day without weakening your muscles or becoming too dependent upon one, you can definitely do that, you just need to follow some guidelines.

Get the right type of back brace.

There are a lot of different back braces to choose from when you’re looking to relieve pain. From hard materials and plastic to soft compression back braces, before knowing how to wear a back brace properly, it’s important to get the one that suits your needs best. Doctors can prescribe a variety of braces for scoliosis, slipped discs, and more. Wearing these back braces all day is typically for severe pain or medical conditions that need to be fixed.

If you’re looking to wear a compression brace, you’ll get comfortable support that isn’t restrictive. This is great for powerlifting at the gym or if you have a labor-intensive job. When it comes to knowing how to wear a back brace, this one is easy to figure out and offers relief for sore muscles and stiff joints.

Get the right fit.

Proper fitting garments and accessories are crucial for pain management. If you’re wearing a back brace all day, and it’s too tight — you’ll be in pain. If it’s too loose, you won’t get the support you need. When it comes to fit and mastering how to wear a back brace, the first thing to consider is comfort. Is it digging into your skin? Cutting off circulation? Most back braces are adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit for your body.

Be sure to know the basics.

Back braces are pretty intuitive, but there are some nuances that can be overlooked when it comes to knowing how to wear a back brace. If it’s your first time wearing a back brace all day, be sure you have some important things factored in before you leave the house.

• Think about your skin.
  

  Some back braces need a shirt under them because the material is tough and uncomfortable on the skin. Most back braces from Tommie Copper® don’t require you to wear one under them, but a clean, fitted shirt under a tight brace will prevent any chafing or potential discomfort.

• Don’t forget about positioning.
  

  Many back braces are easy enough to adjust, but the more heavy-duty ones can be a bit of a chore to fix. Before you step out wearing a back brace all day, be sure to have it positioned properly to support your muscles. That means have it centered on your spine and have the front, top part situated just below your navel.

• Find the perfect balance.
  

  Too loose or too tight, and your back pain will only get worse! If you’re wondering how to wear a back brace properly, the most important thing to remember is to find a perfect fit that offers comfortable support you can wear all day without irritation.

Get the right material.

If wearing a back brace all day might help you, it’s important to have the right materials. You want something breathable, yet sturdy to support your body when it needs it most. You also want a fabric that won’t create odor. Because you’ll be wearing your back brace all day, the opportunity for bacteria and sweat to creep in is higher. Get a fabric that is moisture-wicking and has odor-fighting properties, like the Copper Znergy® technology at Tommie Copper®. If you know how to wear a back brace and get the proper material, you’ll have relief that lasts all day and gives your muscles the time to recover.

Combine other pain relief methods.

Wearing a back brace all day is great, but there are several steps you can take to relieve back pain. Compression shirts and pain relief creams can help in addition to knowing how to wear a back brace properly. When you shop Tommie Copper®, you can get all the products you need to get the relief and support your back needs. Explore more today!