Original article published by Very Well Health, September 6, 2022 on VeryWellHealth.com
By Steven Rowe & Jennifer Nied
The FlexGuard Support Adjustable Back Brace covers your upper and lower back
Back pain can be debilitating, so using a back brace to prevent it is key to staying active and healthy. A back brace works by stabilizing your spine and limiting motion, according to James Lin, MD, spine surgeon at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York.
Reviewed & Approved
Made with adjustable straps, the FlexGuard Support Back Brace offers support to your upper and lower back. Mueller's Lumbar Support Back Brace reduces pressure on the discs in your lower spine and makes for an affordable option.
"In certain situations bracing can be effective to decrease back pain or prevent spinal deformity progression," explains Dr. Lin. "It is important to keep in mind that spinal bracing is not a cure-all and not applicable in all settings."
When searching for a back brace, you'll want to keep a few key factors in mind. Look for a washable material that allows you to keep your brace clean so you can wear it regularly. Additionally, you'll want to keep the sizing and adjustability of your back brace in mind to make sure you're getting a brace that fits your body exactly the way you need it to. We researched dozens of back braces and evaluated them for adjustability, material, price, body part target, and sizing.
Here are the best back braces on the market today.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: FlexGuard Support Adjustable Back Brace
PROS
- Adjustable
- Trains upper back muscles
CONS
- Designed for upper back only
- May be less effective for people with longer torsos
What do buyers say? 64% of 12,200+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
We chose this FlexGuard back brace because it combines elements of a posture corrector as well as an upper and lower back brace. With four different sizes to choose from and adjustable straps around your waist and upper back, you can get the fit just right for your needs. The upper shoulder straps—which fit just like the straps on a backpack—work to pull your shoulders back for better posture while your lower back is supported with the help of metal braces.
Price at time of publish: $25
Material: Neoprene | Part of Back it Targets: Upper back | Machine Washable: No
Best Budget: Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace
PROS
- Price
- Reduces pressure on discs in lower spine
- Supports heavy lifting
CONS
- Limited mobility
- Velcro may snag fabric
There are a lot of pricey back braces on the market, but if you’re looking for something a little simpler (and more budget-friendly) to help give your lower back extra support when heavy lifting on the job or at the gym, the Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace is a good choice. This back brace wraps completely around your waist, giving full support to your lower back and abdomen.
This back brace is made with breathable materials and is fully adjustable to give your lower back extra support and compression for all-day use. It also comes with a removable lumbar pad.
Price at time of publish: $19
Material: Plastic secured with velcro | Part of Back it Targets: Lower, lumbar for heavy lifting | Machine Washable: Yes
Best for Lower Back Pain: NeoMedinaTech Lumbar Support Black Belt
PROS
- Embedded tourmaline magnets to stimulate blood circulation
- Dual outer elastic tension straps give customized support
CONS
- Confusing sizing
This back brace offers additional lumbar support to your lower back and comes with dual velcro straps — one on both sides of the body — to get the compression fit just right. This belt aims to give you back support, pain relief, and even posture correction. The belt is very wide compared to many other back braces to cover a larger range of coverage. It’s available in medium, large, and 2x-large sizes so that you can buy the one that matches your body the best.
Price at time of publish: $53
Material: 60% Neoprene, 20% Nylon, 10% Elastic Cotton, 10% Velcro | Part of Back it Targets: Lower/lumbar | Machine Washable: Yes
Best for Sciatica: King of Kings Lumbar Support Belt with Pulley System
PROS
- Tightens with pulley system for custom support
- Fabric is removable and washable
- Corrects misalignment
CONS
- Limited mobility
- May not fit those with short torsos
Several back braces spread across the back and lower spine with a solid piece of material, hard plastic, or metal - which can put pressure on the spine and sciatic nerve that some people might find comfortable. However, this back brace is designed to separate the spine to reduce pinching and pressure. Using a pulley system—similar to lace-up shoelaces—the interweaving design can be pulled and tightened at both sides of your body to support your back without applying pressure to the spine. By limiting contact with the spine, this brace may also help treat related leg pain like sciatica.
Price at time of publish: $75
Material: Mesh | Part of Back it Targets: Lower/lumbar | Machine Washable: Yes
Best for Herniated Discs: Sparthos Lower Back Belt
PROS
- Helps relieve discomfort from herniated disc
- Adjustable
- Breathable mesh material
CONS
- Metal supports can break through material
- Confusing sizing
The spine is made up of a series of vertebrae bones separated by jelly-like discs that sit between each vertebra, allowing you to bend and stretch without the vertebrae making contact or scraping. However, as we age, or do strenuous work with our spines, those discs can become smaller or more fragile, meaning they can get pinched or even rupture. This condition is called a herniated disc and it can be very painful.
The Sparthos Breathable Back Brace may be able to help lower the risk of a herniated disc. This back brace is designed to be breathable and features a removable lumbar pad to help give your spine a little extra support. In addition, it also has rigid internal supports to help keep the belt from rolling or losing its tight fit around your midsection.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Breathable polyester mesh with metal supports | Part of Back it Targets: Lower/lumbar | Machine Washable: Yes
Best for Scoliosis: Neo G Dorsolumbar Support Brace
PROS
- Breathable and flexible materials
- Easy to put on and remove
CONS
- Expensive
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that measures greater than 10 degrees with an X-ray. Some people have one curve, or a "C" shape while others have two curves, or an "S" shape.1 Additionally, some of the bones may be rotated slightly. Neo G’s Dorsolumbar Support Brace encourages correct alignment of the thoracic and lumbar spine to relieve scoliosis pain.
This brace was developed by orthopedists to flexibly stay in place and gently keep your spine properly aligned to relieve pain on your discs and reduce muscle strains and spasms. It not only wraps around your waist but runs up your back, across your shoulders, and secures under your arms. The breathable design and wide array of sizes make it perfect for children or adults.
Price at time of publish: $70
Material: Neoprene (Polyamide, Elastane, Cotton, Polyester, Polyurethane, Polypropylene, Aloe Vera); Stays: Carbon Steel | Part of Back it Targets: Lower/mid back | Machine Washable: No
Best for Pregnancy: NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt
PROS
- Redistributes pressure across lumbar area
- Relieves pressure on hips and pelvis
- Adjustable
CONS
- Specifically for use during pregnancy
- Material can feel itchy
Lower back pain is one of the most common issues you’ll run into when you’re expecting. Treatments like physical therapy during pregnancy can help alleviate discomfort, but for basic support during your daily routine, you’ll want a brace like NeoTech Care’s Pregnancy Support Band.
Available in five different sizes (small through 2XL), there is very likely one from the NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Band that will fit your growing body. Make sure to measure yourself carefully though, because the size of the belt that you need doesn’t always correlate with your pant size.
Made with breathable fabric, this belt can offer support below the belly and help spread weight more evenly across your back and lumbar area. This may also help lessen some of the pressure on your hips and pelvis. This belt is designed for both sitting and standing so it can be worn throughout the day and adapts to your routine.
Price at time of publish: $39
Material: Multilayered laminate with an elastic lining | Part of Back it Targets: Lower back/pregnant belly support | Machine Washable: No
Best with Extended Size Range: FREETOO Back Brace for Lower Back Pain Relief
PROS
- Wide range of sizes
- Adjustable, breathable fabric
- Affordable
CONS
- Aluminum rods may be uncomfortable to some
If you’re looking for a back brace that can give you additional support across a longer portion of your lower back, then this Freetoo back braces might be just what you’re looking for. First of all, it’s available in five different sizes from small through 2XL, so it accommodates a variety of sizes. In addition to the many different sizes, the brace is also supported by four aluminum stays and two steel springs that can offer strong support across a larger area of your back. These six support stays can help the brace hold its shape and the breathable mesh design offers extra breathability to make it as comfortable as possible.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Aluminum supports with mesh fabric and elastic velcro straps | Part of Back it Targets: Lower back and sciatica support | Machine Washable: No
Final Verdict
If you're looking for a little extra support for your back as you go about your day, the Flexguard Support Back Brace is a great first choice. It's our best overall choice because it gives general support for anyone with general back pain and is sleek enough to fit under clothes. If you want a brace that specifically targets lower back pain, the Back Brace Lumbar Support Belt can give you relief and help support your spine during activities that involve bending over or lifting heavy objects.
How We Selected
When building our list of the best back braces, we spoke to doctors, spinal experts, and physical therapists to learn what designs and materials were ideal for treating back pain. We researched the different types of back braces and how they supported different areas of the back.
We compared the benefits that each back brace offered and how it related to the overall price. We wanted to include a variety of back braces for a range of budgets and based our final decision on how well each brace supported and targeted different sections of the back.
What to Look for In a Back Brace
Targeted Support
While many back braces offer all-around back support, there are options that can target the area you need specifically. If you only suffer from lower back pain, you may want to invest in a brace that focuses on the lower spine. Pregnant people can also find the support they need with specially designed braces that will cradle their stomach while relieving some of the tension off of their lower back. Pay attention to which part of the spine your brace is targeting before you make your purchase.
“There are many types of braces meant for different back pain causes,” says “Some braces are used to help pull the shoulders back to avoid rounding,” explains Kevin Lees, DC, manager of auditing and quality at The Joint Chiropractic. “These also should be used in short increments. Prolonged use will not lead to permanent posture changes, as muscle tone needs to change as well.”
He adds that keeping in mind the type of support you need can help you find the best back brace for your situation. “Rigid braces are typically for stopping motion and providing stability […] Flexible braces provide compression and limit the amount of motion but allow for movement in all directions.”
Materials
Most back braces use materials like polyester, neoprene, or a mesh fabric to give the user flexibility and breathability while still offering support. These types of materials can often be adjusted to fit the user's specific needs, so keep an eye out for these materials when shopping for a back brace. Many are secured with velcro, which can be itchy and irritating to some. If you're planning on wearing your brace beneath your clothes, it's helpful to know how the brace's materials will feel against your skin.
“Some have metal struts or rigid stabilizers that are meant to further offset the load down the spine,” explains Karena Wu, an orthopedic physical therapist, and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy. “A more rigid back brace unloads the spinal column.” If you are looking for stronger support over flexibility and comfort, choose a back brace that is supported by sturdy metal struts or support stays.
Maintenance
Wearing a brace under your clothes all day can result in a buildup of sweat and dirt. “You can go for a week or so without needing to wash it,” says Dr. Wu. “Typically, anything delicate should be hand washed and line dried.” You will want to wash or spot clean your brace as needed but you should avoid excessive cleaning to avoid prematurely wearing it down.
However, if you plan to wear your brace often, invest in a brace that is machine washable. Even if you plan on wearing your brace over your clothes, it's always helpful to find an option that you can throw in the washer if necessary.
Why Trust Verywell Health
As an experienced health writer, Steven Rowe knows how to truly evaluate a project and tell the difference between marketing claims and real facts so that you can find the best products that work and make your day better. He has experience covering health tech and researching the best treatment options and resources available for the people who need them.
Additional reporting to this story by Jennifer Nied
As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.
About The Joint Chiropractic
The Joint Corp. revolutionized access to chiropractic care when it introduced its retail health care business model in 2010. Today, it is the nation’s largest operator, manager and franchisor of chiropractic clinics through The Joint Chiropractic network. The company is making quality care convenient and affordable, while eliminating the need for insurance, for millions of patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness. With 800 locations nationwide and nearly 11 million patient visits annually, The Joint Chiropractic is a key leader in the chiropractic industry. Ranked number one on Forbes’ 2022 America’s Best Small Companies list, number three on Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list and consistently named to Franchise Times “Top 400+ Franchises” and Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500®” lists, The Joint Chiropractic is an innovative force, where healthcare meets retail. For more information, visit www.thejoint.com.
Business Structure
The Joint Corp. is a franchisor of clinics and an operator of clinics in certain states. In Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, The Joint Corp. and its franchisees provide management services to affiliated professional chiropractic practices.
Media Contacts
The Joint Corp.
Margie Wojciechowski
[emailprotected]
Office: (480) 245-5960 x 210
Leadership claim based on network size. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.
