Best Back Braces For Lower Back Pain – (2020 Buyers Guide)

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If you are looking for the best back braces for lower back pain, you have come to the right place.  There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to back braces and I have compiled some of the best options in this post. If you are looking for the best options when it comes to supporting your low back,  please continue reading.

A lot of us deal with lower back pain on a daily basis. Whether it is due to an injury, or just wear and tear over time. I have been dealing with back problems most of my adult life and I can certainly attest to the fact that it is really unpleasant.

Recommended back brace for lower back
Be sure to check out the FAQ’s at the end of this post as well.

I have been through a lot

Okay, so I am not a doctor, but just a guy who has been through a lot with my back pain problems. You can check out my complete story here. In 2015 I let my ego got the best of me. I was working out and doing things I just should not have been doing. Come on, who needs to be moving buses anyway?

While working out, I sprained my pelvis and blew a disc in my back. I was in pretty bad shape. My disc was pushing up against my spinal cord, which in turn made it so I was not able to stand fully upright. I was hobbling around bent over at about a 30-degree angle at my waist, this went on for months.

I paid a visit to my chiropractor twice a week for about 4 months.  I was a mess.  My pelvis needed to be put back in the right place, and my disc was not helping the situation any.

It was a precarious situation, move one thing the wrong way, and I would be screaming at the top of my lungs. Thankfully my chiropractor is top-notch so that never happened.

Time to implement a back brace for lower back pain

Anyway, after months of treatment, I was finally able to wear a back brace, which provided some much-needed relief for me. I am certainly not alone. Many, many people have chronic back pain and often use a back brace of some sort to help with the pain.Brace for lower back pain

The main reasons my chiropractor had me wear a brace were that compression therapy can reduce swelling, increase circulation to the affected area, help to speed recovery time.  This is what prompted me to build a list of the best back braces for lower back pain.

Back pain often arises, from stress on the muscles. This happens when we lift heavy stuff without proper mechanics, twist and turn awkwardly, or have bad posture. Lifting heavy stuff has long been an issue for me. I always try to lift without asking for help.

After my most recent injury, I have learned a very valuable lesson, and I enlist my teenagers to help me do the heavy lifting. Okay, I figured it out, teenagers are the answer to back pain! I don’t need to type anything else, back pain solution found! I am kidding of course, but teenagers can be very helpful.

Why do people buy a back brace anyway?

People purchase back braces for a number of reasons, or conditions they deal with. Some people suffer from scoliosis or weak and underdeveloped muscles around the spine. That is another reason core exercise is super important.

Wearing a back brace for lower back pain
Wearing a back brace for lower back pain

Please check out these core exercises for ways to improve core strength. Other people are born with back or spine issues. Anyway, there are a lot of reasons people use a back brace for back pain. US News talks about the benefits of wearing a back brace.

Benefits of using a back brace

  • Help to stabilize an injured area to help with recovery
  • Improve posture
  • Help distribute weight around a painful low back, this helps to reduce pressure on the spine
  • Immobilize an area to help in healing
  • Basically to help protect your spine

These are all reasons that I started to wear a back brace when I was finally able to stand upright after my injury.

I see guys at the gym squatting, deadlifting, leg pressing, insane amounts of weight. I just think that is an accident waiting to happen. But at least they are wearing something to brace their lower back. You will see employees in hardware stores, or warehouses wearing a back brace to prevent an injury. So many people use them nowadays.

Check with your doctor

Before you rush off to buy a brace, I would definitely check with your doctor first. I initially had problems wearing my brace and it actually hurt because I wasn’t quite ready for it. I wanted to be so ready, but I just wasn’t. So, when I finally got to the point that I could wear one, I did. The point is not to increase your pain level!best back braces for lower back pain

Now, I do want to tell you that I don’t think you should wear a back brace all the time. This will lead to your muscles around the spine, and your ever-important core muscles, weakening. Ideally, you want to do some core training and build up muscles to help support your spine. See my post about core exercises and bonus…no equipment is required. If you wear a back brace intermittently and it helps to take some pressure off, then, by all means, this can be great. But just don’t get in the habit of wearing it all the time.

Sizing you back brace

As far as sizing yourself for a back brace, you will want to measure around your belly. If your waistline and your belly are in agreement, that is fine, but if your belly is a bit larger, you will probably need a bigger size :). So, measure at your belly button. Okay, moving on.

Before we continue, here’s a few tips to keep in mind as you pick a back brace:

  • Work with your doctor to make sure a back brace is appropriate for you
  • You don’t want to over-tighten the brace
  • The brace should be comfortable, and it should not hurt

The best back braces for low back pain

There are a lot of different types of back braces available and there are a lot of different price points.  A couple of things you want to keep in mind when you are choosing a back brace:

  • Find a brace that fits you – Every body type is different and it’s important that the brace fits you well.  Don’t borrow a brace from someone else, buy one that will fit your body correctly.
  • The brace needs to be comfortable when you are wearing it. So find a brace that will move with you and doesn’t pinch when you are walking, or bending over.  No point in buying a brace that is so uncomfortable it actually causes you pain.
  • The brace also needs to be supportive and provide you with some pain relief. After all, a big reason people use a back brace is for pain relief.

King of Kings Back Brace – #1 Recommendation

If you are looking for a more heavy-duty back brace, you may just want to give the King of Kings brace a try. This brace provides a large coverage area for your lower back. One of the really nice things about this brace is that it comes with 2 rods which provide additional support on either side of your spine.

King of Kings recommends this lower back brace for both men and women looking for lower back support due to sciatica, spinal stenosis, scoliosis or herniated disc. It is available in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra large.

King of Kings Lower Back Brace Pain Relief with Pulley System - Lumbar Support Belt for Women and Men - Adjustable Waist Straps for Sciatica, Spinal Stenosis, Scoliosis or Herniated Disc - Large
3,943 Reviews
King of Kings Lower Back Brace Pain Relief with Pulley System - Lumbar Support Belt for Women and Men - Adjustable Waist Straps for Sciatica, Spinal Stenosis, Scoliosis or Herniated Disc - Large
  • ✅Lumbar Support: Protects L4 L5 S1 vertebrae without direct contact with the spine.
  • ✅Pulley System: Adjusts the back support to your exact position and pressure needs.
  • ✅Sturdy Closure: Hook-and-loop system for secure and long-lasting fastening.
  • ✅Natural Movement: Provides support without restricting natural movement.
  • ✅Breathable Fabric: Non-neoprene, non-elastic knit fabric that's detachable and washable.

The really nice thing is that you have the ability to align these rods where you need them the most. King of Kings lower back braceYou can adjust the location to be wider, or more narrow, depending on your size, or where you feel that you need the support.

This brace is really designed to move with your body, and a lot of people who do heavy lifting have really found this brace beneficial. The brace is not made from neoprene, but rather a super comfortable, breathable material.

What really sets this brace apart is the pulley system that is incorporated to give you lots of room for adjustments. This is a unique system, different from some of the others I have discussed.

This pulley system pulls the brace snug from multiple points around your lower back, not just one point. This is a dynamic feature that I think really adds to the value of this brace.

With this brace, you have the main brace itself which attaches with velcro, one side of the other in front of your stomach. If this is enough support, you are good to go.

If you require additional support, that is where the pulley system comes in handy, so you can get just the right amount of compression.

Again, I think it is really unique that the compression occurs from multiple points on the back of the brace. I think this provides a wider area of consistent support as compared to some of the other braces on the market.

This brace can be worn over or under clothing and you can wash the brace too. I would recommend hand washing and let it air dry, just to be on the safe side.

If you are looking for the best back brace for lower back pain, I would definitely give the King of Kings Lower Back Brace a try. If you’d like to learn more, give our King of Kings Lower Back Brace review a look.

Pros

  • Comfortable for long periods of time
  • Pulley system enables a fairly wide area of compression
  • Can be worn over or under clothing
  • Available in a variety of sizes

Cons

  • Maybe more appropriate for heavy lifters

So, after all, that, let’s get to it. There are a lot of different products on the market, so I will walk you through many different back braces and look at the good and if any, the bad.

Mueller 255 Lumbar Support Back Brace

Mueller has been around for a long, long time. Honestly, this is one of the first names that comes to mind when I think of back braces, as well as other types of braces.

Sale
MUELLER Sports Medicine Adjustable Lumbar Back Brace, Lower Back Pain Relief and Support Belt for Men and Women, Black, Regular (28-50 Inches)
23,761 Reviews
MUELLER Sports Medicine Adjustable Lumbar Back Brace, Lower Back Pain Relief and Support Belt for Men and Women, Black, Regular (28-50 Inches)
  • INTENDED USE: Helps relieve lower back pain while providing support to strains, sprained, and aching backs.
  • FIT: Regular Size. Fits waist sizes 28"-50" max stretch. Adjustable compression from double layer design allows for a custom fit to the abdomen and lower back and breathable fabric for added comfort
  • REMOVABLE LUMBAR PAD: Comes with a removable lumbar pad that cushions and compresses the lower back for concentrated support.
  • STEEL SPRINGS: 4 flexible steel springs conform to the back for additional stability.
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Mueller Sports Medicine has been a trusted leader in sports medicine for over 60 years and is committed to helping you reduce pain through our popular line of back braces and supports

This is a great belt for added protection when lifting. Now, just because you have some added protection when you are lifting stuff, this does not give you a license to go around lifting super heavy Mueller back bracestuff, so please keep that in mind. What it does do, is help provide support. Is bad posture a problem? This brace can definitely help you with posture.

My wife wears a brace similar to this as well. She is on her feet all day and uses a brace to give her body a bit of break. Some people also use these braces instead of a lumbar support for sitting at work.

The Mueller 255 Lumbar Support Brace comes with dual fold adjustment straps. The first set of straps will cross over in front with a velcro strap closure, to hold the brace in place.

There are two additional straps that will stretch around from each side and overlap to give you however much tension you want. So this brace is really customizable for you. This brace is more narrow in the front and broader in the back to give you more stability coverage. I really like the fact that you can adjust the tension.

One more great feature with this back brace is that it comes with an adjustable (or removable if you so desire) lumbar pad. This is a small pad that attaches with velcro to where the pad will be in contact with your lower back. You can move the adjustable pad wherever you want it so you can get just the right spot. So, not only can you adjust the tightness of the fit, but if you need the extra lumbar support, you are covered.

You can wear this brace either over your clothes, or underneath. Let me get into wearing this underneath your clothes. I actually used this type of brace when I was recovering a few years ago. I would wear it under my polo shirt at work but over the top of my undershirt.

See, I tend to sweat (yes, I am a sweater) and having this on over the top of my undershirt worked really well. This way, the brace doesn’t get all sweaty, helping to make this one of the best back braces for lower back pain.

Speaking of sweat…you can wear this brace when you exercise, many people do. Whether it’s tennis or going for a hike, you can wear this brace. Again, I would wear an undershirt, not only for the sweat factor, but that should help to prevent any chaffing. Ah, so if you do sweat, or just think it is time to give your brace a bath, it is hand washable. It is best to hand wash and let it air dry.

Pros

  • You can control the amount of support
  • Washable – hand washing is recommended
  • You can use it when you exercise
  • Available in regular and plus sizes

Cons:

  • If you wear it against bare skin, it may chafe
  • Not machine washable

BraceUP® Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace

This back brace is very popular for a lot of reasons. First of all, it is really breathable. It is made from a lightweight breathable mesh material. I think that is one of the better features of this back brace. The breathable nature will allow you not only do more but will hopefully keep you from sweating.

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BraceUP Back Support Belt for Men and Women - Breathable Waist Lumbar Support Lower Back Brace for Sciatica, Herniated Disc, Scoliosis Lower Back Pain Relief (L/XL 90-110 cm)
14,120 Reviews
BraceUP Back Support Belt for Men and Women - Breathable Waist Lumbar Support Lower Back Brace for Sciatica, Herniated Disc, Scoliosis Lower Back Pain Relief (L/XL 90-110 cm)
  • 👍 IMMEDIATE BACK PAIN RELIEF: BraceUP back support brace features dual adjustment straps to provide customized fit and compression. It gives you immediate pain relief from the lower back, scoliosis, herniated disc, and muscle pain. We stand firmly behind our products and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Or we will refund you no question asked. So shop with confidence.
  • 👍 SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR THE BACK: Our back brace features eight-firm support stays that keep everything in place, giving you sufficient support in the lower back areas you need it most. These stays hold in place snugly against your back, without adding unnecessary compression or resistance. The brace is designed for multi-purpose use, so it’s easy to work into your daily routine.
  • 👍 FULL RANGE OF MOVEMENT: BraceUP Stabilizing Back Brace is the best option for comfortable lumbar support while still allowing for a full range of movement. Whether it is heavy lifting, gym workout, light exercise, or just doing housework, our back support has you all covered so you can always be confident moving your back.
  • 👍 LIGHTWEIGHT, BREATHABLE AND LOW MAINTENANCE: BraceUP back belt brace is made of lightweight but super durable materials. The mesh panel material we used can release excess heat and moisture, so you won't feel like being heavily wrapped and constrained like the other braces. Besides, our brace is super easy to wash and clean.
  • 👍 DISCREET AND STAY IN PLACE: The waist support belt can be easily worn under clothes thanks to its anatomical and low profile design. Our premium soft-touch inner lining feels very comfortable. In fact, you won't even notice it's there, but you’ll be sure to notice the benefits. The generous four anti-slip silicone straps are offered to ensure the back support belt stays in place while you stay active.

The dual adjustable straps make for an easy and comfortable fit. So, these dual Brace up back supportstraps allow you to get the brace just right. As the day wears on, or you decide you need more or less compression, you can easily adjust it for whatever is most comfortable for you. The first layer has two velcro straps that will position the brace where you want it height-wise.

The additional straps stretch, one on either side and allow you to tighten or loosen the amount of compression that the brace offers. It’s really a snug fit and a great idea. This brace will compress your abs but still allow you to move and offers a great range of motion.

You also have the flexibility to adjust one side tighter than the other. For instance, if you need more support on your right side. Of course, you can also have them even if that suits you.

The BraceUP® is built with stays into it, which provide added support. So with the stays, and the ability to adjust the amount of compression, this belt really has a lot to offer.

I would add that from personal experience, if you wear this under your clothes, I would wear an undershirt, or some type of clothing to avoid any rubbing, if you wear this for long periods of time. If you wear the brace for doing yard work, or exercise, and you sweat, the extra layer between your skin and the brace might be a good thing.

If the brace gets dirty or stinky, it can be washed, although I would tend to hand wash and let it air dry. You never know with the stays that are sewn into the brace, I would just be cautious and hand wash it.

This is a very solid back brace and a lot of people have been very happy with it. If you do purchase this, don’t think that will give you a license to go lifting whatever you want, whenever you want. You will need to use this brace for it’s intended purpose.

Pros

  • Breathable mesh material
  • Stays are sewn into the brace for added support
  • Dual-layer adjustment

Cons

  • Maybe a little bulky under clothing
  • Can cause some skin irritation if you wear it for a long time without a shirt under

ComfyMed® Premium Quality Back Brace

ComfyMed is a family-owned business that prides itself on building a better back brace.

ComfyMed Premium Quality Back Brace CM-102M with Removable Lumbar Pad for Lower Back Pain Relief (REG 26'-37' Belly)
1,806 Reviews
ComfyMed Premium Quality Back Brace CM-102M with Removable Lumbar Pad for Lower Back Pain Relief (REG 26"-37" Belly)
  • ✅ PREMIUM QUALITY - Most comfortable Back Support Belt on the Market - Durable - WASHABLE
  • ✅ REMOVABLE LUMBAR PAD - Does not scratch, roll, slip or bunch - The ONLY Back Brace available with EASY GRIP HANDLES
  • ✅ SAY GOODBYE BACK PAIN - Medical device for the natural treatment and prevention of back pain - Wear it anywhere, anytime and GET YOUR LIFE BACK
  • ✅ 12 MONTHS WARRANTY - Enjoy the peace of mind of buying directly from the Manufacturer - RISK FREE
  • ✅ UNISEX - SIZE REG 26" TO 37" - Measured at the Belly Button - Refer to last Image for SIZING CHART

First off, the brace is made from a soft, comfortable and durable Neoprene material an includes a removable lumbar pad. So, if you need added support for your lumbar region, you can adjust or remove the extra pad.

ComfyMed Premium Back BraceThis will depend on your body and how it feels when you wear it. You will want to try with and without the lumbar pad and see what gives you the best result. The only downer to the brace so far is that it may not be as breathable as others since it is made from neoprene.

You will love the ergonomic design of this brace. The ComfyMed® brace is designed to help you stay active and keep you active.

The front of the brace is more narrow than the back, which allows you to bend over freely or sit down, without the brace impeding your movement. This brace really gives you the freedom to go about your daily activities allowing you to move freely.

The Premium Quality brace is Designed to sit between your hips and ribcage, allowing the built-in plastic rods to help route some of the weight away from your torso, and spine, instead, distributing the weight evenly through your hips. This will help to relieve pressure on your spine. Which goes back to one point I mentioned earlier about how a brace can help to distribute weight and pressure around the spine.

To put this brace on, you will put the belt around your waist and get it positioned where you want it with the first set of velcro straps. Then you can tighten it down to your liking with the outer compression band, using the metal rings. The velcro on this brace is no joke, and will really hold tight.

Because of that, ComfyMed has made this brace with metal rings on the end of the straps, to make it easy to tighten or remove the brace. At least you know it will be a really secure fit when you have it on. The brace should be comfortable and you definitely don’t want to overtighten it.

If you plan to wear this brace under clothing, you can. I would recommend wearing an undershirt or tank top. Of course, it’s personal preference. As for washing, go ahead, but I would recommend hand washing and let it air dry.

Pros

  • Comfortable design and fabric
  • Snug fit
  • Washable

Cons

  • May not breathe as well as some others

Venom Lumbar Back Brace Support

The Venom Lumbar Back Brace is definitely designed with active people in mind. This is a family-owned business that has really made an outstanding back brace. Whether you are an athlete, or just doing everyday activities like bending over to pick up a kid, you can use this super supportive back brace.

Venom Lumbar Back Brace Compression Belt - Elastic Support & Adjustable Dual Straps, Lower Back Pain, Spasm, Strain, Herniated Disc, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Disc Bulge, Lifting, Men, Women (Large)
703 Reviews
Venom Lumbar Back Brace Compression Belt - Elastic Support & Adjustable Dual Straps, Lower Back Pain, Spasm, Strain, Herniated Disc, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Disc Bulge, Lifting, Men, Women (Large)
  • 🔥 TARGETED COMPRESSION: Elastic material provides compression to relieve stress and reduce discomfort.
  • 🔥 GUARANTEES SUPPORT: Adjustable double straps and heavy duty Velcro securely support the waist and abdomen.
  • 🔥 IMPROVES POSTURE: Ergonomic design ensures comfort while stabilizing the spine and improving posture.
  • 🔥 PROVIDES SPINAL REINFORCEMENT: Embedded rigid springs conform to back and offers firm lower back reinforcement.
  • 🔥 SIZING OPTIONS: Available in sizes S, M, L, XL for a secured fit. Please refer to our size chart shown in the pictures in order to determine accurate sizing.

I think you will really be happy with the durability and quality that went into making this brace. The brace incorporates a lightweight mesh, but yet has a very solid back to it, which will help support where you need it most.

Venom Lumbar Back BraceThis brace offers an inner set of velcro straps that allow you to secure it in place, exactly where you want it. This easy to wrap velcro closure offers a wide range of adjustments and fits many different shapes and sizes of people.

If this initial wrap is what you need, then great, but you can also take it further for increased compression. The outer set of straps stretches and allows you to tighten or loosen as needed. This design is great for quick adjustments.

As I mentioned earlier, this brace is great for active people. It is not as bulky as some of the other back braces out there, so you can wear this with confidence when you are exercising, doing yard work, or whatever activities you are doing. Some people wear this while playing tennis and have said it does not impede their performance.

The Venom Lumbar Back Brace Support mesh will help to keep you cool while you are working up a sweat. The lightweight mesh design is again made for your active lifestyle. You can also wear this for everyday activities as well, so it’s a really versatile brace. I would recommend washing this by hand and letting it air dry.

You can wear this under clothing, but again, I would recommend an undershirt, or tank top, or something to make it more comfortable as you are exercising.
Overall, I think this brace is a solid option as many people really like it. I think it’s a little more geared toward sports and exercise which is a real bonus.

Pros

  • Not as bulky as some braces
  • Mesh material helps breathability
  • Lightweight and solid

Cons

  • I would not recommend wearing directly against your skin for long periods of time

Old Bones Therapy Lower Back Brace Support Belt

Now we’re talking. Old Bones Therapy has really hit a home run with this back brace. Ready for this? It comes with hot and cold gel packs! This is such a great feature to add to a back brace. I used a back brace with an ice pack when I was recovering from my injury a few years ago. It was great because I was able to sit at my desk and ice a spot that is pretty hard to get to, without laying flat on my back.

Old Bones Therapy Lower Back Brace with Adjustable Straps | Lumbar Support for Immediate Relief (Back Brace, S/M, Fits 27-34 Inches) | Improved Version 2.0
1,664 Reviews
Old Bones Therapy Lower Back Brace with Adjustable Straps | Lumbar Support for Immediate Relief (Back Brace, S/M, Fits 27-34 Inches) | Improved Version 2.0
  • ✓ IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR PAIN AND DISCOMFORT - The Old Bones Therapy Back Brace Version 2.0 uses compression to help reduce muscle fatigue and swelling, increases circulation, and help relieve sciatica, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis and more.
  • ✓ HELPING YOU STAY ACTIVE - Our breathable Knitted back support brace is for everyone, from office workers, to athletes, to adrenaline junkies. The ergonomic design permits full range of motion without binding or pinching, giving you support no matter what you are doing.
  • ✓ LIGHTWEIGHT, LIVABLE COMFORT - Superior design features Dual Elastic Pull Strap, 4 Flexible Stability Stays, and a Non-Slip Silicone Lining to ensure this blackout color back brace conforms to your body and allows free range of motion, without sacrificing support.
  • ✓ INTERIOR POCKET FOR HOT/COLD THERAPY – Keep heat or cold perfectly positioned with our integrated gel pack pocket, so you can stay active and get the extra relief you need. Gel Packs are NOT included.
  • ✓ WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK - Our customers tell us this is the best back support system out there, period. Here at Old Bones Therapy, we're obsessed with Customer Happiness. If you're not happy with anything, we will make it right.

The main part of the back brace is made from perforated neoprene and will help to insulate the ice pack to keep it cool. The perforation will allow airflow and help to maintain breathability.

Old Bones Therapy Back BraceOne thing when you start to ice your lower back is ice tends to melt quickly. An inflamed lower back can give off some pretty good heat. So, with the neoprene insulation, this will really help to keep the ice pack cold for a longer period of time.

You will love the added lumbar spines that will provide additional support to your lower back. So with the lumbar spines and the neoprene construction, this brace really has a lot of support. But, that is not all. This brace is equipped with dual elastic bands so you have the ability to adjust and tighten the brace even more if you need it. This brace is really versatile, making it one of the best back braces for lower back pain.

Whether you are trying to prevent further injury, or just help support your lower back with your daily activities, I really think Old Bones Therapy has made a great back brace. I would recommend washing this by hand and letting the brace air dry. You can wear this brace under clothing.

This brace comes in three different sizes and comes with one red and one blue gel pack. You can heat the pack up in the microwave and put one in the freezer. Overall, this is a great brace, with the added option of heat or cold, which can really help an aching back. The cold pack will last about 15 minutes and the hot pack for about 20-30 minutes.  You can buy additional gel packs from Old Bones Therapy directly.

Pros

  • Comfortable neoprene material
  • Hot and cold gel packs
  • Adjustable fit for just the right amount of support

Cons

  • Sizes tend to run small
  • Ice pack could last longer

Conclusion: Best back braces for lower back pain

I hope you have found this review valuable. There are a wide variety of back braces available out there to hopefully help provide some much-needed relief for lower back pain. I know I benefited from my back brace when I was recovering from my injury a few years ago.

Everyone is going to be different, so these braces will depend on your body, your injury, or a number of other factors. Before you purchase a back brace, please consult your doctor. Back braces can provide some added stability when you are recovering from an injury, or doing heavy lifting. I believe the best remedy is a strong core, and these braces can help offer some support while you are working on building a stronger core.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a back brace help?

As was my case, using a back brace allowed me to be upright for longer periods, which also helped in my recovery since I was able to be active when I otherwise couldn’t.  Wearing a brace allowed me to go for walks, and do some light exercise which was part of my recovery in building a stronger core.

Without the brace, I was not able to do these things, and that would have slowed down my recovery.  So the point is that a back brace can be helpful, but you don’t want to just rely on the brace, ultimately you want to improve strength and that will be the best long-term solution.

If you wear the brace all the time, you are not giving your muscles a chance to work and that can lead to more problems down the road. Yes, a back brace can assist in healing and potentially decrease the chance of further problems later on. The key is to find a happy medium for wearing your brace, you don’t want to overuse or underuse it. If you are going to wear a back brace, intermittent use is the way to go.

Using a back brace the right way is extremely important. You don’t want to increase your pain or cause more damage.

Can I sleep with a back brace?

Unless your doctor tells you to, I would say no.  Sleep is a time for your body to recover, so you want to give your body a chance to do so.  The additional constriction from the brace might not make sleeping with it a good idea.  You may just be more comfortable without the brace.  I never slept with my brace on.

Also, having the brace on may cause some irritation to your skin.  I am kind of all over the place when I sleep so a brace may rub and cause irritation. Braces are best worn to recover from back pain, and worn during the day to help with things like walking, exercise, or bending over.

How long should I wear my brace?

You definitely don’t want to wear a brace all the time.  The brace is designed to help strengthen muscles when you otherwise can’t. You don’t want to become completely dependent on the brace, let your muscles do the work.

Wearing a brace intermittently throughout the day is best. This can help with posture and also give your muscles a break.  A few hours, maybe up to four, is about the most you want to wear one.  Of course, again, your doctor can guide you through this process.  The brace should be worn, so eventually, you don’t have to wear it at all.

Should I wear the brace under or over my clothes?

I definitely recommend having some sort of material between your skin and the back brace. I have tried different braces against my skin and it’s not very comfortable.  In addition, if you sweat, then you are sweating on the brace. It’s easier to throw an undershirt in the laundry than to hand wash the brace and air it out.  So for comfort and cleanliness, I would wear an undershirt, or wear the brace over your clothes.

Is a back brace machine washable?

Some are, but most you will want to hand wash and let it air dry.  Each back brace will be different, so the best bet is to read the care instructions.

Will a back brace help with lower back pain?

I believe it can, but this will be something to discuss with your doctor.  As I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t quite ready for one when I was recovering from spinal stenosis and it actually hurt me to have it on, because the brace caused me to be too far upright at the time. Later on, I was able to use the brace and it helped with my recovery by providing support so I could exercise.

44 thoughts on “Best Back Braces For Lower Back Pain – (2020 Buyers Guide)”

  1. I really appreciate reading your post. As a personal trainer I find that about 10-20% of my clients suffer from some sort of low back pain. Our sedentary society is spending more and more time sitting which contributes to the atrophy or malfunction of the lower abs to support the low back. There were two of your products that I would recommend to my clients.- venom back brace support and the old bones therapy back brace support. The Venom looks supportive,but allows for maximum mobility for active clients. I would recommend the Old Bones back brace to my older clients as an afterworkout healing tool. Great information!

    Reply
    • Thank you very much for taking some time to comment on my post, I really appreciate it.  I am glad you found this post useful and would recommend these to your clients.  I agree with your assessment of the Venom and Old Bones braces and think people can certainly benefit from them.  As you mentioned, wearing a brace and being able to maintain as much mobility as possible is critical.  Thanks again, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  2. I suffer from lower back pain almost constantly. I have a 45 minute commute and then spend the next 8 hours sitting at desk. I do get up every 20-30 minutes or so, but have noticed that the pain keeps getting worse. I have the option of raising the desk, but haven’t gotten myself to do that yet. I can’t afford to go to the physical therapist/chiropractor and a back brace would be a low cost way to help ease some of the pain and help my posture. My wife is convinced I have scoliosis and will end up a hunchback if I don’t take care of it. Thanks for offering feedback on different types. I will definitely consider purchasing from you.

    Reply
    • Glad you found this information valuable.  You are in the same situation so many folks are in with sitting for your commute, then at a desk, then the commute home.  Yes, you could probably benefit from a back brace, just to give some relief throughout the day.  

      You may want to check out my post on sit stand workstations as well.  I have definitely benefited from my sit stand workstation.  Here is the link. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

      Reply
  3. I appreciate learning about tools that can be helpful from back pain from people that have had experiences themselves. As I get older, I find that it is so much easier to improperly twist and really hurt my back. It can be so painful, and not just for a short time, but can last days!

    A back brace would definitely be more helpful doing work around the house whether it’s cleaning out the garage, doing yardwork, or moving furniture around. I think it could offer that additional support to make sure you don’t seriously injure yourself.

    Thank you for sharing some different back braces that would be helpful. I will dig into each one a little more to see which one offers the benefits I’m looking for.

    Reply
    • Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.  Yes, I definitely agree with you, a back brace can provide some much needed support to help get us through some of the daily tasks we do.  Please let me know if you need any more help.  Thanks again.

      Reply
  4. I’ve found reading this post very interesting. I too have low back pain and have struggled with it for years. For some reason, I have never considered a back brace, but I’m going to ask my chiropractor about this when I see him again tomorrow. Maybe a brace will give me enough support so I can walk more. Thank you for your review of these back braces – saves me a lot of research.

    Reply
    • I am really glad you read my post, hopefully a brace can help you out. There are a lot of choices out there, so I tried to select some that I think will help people. Best of luck to you. Let me know if I can help any further.

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  5. Hi Steve,

    Great post on lower back pain and some options for braces. If I were ever to look for a back brace I think initially I would be drawn to BraceUp back brace for the reasons you discuss. Plus I think it looks the coolest.

    I’ve lifted weights for 30 years. About 15 years ago I was doing squats and threw out my lower back. This was my first interactions with a chiropractor and it was a great experience. From that time I saw a chiropractor every 2 months for maintenance but have fallen off that the last several years.

    I continue to focus significant time and energy on maintaining a strong core as the majority of my work day is spent in front of a screen like this.

    Great post!

    Reply
    • Thank you for stopping by.  I can certainly relate to sitting behind the screen all day.  Let me know if I can help you out any further.  Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  6. I have lower back pain and I was surfing the net looking for a new back brace and cam across our site. They all look good but I decided to buy the VENOM LUMBAR BACK BRACE SUPPORT. It was only $24.99 on Amazon. Thanks for a great review and I saved your site to my favorites. I’m sure I’ll need more products in the future.

    Reply
  7. Steve: You have written a great web page on back braces for lower back pain. I suffer from spinal stenosis with a herniated disk too. So I am all familiar with lower back pain. In fact, my doctor has told me I need surgery to cure this problem. I am holding off until I can’t stand the pain any more. I agree with you on not lifting heavy weight. It will only make the back problem worse. I liked the pros and cons that you provided for the back braces you reviewed. Very helpful. You have provided a lot of good content and visuals too. Best of luck to you with your back and with your website.

    Reply
    • Thank you very much for your comment.  I certainly understand not wanting to have surgery, I would do the same.  I wish you the best with your back problems, I can relate.  Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  8. Wow, what a comprehensive article! My aunt needs one of these so badly. She has had bad back pain for years now and it sucks to see her in pain. I had no idea that these braces even existed! I’ll be showing her this post and see what she thinks. Thanks a bunch brother.

    Reply
    • Yes, I am glad I could help you out. Back pain is no fun, and these can definitely help. Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  9. I did hurt my back several months ago and have gone through surgery. I’m finally recovering and hoping to get off painkiller medication shortly. I do like the idea of hot and cold gel packs. I mean a back brace is one thing, but being able to use a cold or hot gel pack looks the most appealing to me.

    I did have a couple questions for you. How long does the hot and cold gel pack last? Is it good for 20 minutes, 30, an hour etc? Also, do they sell hot and cold gel packs that fit this back brace? I think it’s a smart idea to have a couple extra’s so you can cycle them out throughout the day.

    Reply
    • Thanks for your comment. You will get about 15 minutes from the cold pack and about 30 minutes from the hot pack. You can buy extra gel packs, although I have not seen them on Amazon, but only on the Old Bones Therapy website. I am not sure why Amazon doesn’t carry the extra packs. You are absolutely right, it would be nice to have extra gel packs to use throughout the day. Thanks again for stopping by.

      Reply
  10. Your article is detailed and helpful. I thought about all that you have suffered and agreed that you are qualified to write this article. Your experience will go well with your audience.

    I recently bought a back brace thinking that I was dying from severe pain in my lower back. My smart PC Doctor did not even refer me to anyone. All he did was to show me which exercise I should do and I was fine.
    I hope you are doing better now you have suffered a lot. I still have my support belt which is similar to the one you display for Lower Back.

    My friend is having back problems so I will give him the URL for this page so he can educate himself about what to do next.
    Thanks for this informative post.

    Reply
    • I am glad you like my post, thank you very much for your comment. I covered a lot of ground and there are a lot of choices. I hope you find some help for your friend. Please let me know if I can help any further.

      Reply
  11. Back pain is no joke if you have any issues I would highly suggest you nip it in the butt quick! You really don’t want to let these things linger and become worse. I am on my feet a lot and really think the Old Bones Therapy brace would be a great option for me. I really like the option to add the heat/cold packs. Thanks for sharing this post, I appreciate it.

    Reply
    • Thanks for your comment. I agree you should definitely see a doctor or chiropractor if back pain is an issue for you. The Old Bones Therapy is one of my top recommendations, for the reasons you mentioned. Thanks again, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  12. Hi, I appreciate the effort you put into this article. As long I remember my dad has been suffering from lower back pain and we have tried a couple of back braces ourselves, some were better than others. Your article is very informative and I will definitely send it over to my dad as he is always looking for new information on how to deal with his pain. Maybe your article will aid him in picking a new back brace 😀

    Thanks again and good luck 🙂

    Reply
  13. Such a great article, because you are providing so much helpful information in great detail. This is a great idea for people whose have a lower back pain condition. The suggestion you are providing of wearing a back Brace is an excellent idea, I’ve never really thought of wearing one before.
    I will tell my husband to look at your site as he’s been suffering for a while from a lower back pain issue.
    I was looking at the Old Bones Back Brace for him, it probably is a great option to wear this brace in order to reduce the back pain.
    I really appreciate reading your review.
    Thank you for trying to help people.
    Jacqueline

    Reply
    • Thank you for the comment, I appreciate it. Yes, the Old Bones back brace is a solid option, especially with the hot and cold packs. Please let me know if you have any questions, or need any help. Thanks again!

      Reply
  14. Hello my name is Sonny.
    I was reading your article about back braces when I was searching the web.  For a while now I have had some back problems and was wondering what it would be like to wear a back brace as I have never had one or worn one before.
    I was adamant that getting a back brace would help heal your muscles around the back but this is not the case.
    I have figured that I do need to wear a back brace when I go to work as I do a lot of heavy and repetitive lifting and bending.
    So I was wondering in your opinion is it ok to wear a back brace everyday when at work if the is a lot of bending and lifting ?

    Reply
    • Hi Sonny, thanks for your comment and that is a great question.

      Ideally, you don’t want to wear a back brace all day every day, you want to maintain your core strength as much as possible.  If you let the back brace do all the work, that isn’t great.  I understand that some companies may require you to do this. When possible, take the brace off, like when you are on break, or at lunch etc.  

      In a perfect world, wearing a back brace should be a temporary thing.  You want to strength the muscles that support your spine.  I used a back brace when I was recovering from an injury.  The brace allowed me to get back to the point that I could workout and starting building my core.  The brace served a purpose for me by allowing me to exercise somewhat when I otherwise couldn’t.  Now I don’t use a brace at all. 

      A back brace can be great for certain applications, it can immobilize your spine so you can heal, restrict movement and help to minimize pain.  

      Again, I don’t lift heavy items all day at work and I know some jobs will require you to wear one, for safety. In that case you are kind of stuck.  But as was my case, I used the brace temporarily to get to the point that I didn’t have to wear one anymore.  

      I know this is a lot of information, and I hope this helps 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions.

      Reply
  15. I am very young, so luckily I haven’t had to deal with any back pain yet. But I know that there are countless people out there who do suffer from back pain, and they are always looking for something to relieve them of their pain. I enjoyed reading your article and learning about back braces and how they are able to stabilize the lower back.

    Reply
    • Thanks for stopping by Danny.  I am glad you enjoyed the article.  Please let me know if you have any questions, or need any help.  

      Reply
  16. Hi Steve:

    Your post really peaks my interest because I have experienced back pain just like everyone in the world probably has!

    I have a back brace that works pretty well. I also do a lot of core strengthening exercises that help. Even though I’m 65, in recent years I’ve largely been able to avoid back problems (except for that one time several years ago when my back had a spasm and I couldn’t get off the floor!)

    I honestly believe that most of the pain I’ve suffered in the past was due to extreme stress.

    I really like the “Old Bones” Brace because it comes with hot and cold packs. I’ve always thought that’s a feature that all braces should have!

    Thank you for your informative post and bringing these to our attention!

    Reply
    • Hi Christopher, thanks for stopping by.  I agree with you on the hot and cold packs, that is a great addition to the Old Bones back brace.  Back braces for lower back pain can come in really handy and help a lot of people with back problems.  Please let me know if you have any questions, I would love to help.  Thanks again!

      Reply
  17. Wow Steve! I was not expecting all the information you provided in your post! Thank you for including links to your other articles, especially the core exercises. I didn’t know that walking lunges are great for the core! I especially love how you included detailed information for several different braces to use.  Do these work for someone who is doing construction too or are these if someone already has an injury to their back?

    Reply
    • Hi Adrianne, thanks for stopping by.  The best advice I can give you about construction, is to talk to your doctor first and figure out what type of brace is best for your situation.  Everyone has different needs, so that will make a difference. Some people use a belt for weight lifting, golf, tennis, etc, and some people use them for injury recovery like I did.  

      Once you know what you need, you can come back to my review and check out the pros and cons of each back brace and make an informed decision from there.

      I am glad you enjoyed my other articles as well.  The whole point is to help improve strength so that the muscles that support your spine can help you have a healthy back.

      Thanks for your comment, and please let me know if you have any more questions.

      Reply
  18. Thank you for sharing this article about back braces for the lower back.

    I appreciate your post very much because it is so informative.  You have given me different choices and their pros and cons.  At the same time, you were able to give answers on questions that I would like to ask such as, can I wear this while sleeping? I am very glad you have all these necessary pieces of information.

    I know you have recommended the King of Kings, but I think I will go with the ComfyMed.

    All the best!

    Reply
    • Hello Hanna, thanks for stopping by today.  I am glad you found some useful information in my post! Yes, I believe the King of Kings brace is a great option, but so is the ComfyMed, it all depends on the user. 

      It is important to find a brace that fits you well and there is not a one size fits all solution for everyone.  That is why I chose a variety of braces to review.  

      Glad I was able to answer many of your questions, but if you have any more, please let me know and I will do my best.  

      Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  19. This is a great review and Yes, you do not need to move buses- Love it

    I have a Mueller 255 Lumbar Support Brace and I am in less pain, able to walk easily and love this brace.

    I am also going to take a look at the other ones you recommend as I need a spare 

    Thank you for taking the time to share such great information as I know there are millions of people who suffer every day with their backs and i am going to refer a few people to this site as they really need support like this so thanks again

    Reply
    • Hi Vicki, thanks for stopping by. I am glad to provide this information, as it hits home for me personally.  I have been through a lot and using a back brace was an important part of my recovery in 2016.  I occasionally wear a brace now and then if I am looking for extra support, or am having a bad back day.  

      Glad to hear the Mueller brace is working for you, they are a strong name in the industry for sure.  Please let me know if you have any questions, I am more than happy to help out if I can.

      Reply
  20. Great post and good info. This is suitable info for my wife, she suffers with her back. I will show her this post, because I’m confident this will really help her. I know she has a lot of pain, even when doing small exercises or work. I think she will be happy, since pain relievement is the most important part now. Thanks for sharing! 

    Reply
    • Thank you for stopping by Emmanuel, and thanks for your comment.  Sorry to hear your wife has back problems.  Hopefully she can find a brace that will work for her needs.  Braces can help people recover from back injuries, and also help them to exercise and improve strengthen core muscles which can in turn help with back problems.  

      Please let me know if either one of you have any questions and I can try to point you in the right direction.  Thanks again for your comment, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  21. Hi Steve,

    Good to read your post that you have provided on the topic, “best back braces for lower back pain”. Most of the working people and old people are nowadays suffering from this low back pain problem. You have nicely described why this kind of pains occurs and why I should buy a back brace. 

    You have provided some benefits of back braces and also said that before buying this I might console it with my doctor. Then you mentioned different kinds of back braces and gave a description of its quality. At last, you have nicely answered some important questions that when I should wear it and how long, should I use it while I sleep and so on. 

    I can say that by reading this post I have learned many details about low back pain and different kind of back brace as the solution.

    Thank you so much for providing this helpful and informative post.

    Reply
    • Thanks for stopping by today.  Yes, there are a lot of options when it comes to back braces, and I wanted to consolidate that information in one spot.  Finding a good lower back brace can be challenging and you need to find one that fits you and that is why I reviewed a lot of them.  

      I am glad you enjoyed the article and please let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help. 

      Reply
  22. I have used a back brace in the past and they have helped a lot while recovering from a fall where my back got really twisted up. It was a lifesaver at that time, and I still have it to this day (that was over 5 years ago). I can most definitely recommend these, of course after checking with your doctor.

    The different versions that you have reviewed all seem that they would suffice, it comes down to what the use would be as to which one to select. The one that I would likely go with is the BraceUP® Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace. It is breathable (important in Dubai, it gets hot in the Summer months).

    The second one that caught my eye and might even be worth replacing my old one for is the Old Bones Therapy Lower Back Brace Support Belt. That one is cool (literally) or warm, depending on what you need. In Dubai, it would be perfect, and although the ice pack does not last that long, it looks great and I am sure feels great too.

    Is there an option t buy an extra ice pack (or even two) with the Old Bones back brace belt? That would tip the scales in favor of that one if that were possible. I may replace the old one I have now, as there are times during the changes in the season when the back starts aching. Having a new one on hand might help. Good review and info, thanks much!

    Reply
    • Hi Dave, thanks for stopping by.  I agree with you on having a belt that is breathable, really no matter what climate you live, but especially in Dubai.  

      I am glad you like the selection of braces, I know there are a lot to choose from, hopefully this post has pointed you in the right direction.

      BraceUp is a great option as is the Old Bones Therapy brace with the hot and cold packs. To answer your question, you can buy extra packs for  Old Bones, but, (unfortunately there is a but) these are not available on Amazon.  You would have to go directly to oldbonestherapy.com and purchase the addition packs. I included the link there for you.

      Please let me know if you have any further questions, I am happy to help.

      Reply

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