Braces Help You Attain Sciatica Pain Relief

The use of back brace to treat and manage sciatica is debatable. Many physicians believe that spinal bracing leads to weakening of muscles and creates need for an external support. However, others believe that bracing can help a patient become functional quite soon. Studies carried out on the functionality of bracing have documented that around 30-80% of sciatic pain sufferers have been benefited from it.

Let's take a look at how back braces can actually help you get over the problem of sciatica.

Back brace curbs the physical movement
Spinal bracing's effect on the spine's movement has been studied broadly. It was found that bracing reduces flexion or extension, but it doesn't eliminate it completely. In some cases, the movement of spine was found more towards the lower as well as upper margins of braces. However, to limit the lumbar motion completely, the fixation of pelvis becomes mandatory. And because of this reason, motion limitation in thoracolumbar region can still be achieved; in lumbosacral region, it is not possible at all.

Proper posture can be achieved
A back brace is designed to improve the overall posture and provide support to the back. When a sciatica sufferer wears a back brace, there is an augmented awareness regarding the position of the lumbar spine as well as the pelvis. With a back brace, the patient remains aware about the body positions and intentionally avoids any sort of undesirable postures.

Intra-abdominal pressure decreases and so does the load on spine
Contraction of trunk muscles, which includes intercostals, abdominals as well as diaphragm, takes place when lifting heavy object. The increased abdominal pressure gives an upward push to the diaphragm which reduces the force on spine. However, the back brace increases the intra-abdominal pressure by 25%, especially when the wearer is sitting or standing. It has been found that when the patient lifts heavy objects, the abdominal muscles make no reaction, if he/she is wearing a brace. Hence, back brace benefits spinal muscles primarily while doing normal activities. About 15-28% decreased load on disc has been noticed.

Back brace balances pelvis as well as the lower spine
Back brace increases the intra-abdominal pressure and acts just like support rings in the barrel. When the brace is tightened, a stabilizing effect is accomplished. Now, contraction of abdomen and pelvic muscles leads to stabilizing of the spine.

Risks associated with back brace
Back brace can support fatigued muscles and provide relief temporarily. But, prolonged use of back brace, even when the area has been healed can weaken back musculature with time.

Therefore, the ideal solution is to look for a brace that can apply pressure over irritated area, protect tissues and keep the back muscles still for a certain timeframe.

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