Let’s talk about back pain, the epidemic of the 21st century. Just take Australia alone. About 80 to 90 percent of Australians have experienced some form of back pain during their lives, while 10 percent are struggling with chronic back pain. And when you work at a desk or have a job that requires physical straining, back pain is something you sign up for since the moment you get your job contract.

Many folks suffering from back pain resort to wearing a back brace for support. A back brace can minimize and even eliminate pain by supporting the muscles and bones in your lower back which in turn keep your spine in a natural position. By supporting this key area, the rest of your body can relax from the stress of sitting or the strain of doing heavy lifting. A back brace is a convenient solution that you can wear every day under your clothing and no-one will even notice. Plus, back braces are incredibly affordable, so there’s no harm in at least trying.

Besides helping to reduce pain, back braces can also be used as a preventative measure against lower back injuries in people who perform labour intensive tasks. If a person bends too far, or lifts a heavy object in a wrong manner, it can cause pressure within the spinal column and even muscle tears. Wearing a support brace keeps the body in a proper position when bending and helps eliminate injuries caused by incorrect lifting.

In order for the brace to be effective, you need to wear the correct size. To choose the right size you need to measure your lower back in its widest point and try to match the number you’ve got with the various sizes of back braces. Stand up in a neutral position and avoid sucking in your stomach when you’re getting yourself measured for a brace in order to avoid any mistakes. For a truly perfect fit, there are also models of back braces that come with adjustable shoulder straps, adjustable posterior support as well as an abdominal compression system.

It’s also important to ensure that you’re wearing the brace correctly. This means positioning it at the top edge of your belt, just below your navel. A good back brace should completely cover your lower back, as well as tail bone. You should also pay attention that the brace is neither too snug, nor too loose. If it’s too loose it won’t properly support your back whereas if it’s too tight, it can hinder the healing process of muscles and ligaments.