Spinal Bracing

Back braces can help treat many spine problems, including:

  • Sprains (ligament injuries)
  • Strains (muscle or tendon injuries)
  • Fractures (broken bones)

For sprains, strains and some fractures, you usually wear an elastic or neoprene brace that wraps around your back and closes with a fabric fastener. The brace keeps your spine stable to help ligaments, muscles or bones heal. It also gives you a feeling of support.

If you have an injury such as a compression fracture of the spine, you usually wear a rigid brace made with metal or hard plastic. This holds your spine still to help the bones heal and to reduce pain.

If you have an unstable spine fracture, your doctor might give you a rigid brace that acts like a cast. The brace minimizes movement so the bone can heal. The brace can also help prevent nerve damage.

If you have spinal fusion surgery, the doctor might prescribe a brace to keep your spine still to allow the fusion to heal.

Conditions this treats