Whether you work on your feet, are pregnant, or have recurring muscle tension in your lower back, you may decide to wear a back brace. People of all ages try them for different conditions, but some say they can make your back weaker. Learn more below about the truth behind these devices, as well as the benefits of trying a treatment like low-level laser therapy for lower back pain, tension, and muscle spasms.
Back Braces & Muscle Weakness
According to scientific research on lumbar support devices for lower back pain, these devices have some potential advantages. The support they provide can help to temporarily enhance function and reduce back discomfort. Some products may also provide enough compression to promote natural healing. Other possible reasons for using braces for lower back pain relief include protecting your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Since they take some of the load off your lumbar area, they may also be able to help to reduce pressure parts of your spine, such as your joints and discs.
There can be drawbacks, however, to using a back brace. According to Spine Universe, wearing a back brace with too much frequency or duration may lead to a loss of muscle mass and weakness in both the back and abdominal region. Some people can also develop a psychological addiction to their back brace, including feeling dependent on it to complete their normal activities. If you are concerned about the downside of back braces or need more relief, you have other treatment choices available for your back problems.
Preventing Back Weakness
It is important not to become too reliant on a back brace—or to wear it for longer than directed. If you do decide to wear a back brace, take steps to prevent muscle weakness. Follow your doctor’s orders as well as the instruction manual. Keep your back straight and work on your posture while you sit, which can help keep your abdominal and back muscles strong.
Stay active by adding both cardio and strength activities to your exercise routine. Lower back stretches such as pelvic tilts and partial curls can also help to keep your core strong and your lumbar muscles limber. If you have any questions about back weakness or psychological dependency on your back brace, have a conversation with your doctor. You may also decide that another therapy is necessary to treat your discomfort, tension, or inflammation.
Trying Laser Therapy for Back Pain
A brace may be able to provide some support for your back muscles, but it doesn’t necessarily provide relief of pain, stiffness, or muscle tension. If you are not getting the benefits you need from wearing a brace, or you’re worried about creating muscle weakness in your back, there are other options available. One of the best ways to relieve uncomfortable symptoms in your lower back is to wear a Curavi™ laser therapy belt. Our devices take advantage of a technology known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
When you use a PBMT device, medical-grade lasers are able to penetrate your skin and modulate pain and inflammation in your lower back, and there are no known adverse side effects. In as little as 30 minutes per day, you can ease your symptoms of discomfort, spasms, and stiffness.
You can select from three different levels of total laser output (measured in milliwatts), including a laser therapy belt that provides professional-quality coverage in the comfort of your home. Our CuraviPro™ belt provides up to 1000 mW of pure laser light, allowing you to achieve temporary relief of your lower back pain and reduce inflammation.
You can also choose from the CuraviUltra™ and CuraviPlus™. These devices offer both 420 mW and 800 mW of healing laser light, respectively. Whichever one you decide on, you will be wearing a truly revolutionary medical device. You will also be able to treat pain as soon as possible to prevent further health problems.
Everyone deserves to be pain-free. Since our laser therapy belts are only intended to be worn for a pre-timed half-hour session, you don’t have to worry about weakening your core muscles through their use. You will also enjoy the quality of this supportive and comfortable device, which is assembled by skilled technicians here in the USA.
As you make adjustments to your back care routine, be sure to keep in contact with your primary care physician or back specialist. Being honest about your symptoms and reporting any changes in your pain level will help your provider make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Taking care of your whole body wellness by exercising, stretching, and eating right will also help you to reduce your lower back pain.