SHOULD YOU WEAR A BACK BRACE FOR YOUR LOW BACK PAIN?
SHOULD YOU WEAR A BACK BRACE FOR YOUR LOW BACK PAIN?
In the past, people were commonly told that they should rest their back after experiencing back pain. One of the most common recommendations on how to rest your back was to wear a back brace. Both of these pieces of advice are outdated. Rest is no longer recommended for those with back pain in Fox Chapel and for the most part neither are low back braces. Modern guidelines emphasize staying active and using conservative treatments such as exercise and rehabilitation for low back pain.
WHY SHOULDN’T I WEAR A LOW BACK BRACE FOR MY BACK PAIN?
Back braces increase intrabdominal pressure and stability while they are being worn. This allows for the abdominal and low back musculature to relax. While this may seem like a good thing, it can prolong recovery time. Part of the recovery from a low back pain episode should include strengthening of the core and make sure the muscles activate at the appropriate time. Wearing a back brace instead of strengthening the core actually weakens it. The muscles of the low back become reliant on the brace and stop activating when they should. Due to this weakening, one becomes reliant on the back brace to relieve their pain and instability. If instead, the patient had never worn the back brace then they would have never developed this dependence.
THAT SAID SOMETIMES IT IS OKAY TO WEAR A BRACE
If you recently suffered a back injury and you are returning to heavy lifting, The Pittsburgh Chiropractor explains that a back brace may be useful at first. In such a scenario the brace should only be worn when lifting heavy objects. This helps to protect the back from further injury. The use of the brace should slowly be discontinued as one recovers from the initial injury. Powerlifters may also wear a back brace when lifting near their maximum. This helps to prevent injury. During their normal training they, however, should avoid wearing a brace.
If you are unsure what treatment approach is best for your condition, an evaluation by a qualified professional can help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide the appropriate treatment plan. Organizations such as the American College of Physicians recommend conservative care including exercise therapy, spinal manipulation, and rehabilitation as first-line treatment for many cases of low back pain.
About the Author
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, RN, CCSP®, PSP | Last reviewed: March 8, 2026
Reviewed for clinical accuracy using an evidence-based, conservative care framework.
Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, RN, CCSP®, PSP
Primary Spine Practitioner & Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner
Founder of The Pittsburgh Chiropractor LLC, Dr. Tauberg is a dual-credentialed healthcare provider (Doctor of Chiropractic and Registered Nurse). He specializes in evidence-based spine care and sports medicine, leveraging his advanced training in spine care, rehabilitation, and sports medicine to help active individuals and athletes recover from musculoskeletal injuries and return to the activities they enjoy.
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Education & training
- Doctor of Chiropractic: National University of Health Sciences
- Primary Spine Practitioner Certification: University of Pittsburgh
- Nursing Education: Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC); Capella University
- Graduate Nursing: William Paterson University (FNP program)
- Undergraduate: Eckerd College (Psychology)
Certifications Primary Spine Practitioner (PSP)
Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP®)
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Professional Affiliation Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association
Direct Clinical Line (412) 517-8124
Content Standards Evidence-based guidance, reviewed and updated regularly
Pittsburgh: 55 Alpha Drive West Suite 6, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Gibsonia: 5332 William Flynn Hwy, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Clinical Content Last Verified: March 8, 2026
Educational disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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