Your spine is made up of stacked vertebrae and in-between each vertebra, there are disks that can be described as cushions for the bones. These disks or cushions can be described as a gooey donut because of their tough-like exterior and soft or gooey-like interior.
Herniated disks or more commonly known as ruptured disk or slipped disk occurs when parts of the softer interior come out through the tough interior of the disk.
Our spinal disks are just like any mechanism and in time they lose their efficiency due to usual wear and tear, this is what we call disk degeneration.
The wear and tear on our spinal disks is usually age related, which means that as a person ages their spinal disks loses their flexibility which will render the disks prone to tears and ruptures.
A condition like herniated disk can be very painful if nerves near the disk are irritated, which could result to numbness and weakening of the arms or legs.
Most people who have this condition do not usually know they have it and most cases of herniated disk do not need correction surgery and can be addressed with the use of a back brace.
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Symptoms Of A Herniated Disk
A herniated disk usually occurs in the lower section of the back or the lumbar section, but they can also be present in your neck or the cervical spine. These are some symptoms of a herniated disk:
1. Pain in Legs and Arms: A swift movement in your body involving your spine or a even simple cough that triggers pain in the lower back that leads to your buttocks, legs and sometimes foot may indicate a herniated disk in the lumbar section of your spine.
2. Tingling or Numbness Sensation: If you usually feel a tingling sensation around your lower back. This may be irritated nerves caused by a herniated disk.
3. Weakness: Body parts (muscles) affected by a herniated disk will eventually weaken which can lead to impairment in your ability to lift or even hold things.
There is still no known specific cause of herniated disks, but experts say that this is usually caused when we lift heavy objects using our backs instead of our leg and thigh muscles. Sudden twisting of your body
while lifting heavy things can also lead to herniated disks as well as improper posture. There are cases wherein a herniated disk leads to some serious complications.
A Person Should Seek Prompt Emergency Assistance When They Experience The Following:
1. Worsening Pain in the Affected Are: Inability for you to perform your daily activities and continuous pain in the affected area should be treated immediately.
2. Dysfunction in the Bladder: People who have a serious case of herniated disk might have a hard time urinating even with a full bladder.
3. Numbness in the Thigh Area: If you feel a feeling of numbness, specifically in your inner-thighs and the area leading to your rectum, one should seek immediate help.
Top 5 Best Back Brace For Herniated Disc
Rank | Product | Quality | Price | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | A+ | $$ |
95
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100
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2 | A | $$ |
95
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100
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3 | A | $$ |
95
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100
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4 | A | $$ |
95
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100
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5 | ComfyMed® Premium Quality Back Brace CM-102M with Removable Lumbar Pad for Lower Back Pain Relief | A | $$ |
95
%
100
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Best Back Braces for Herniated Disk
Most people who have this condition endure back pains on a regular-basis. Back braces serves as a support for your back muscle and spine. It makes sure that your posture is correct and helps ease the pain by keeping the pressure out of your spinal nerves.
Back braces can also help you in your day-to-day task because it helps remove the strain from your back especially if your work requires you to lift or bend frequently. Using a back brace can also help you prevent any further injuries.
A back brace does not completely fix herniated disks, they work as an alleviation or support for the body parts affected by a herniated disk. Choosing the best back brace is always crucial to get maximum results.
Ergodyne ProFlex 1650 Economy Elastic Back Support Belt
This support belt from Ergodyne comes in all elastics with 7.5in body to ensure that you get the most support. It has adjustable and removable suspenders, and a non-conducive polypropylene to make sure it stays in place and not worsen your herniated disc.
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Key Features:
- Back brace is all elastic and extra firm for better support
- Stretchable with zig zig stitching to ensure durability
- Fully adjustable with Velcro straps and detachable suspenders
- Therapeutic warmth to affected areas
- PROS
- CONS
- Suspenders that you can easily remove when not in use.
- Helps maintain correct posture with its tight fit.
- Heavy duty, but not bulky.
BraceUP Stabilizing Lumbar Lower Back Brace and Support Belt
A fully adjustable belt especially made with mesh panels on the side and two adjustment straps to provide comfort for your herniated disc. The design permits full range of movement while making sure that the belt does not bunch or move in place.
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Key Features:
- Fully customizable fit and compression.
- Allows full range of motion.
- Panels are made in breathable mesh material.
- Provide an additional lumbar support.
- PROS
- CONS
- Very breathable, excess moisture are easily eliminated with the help of the mesh material.
- The two layers of Velcro straps makes sure that it stays in position.
- The curved design of the brace avoids slipping and bunching.
ComfyMed® Premium Quality Back Brace CM-102M
ComfMed offers you the ony back brace with easy grip handles so you won’t have to twist and bend too much and worsen your herniated disc. It also features a removable lumbar pad that does not roll or scratch your skin.
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Key Features:
- Money back guarantee offered for customers who does not find it helpful to their condition.
- Very durable and washable.
- Features an easy metal grip handle for wearing convenience.
- Unisex design and fit.
- Soft and superior feel.
- PROS
- CONS
- The metal handles help in cinching up the brace and making sure it stays in place.
- Comfortable enough that you can wear it all the time even while working.
- Fits well for smaller frames, especially for women.
BraceAbility Plus Size Bariatric Abdominal Binder
A brace with four panels that are made of lightweight and plush elastics, the panels make it possible for blood and oxygen to flow freely and speed up your herniated disc’s healing process. The belt is specifically designed to cater to being a hernia binder.
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Key Features:
- Brace is made of lightweight materials.
- It can be worn under your clothes.
- Designed for bigger frames or plus sizes.
- Produce superior support to ease soreness of muscles, inflammation and muscle stiffness along the lumbar area.
- PROS
- CONS
- More than providing a superior lumbar support it also creates a slimming effect.
- 12” inch tall brace that can fully cover your mid and lower back.
- Whole brace is made from durable Velcro material so wrapping can be very easy.
Choosing Back Brace For Herniated Disk
A back injury or herniated disk is one of the most excruciating injury a person can experience and without proper care and treatment; this could easily turn into a more serious condition, such as paralysis.
Your back brace will be a support mechanism for your lumbar spine or lower back; it also helps limit sudden movements that may delay the healing process. Here are some things you need to consider when choosing a back brace:
- Superior support
- Perfect fit
- Usage
Choose a back brace that provides support not only to the lower section of your back, but also the mid-section of your body. This helps in providing a full support that will completely eliminate any pressure on the lower back.
Conclusion
One person will never know how important their lower back is until they experience a herniated disk. Tasks, such as lifting and holding objects can be difficult when you have a herniated disk. Make sure that you consult a physician if you feel any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Select the proper back brace that is suited to your condition. Wear you back brace as instructed by your physician, most people experience an even more serious injury because they stopped using a back brace only because they feel they no longer need it.