The Importance of Protecting The Back After Injury

Protecting the spine  is a temporary practice much like removing the ankle splint after an injury. The purpose is to give the nervous system and injured tissue a chance to build tolerance and adapt to physical loads. This typically is phased out over the course of several weeks and not meant to be permanent practice.

Should you wear a back brace? A brace could offer some utility but the range of available braces makes it hard to recommend. The purpose of the ankle brace is to minimize as much movement as possible. It is relatively easy to accomplish because of the anatomy and mechanics of the ankle joint. But the spine is much more complex and bigger. 

Thus a back brace would have to be fitted perfectly and so tight around the trunk to prevent any movement that it would be uncomfortable to sustain over the course of the day. It’s important to note that some stabilization surgeries do require wearing a rigid brace for several weeks.

Additionally wearing a back brace is one way of depending on external devices which could lead to poor adaptation. 

What we teach is a  proper hip hinge  that properly executed will work even better as a ‘functional brace’ and optimize core stability during functional tasks. This is a more positive adaptive approach such as learning how to move, understanding pain or discomfort and building confidence. This puts you in control versus relying on a brace. 

A PDF guide of how to prevent aggravating your healing spine is included in the Better Back Ability Programs

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