Can Braces Improve your Posture?
Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
There are several different types of braces aimed at improving posture. Some can help improve posture while sitting at your desk, others can help with rehabilitation following surgery, and others do not work well at all. In this article we will lay out some of the more common braces on the market and talk about which ones work and which ones don’t.
Upper Back Posture Braces
These braces consist of straps that fit over both shoulders and cross at the center of your back. They come in many shapes, sizes, and prices. Some are made to be worn under clothes, while others are more bulky. Generally these work well to keep your shoulders from dropping too much and your upper back straight.
Posture Brace Shirts
These braces are more complex than the standard upper back braces. They are full shirts made of a combination of polyester, rubber, and cotton. Having the appearance of an athletic tee-shirt makes these braces ideal if you want to hide the appearance of a more bulky brace. These shirt braces do usually come at a higher price point for this reason.
Leg Braces for Posture
There are also braces that wrap around the knees and waist and help maintain ideal posture while sitting. These braces are geared at working professionals who are required to sit down for long periods of the day (we’ve already talked about in a previous post how that can poorly impact your spine).
Posture braces can help maintain an ideal posture and ultimately prevent back pain in the long-term. That said, be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Braces come in many different forms and in various levels of quality. Do your homework, and contact your physician to see if they have any recommendations as well.