Regular exercise and intense aerobic activity can put a lot of unnecessary strain on your body. If you play high contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, or something similar you’ve probably experienced a bit of back pain the morning after a big game. This minor back pain problem is an indication of something that could become more serious. The longer your back pain goes untreated, and the more you stress out your muscles and spine by playing your favorite sport, the more dangerous the situation can get.

In order to prevent injury you should wear a back brace whenever possible. Back braces aren’t the clunky metal and leather constraints our parents used to wear to cure scoliosis anymore. Today, back braces are far more flexible, breathable, and over all a lot more comfortable to wear. If you are experiencing any form of back pain or irritation after playing you should consult your doctor about using a back brace to help with support and to alleviate pain.

There are many different types of back braces on the market, all of which focus on specific regions of the body, and it is important for you to understand the difference if you are to use one properly. You should try and figure out, with the aid of your physician if possible, what part of your back is causing your injury. Knowing the root cause of your pain will help you determine which form of back brace is best for preventing further harm.

Sports Back Brace

Sports back braces are for general aerobic activity. A sports back brace, like the sportBelt, will give you the support you need without impeding on your mobility. Think of these as modified weight lifting belts that give your lower back some moderate support to cushion the force imposed on your muscles.

Sports back braces are great for sports like mountain biking, cross country skiing, and rowing. Using a sports back brace won’t adjust your spine or fix anything but it will provide you with a little padding and support that might be all you need.

Posture Back Brace

Posture back braces, unlike the Sports back braces, are designed to realign your spine and give you better standing posture. Usually these braces will focus on the top half of your back and shoulders, forcing you to push your chest out, bring your chin up, and pull your shoulders back.

Practicing proper posture will strengthen your core muscles in your back and abdomen so that you will be able to better rely on them during the game. The stronger your core muscles are the less likely you will be to put unnecessary pressure on your spine during those active moments.

Lumbar Back Brace

Lumbar back braces are the most common back braces you will find; anyone who has ever needed to lift something heavy or stand for an extended period of time has probably used or needed to use one of these back braces. The lumbar back brace targets the lumbar region of your back (the small of your back) and uses tightening and shoulder straps to add the needed support. Lumbar back braces are similar to Sports back braces but usually more cumbersome.

Orthopedic Back Brace

An orthopedic back brace is generally designed with your specific problem in mind. Your doctor can mold the orthopedic back brace to your body type to adjust anything that might be out of alignment. You’ll find that these are usually the most expensive of back braces but they also work the best because they target the problem accurately.

If you’re suffering, don’t wait. Try and find a good adjustable back brace and try using it for a little while. Even if you just use it to sit at your desk during the day and take it off to play sports it can really help to strengthen your muscles and eliminate irritation.

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