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Orthopedic

The 5 Best Back Braces & Support Belts – [2020 Reviews]

Find The Right Type Of Back Brace For Your Specific Protection and Pain Needs

Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.


Whether you’re looking for the best back brace for sciatica, the best back brace for herniated disk, or just the best belt for back pain relief in general, we are confident that you can find the right choice for you right here!

To help you find the right option, check out our reviews for the Top 5 Best Back Braces and Support Belts and  take a look at our guide on How to Choose the Best Back Brace for You. What is the best back brace for your needs?

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Back Braces and Support Belts

  1. Sparthos Back Brace for Lower Back Pain – Lower Back Pain
  2. Andego Back Posture Corrector for Women & Men – Posture Improvement
  3. BraceAbility Industrial Work Back Brace – Heavy Lifting
  4. AidBrace Support Belt – Herniated Disc & Sciatica
  5. Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace with Removable Pad – Lumbar

Best Back Braces & Support Belts

Sparthos Back Brace for Lower Back PainAndego Back Posture Corrector for Women & MenBraceAbility Industrial Work Back Brace
Size3 sizes fit bellies 28” to 61”
Fits chest sizes 25”- 50”
7 sizes available fit bellies 24” – 70”
FabricElastic mesh fabric
Breathable fabric
Breathable elastic fabric
Special Features
Dual adjustable compression straps
Bonus armpit pads included
Double-pull tension straps
Customer Ratings
4.6 / 5.03.7 / 5.04.3 / 5.0

Best Back Braces and Support Belts Reviews

Best Back Brace for Lower Back Pain

#1 – Sparthos Back Brace for Lower Back Pain

best back brace editors choice

At A Glance:

  • 3 sizes fit bellies 28” to 61”
  • Elastic mesh fabric
  • Dual adjustable compression straps
  • Removable lumbar support
  • Vertical support stays
  • Industrial Velcro
If you’re looking for the best back brace for lower back pain in general, the Sparthos Back Brace for Lower Back Pain is an ideal choice that will work wonderfully for a wide variety of back pain sufferers. It’s the perfect size for optimal lower back coverage that helps to properly support the entire affected area.

The high-quality materials mean that it will stand up to frequent use with no problems. This lower back support belt is made using breathable materials to help prevent overheating and sweating. The elastic mesh helps keep you cooler while still providing strong and snug support for an ideal fit.

Vertical support stays are featured around the lower back support brace to give it a little more structure. The added structure goes the extra mile in providing the support you need while also helping to keep the lower back brace in place right where you need it without any rolling or shifting.

sports back brace

Industrial Velcro efficiently stands the test of time and gives you a precise and secure fit with each use of the Sparthos lower back brace. The brace is carefully designed to work incredibly well for almost any type of back pain. That means this is a very viable option for anyone suffering from sciatica, herniated disk, achy muscles, and so much more.

The versatility stems from the decent vertical length of the support belt as well as the multiple supportive additions like vertical support stays and dual adjustable compression straps. Speaking of which, these dual adjustable compression straps can be adjusted during use as well as when you first put the support belt on.

The purpose of this helpful feature is to increase your mobility when needed for maximum comfort and convenience. In other words, you can keep the support belt super snug when going about normal daily activities and then loosen it slightly when you work out or do anything that might require a little more freedom of movement.

This lets it provide you with additional support without fully restricting you. The thin, breathable fabric also allows it to be easily worn under clothing without anyone knowing which also helps to make it a great option for work!

The Sparthos lower back pain belt comes in 3 different sizes to further ensure an adequate fit for almost any body type. Small, medium, and large sizes of this support belt fit bellies measuring everywhere from 26 inches to 61 inches.

One final feature that really helps to make this the best back support belt for lower back pain is the removable lumbar support pad. The lumbar back support makes a huge difference in lower back pain relief.

The fact that it can easily be removed, and the entire lumbar support belt is easily washable adds even more convenience to this incredible lower back brace option. Also see: Back Brace Types for Lower Back Pain.


Best Back Brace for Posture

#2 – Andego Back Posture Corrector for Women & Men

At A Glance:

  • Upper back brace
  • Posture corrector
  • Easily adjustable
  • Fits chest sizes 25”- 50”
  • Bonus armpit pads included
  • Breathable fabric
Now we have a back brace that is a good bit different than the other options on our list of the best back braces and support belts. This Andego Back Posture Corrector is our pick for the best back brace for posture! This is a well-loved and high-quality brand that gets the job done without costing an arm and a leg.

In fact, the Andego is one of the best back support options regarding the cost. It is undoubtedly the best upper back brace out there, which is exactly what sets it apart from our other back brace picks.

So, while it obviously won’t provide the best lower back support, it does improve posture which has lots of great benefits including helping to relieve lower back ache in many cases. The way that the best posture brace works is by pulling the shoulders back to help align the spine and create ideal posture.

It slides on in the same manner as a backpack, so it is super easy to use. This ease of use is continued through the rest of the design as well. The straps are incredibly simple to adjust without any outside help. You simply slide the upper back brace on and then pull the straps on the front until they are at the proper tightness to make it the best back posture corrector for you.

It fits almost anyone since it is designed to work for someone with a chest size ranging from 25 inches up to 50 inches. Since this is the best back straightener, it can easily be considered the best back brace for scoliosis as well since posture is so important for those with scoliosis.

It is really a wonderful option for almost anyone, though. Posture is important for everyone and this is an affordable and effective way to correct posture.

The carefully regulated back strap ensures the best posture support possible for each individual user. A simple unisex and one-size-fits-all design make this the best posture corrector for men and women alike. It is even made of thin and breathable materials for increased comfort as well as making the brace easy to hide under clothing.

Two included armpit pads help to further increase comfort since this brace does cross underneath your arms. The pads are removable if you prefer to go without them and are easy to wash as needed.

One of the best parts of choosing this back brace is that wearing it overtime helps to correct your posture even when you aren’t wearing the brace!


Best Back Brace for Heavy Lifting

#3 – BraceAbility Industrial Work Back Brace

At A Glance:

  • Lower back brace
  • Removable suspender straps
  • Double-pull tension straps
  • Vertical support stays
  • Breathable elastic fabric
  • 7 sizes available fit bellies 24” – 70”
  • Medical-grade Velcro
The BraceAbility Industrial Work Back Brace is our top pick for the best back brace for heavy lifting! This heavy duty back brace is impressively strong and supportive with some great special features that help to make it the best back support belt for lifting.

The strong but breathable elastic fabric allows you to get adequate compression for the best possible support. Unlike other options on the list, this choice comes with special suspender straps.

These straps add to the support and stability of the brace. They are removable, so you can choose if you prefer them or not. These straps are also easily adjustable to ensure a perfect fit. Speaking of the fit, this brace is available in an impressive 7 different sizes ranging from small all the way to 4X.

That means it will work for anyone with a belly circumference ranging from 24 inches all the way to 70 inches. Make sure to take this measurement at your belly button when choosing the correct size for you.

This brace is also the best back support belt for work that involves heavy lifting or any other strenuous activities. It stands up well to wear and tear thanks to the high-quality materials and medical back brace Velcro that continues to secure well even after tons of use.

Another cool feature of the BraceAbility lower back brace is the different heights of the front and back of the brace. The part of the brace that goes on your abdomen measures 6 inches tall, while the part that goes on your back measures 9 inches tall. This provides a contoured fit for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Double-pull tension straps make it incredibly easy to get a super snug and supportive fit with this lower back support brace. Vertical support stays also provide additional support and keep the back brace in place throughout the day.

The one downfall to this brace is that it is quite expensive compared to our other back brace picks. Even at a higher price, this is still an amazing and worthwhile choice if you’re after the best back brace for heavy lifting.


Best Back Support Brace for Sciatica & Herniated Disk

#4 – AidBrace Support Belt for Herniated Disc, Sciatica, and Scoliosis

At A Glance:

  • Lower back brace
  • Dual tension straps
  • Vertical support stays
  • Contoured fit
  • 3 sizes fit bellies 26” – 58”
  • Removable and adjustable lumbar support
  • Vented mesh fabric
Sciatica and herniated disk are common back problems that are often related and can cause severe pain. This AidBrace Support Belt is our pick for the best back support brace for sciatica & herniated disk. That’s thanks to the way that it carefully supports the spine, which is where these painful back conditions stem from.

Strong compression from dual adjustable straps provides perfect support of the spine and entire lower back. The breathable mesh elastic fabric helps to keep the belt as comfortable as possible while maintaining this high level of support.

This is also another option that features vertical support stays that provide additional support as well as prevent rolling and shifting of the back brace. This is important to ensure an adequate fit. There are three different sizes available for this back brace. The available sizes are small/medium, large/XL, and 2XL/3XL.

They fit belly sizes ranging from 26 inches up to 58 inches. Obviously, that means that while this option does fit a fairly wide range of sizes, it won’t be an ideal option for anyone with a belly larger than 58 inches, unlike the BraceAbility brace we reviewed that can fit anyone with a belly up to 70 inches around.

However, like the BraceAbility brace, this choice from AidBrace does provide a contoured fit thanks to the sides being slightly shorter than the front and back. The contour also helps to create a very low-profile design that is super easy to hide under clothing.

This is an important feature for many people that prefer to not have their back brace visible. Finally, this is also a great lumbar support brace thanks to the removable lumbar support pad. This special pad is shaped perfectly to provide an extra bit of support and compression to the lumbar region of the back.

This additional support makes a huge difference for many back pain sufferers. The fact that it is removable also gives you the option to use it all the time, some of the time, or not at all depending on your specific needs and comfort level.

Something else very beneficial about this lumbar pad is that it is adjustable inside of the brace. So, you can move it to the exact position you need it for maximum effectiveness.


Best Back Support for Lumbar

#5 – Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace with Removable Pad

At A Glance:

  • Lower back brace
  • Removable and adjustable lumbar support pad
  • 2 sizes fit bellies 28” – 50”
  • Supportive springs
  • Vertical support stays
This Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace is yet another amazing choice and specifically is our pick for the best back support for lumbar! Lumbar support is so important for a healthy, pain-free back. This also happens to be the best lower back brace for affordability.

It comes in just slightly above the Andego upper back brace when it comes to cost. One more unique feature about the Mueller lumbar back brace is the inclusion of special supportive springs within the brace.

These springs are perfectly designed to conform to your back in a way that provides an additional level of personalized support perfect for you. It also features the same molded plastic support stays that you’ll find with many of our top back brace picks.

These keep the brace in the proper position for maximum effectiveness while still further adding to the overall support it provides. All of these things help to create the best lumbar support belt, but the most important feature that makes this the best back support for lumbar is, of course, the lumbar support pad.

Like some of the other choices, this is a removable lumbar pad. This gives you the choice of using it or leaving it out at any given time. The lumbar support pad provides the perfect level of targeted pressure and support right where you need it most in the lumbar region of the lower back.

The lumbar pad secures to the brace with strong Velcro and can be adjusted slightly around the back of the brace. This means you can place the lumbar pad in the exact position that you need it in for better personalized pressure and support.

This Mueller lumbar belt is available in two different sizes that together fit bellies ranging from 28 inches to 50 inches. Multiple layers also make adjusting the amount of compression super simple. This is definitely a really great back brace choice for anyone on a budget. It provides amazing support at an impressively low price.


Best Back Braces and Support BeltsPriceSizeFabricSpecial Features
Customer Ratings
Sparthos Back Brace for Lower Back Pain$34.673 sizes fit bellies 28” to 61”
Elastic mesh fabric
Dual adjustable compression straps
4.6 / 5.0 Stars
Andego Back Posture Corrector for Women & MenPrice not availableFits chest sizes 25”- 50”
Breathable fabric
Bonus armpit pads included
3.7 / 5.0 Stars
BraceAbility Industrial Work Back Brace$59.997 sizes available fit bellies 24” – 70”
Breathable elastic fabric
Double-pull tension straps
4.3 / 5.0 Stars
AidBrace Support Belt for Herniated Disc, Sciatica, and ScoliosisPrice not available3 sizes fit bellies 26” – 58”
Vented mesh fabric
Dual tension straps
4.4 / 5.0 Stars
Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace with Removable Pad$18.792 sizes fit bellies 28” – 50”
N/ARemovable and adjustable lumbar support pad
4.4 / 5.0 Stars

How to Choose the Right Back Brace

If you’re suffering from some form of back pain, you are far from alone. Back problems and various forms of back pain are unfortunately extremely common with around 8 out of 10 people experiencing back pain at some point in their lifetimes. The worst part is that many sufferers find their pain very difficult to effectively treat or manage. That’s exactly why finding the best back brace can be life-changing!

The way that a back brace or support belt works is very simple. It provides additional support to your back in a way that helps to reduce strain and pain while promoting healthy posture for better long-term results. With so many causes and different severity levels of back pain as well as the endless back brace options out there, it can be hard to distinguish the best braces for your specific needs.

Back Braces for Lower Back Pain - Guide Image

With so many different causes of back pain, severities of back pain, and types of back braces, you’ll want to be careful when choosing the right back brace for you. The great news is that many back braces, including several that we have reviewed above, are excellent for relieving pain from a variety of different conditions and sources. To help you know what to look for in the best braces out there, we’ll go over some of the most important features and different types of back braces.

Upper Back Brace vs Lower Back Brace

Start by choosing if you need a lower back brace or an upper back brace. Upper back braces focus mostly on posture correction while lower back braces focus on giving additional support to your back and abdomen. For most sources of back pain, a lower back brace will be more effective. However, poor posture can also be a cause of serious back pain.

If your back pain stems from poor positioning, an upper back brace could be the perfect solution. This could apply to anyone but is often more of a problem for those that work with technology consistently such as anyone that works with a computer or someone that is on their phone a lot. The way we tend to position ourselves when looking at screens like this often leads to very poor posture that can cause serious pain over time. This is sometimes referred to as “tech neck” and can be effectively remedied with a good upper back brace.

back brace for lower back pain

Conditions like herniated disk, sciatica, degenerative disk disease, and just general lower back pain are much better controlled with a lower back brace. Lower back braces compress the lower back and lower abdominal area in a way that provides high levels of support to the area to decrease pressure and strain that lead to pain. Even so, looking at more specific features of lower back braces is very important to make sure you choose the most effective option for you specifically. Here are some of the features to consider:

  • Lumbar Support – Options with targeted lumbar support pads provide increased pain relief in the lumbar and surrounding areas. Removable and adjustable lumbar pads can be especially beneficial.
  • Breathability – Comfort is important with a back brace, so it is helpful to look for breathable materials that provide more airflow and therefore increased comfort.
  • Support Stays – Many options have hard plastic support stays that line the back brace vertically for superior support as well as to reduce possible shifting of the back brace.
  • Size – Obviously, you will need an option that fits you well to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Ensure proper fit by measuring around your belly at your belly button and comparing to the measurements provided by the manufacturer of the specific brace you are planning to purchase. *For upper back braces, measure around the chest.

FAQs – Frequenty Asked Questions About Back Braces

Question: What are back braces good for?

Answer: Back braces are good for almost anyone suffering from back pain of almost any kind. The right back brace can provide pain relief from most types of back pain and back conditions. This is because of the way that they provide additional support throughout the back and abdomen. That isn’t all back braces are good for, though. In addition to relieving pain, back braces can be perfect for preventing injuries as well.

If your job involves a lot of heavy lifting for strenuous activity, a back brace can provide extra support and protection against these conditions. Certain back braces provide the perfect easy solution for correcting your posture. Correct posture also goes a long way in relieving and preventing pain and injuries to your back. Finally, back braces are often a good way to help you heal after back surgery.

Question: How often should I wear my back brace?

Answer: The frequency at which you should wear your back brace differs greatly. It mostly just comes down to how much and how often you are experiencing pain. It is perfectly fine to wear your brace throughout the day every day if you feel like it benefits you. Take your back brace off at night.

Over time, wearing the brace should help to decrease your pain level. When you feel less pain, wearing your brace less often will help increase your overall comfort. Even if you are not currently experiencing pain, though, it is a good idea to wear the brace anytime you are performing a more strenuous activity like heavy lifting or repetitive bending.

Question: What are the disadvantages of wearing a back brace?

Answer: While back braces are very beneficial for many people, it is important to realize that most good things come with drawbacks as well. Fortunately, the disadvantages of a back brace aren’t too bad overall and are generally considered well-worth the benefits that can be gained from wearing one.

The biggest disadvantage is simply that you have to take the time to put on and adjust the brace each time you wear it.

You’ll also need to keep the brace clean, which can take more time. Other than that, you’ll want to be aware that back braces do restrict movement, which can be uncomfortable or inconvenient in some cases. Different braces restrict movement less than others and the restricted movement is generally an important part of reducing pain and preventing injury.

Buyer’s Tips for Back Braces and Support Belts

Hopefully, our guide and recommendations for the best back braces have been helpful in your search for back pain relief. It is important to take the time to consider the type, size, and features of the back brace you plan to purchase. Looking into these things before purchasing can help ensure you get the most out of your back brace.

After choosing which back brace you want, it is also a good idea to consider different retailers of the back brace for your purchase. This helps ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, shipping speed, and good customer service.

Buying directly from Amazon tends to help ensure a good experience overall but remember to price check and always keep your options open. If you’re unsure about what brace to choose or where to purchase from, back brace reviews are an excellent way to get an unbiased idea of what you can expect from a certain brace or certain retailer.

Notice:

HealthWellness365 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. HealthWellness365 earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.

In March 2019 Amazon announced that Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA) would be accepted as new forms of payment for eligible product purchases. Using HSA/FSA funds to purchase on Amazon can be a great way to reduce taxes and reduce overall healthcare costs for items not covered under medical insurance. Users of such medical savings plans are issued a debit card by their provider, which can be added to their payment methods in their Amazon account.

Whether items sold on Amazon are deemed as eligible for HSA/FSA plans remains the responsibility of the buyer and their particular health plan provider. It’s ultimately up to the IRS and participating health plan providers to deem which medical and health products are considered eligible for the payment plans.

But the eligibility is quite broad and inclusive of thousands of products that are sold on Amazon and considered Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts plan-eligible. See this IRS document for more information about Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf

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