back braces

[joko]

where can you get a back brace type thing that can be
worn under clothes, so fabric
is comfy(ish) and unnoticable,
that supports your whole back,and keeps you straight and stops you bending wrongly etc

do doctors have them?

thanks,

[andy-hughes]

You would need a referal from your GP, but by definition, it is not going to be even comfyish- I know, I used to have one!

[LoftyLottie]

Joko, I asked this question of my GP after fracturing my vertebra, apart from having an arthritic spine. He said they weren't used any more and not recommended. I would love one. Nothing too stiff, just something that firms your back up. I am sure it would improve my life.

I can't remember is it you that suffers from hypermobility as I do?

[joko]

hi, yes i do have hypermobilty but i seem to over do things and would like teh support and 'reminder' to remember to bend and lift properly etc...

i know weightlifters have stuff but dont think itd work

[joko]

perhaps something a bit like those tubigrip support bandages, but that is like a vest or something

[LoftyLottie]

That's my problem too. I over do things because I can. People don't believe that I suffer from arthritis because I am still so flexible. I know just what you mean about the tubigrip bandages. It would be nice to have something that just gave you a reminder that you have gone far enough!!

[milly143]

It's not quite the same but the bf was in hospital recently having sprained his ankle for the billionth time. I asked the nurse if there was any sort of support she could suggest and she said they always advise against them now because they don't have any proven benefit and can often lead to a sort of false sense of security to the wearer so you end up doing more damage.

[steg]

i use one like this, it is very comfy and works well http://www.amazon.co....id=1302269707&sr=1-14

[LoftyLottie]

I think that's what my doc said come to think of it Milly. He also said that it wouldn't teach my muscles to work properly and they need to be strengthened, but I do need some help, just like joko. But like joko I want something you can't notice.

How noticeable would that brace be Steg and is it hot!!

[mccfluff]

what about a girdle type thing?

[steg]

hi lottie not very noticeable, i use it for work it can get hot and sweaty but they are good for when it is cold, a wee bit deep heat rubbed in at sensitive area and it feels ace for hours.

[joko]

that one looks good, i have something similar actually... but i need one for the top of my back and even bottom of neck more..as thats where i get most pain after a hard day...

i also get pain in my coccyx but dont see how i could get a brace to work other than a sort of hip girdle one...

i understand about the doctors view - but i feel the muscles still get used...i dont want a brace to hold me solid and stop me moving - as if i had a back injury or soemthing...just some to support my structure and 'remind' me so stand up straight and bend properly etc...some thing stiff but not rigid

[steg]

Taoist Tai Chi would also maybe be a good thing to try.

[NOX]

Don't laugh joko, but they actually have back supports in Poundland ( I'm so classy;-). They are like foot wide pieces of very stiff blue elastic that you wrap around yourself and secure with velcro. No idea what they're like ( they're £1 so take your choice) but they have hundreds of em in the one by me, along with arm, wrist, leg supports etc.

[joko]

ooh cheers nox, i love pound shops...is it definitely called poundland?

i may be even be able to sew a few together if theyre not too good

there seems to be loads these days - poundworld, poundstretcher, everythingsapound, etc etc...

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks for the reply Steg. I might give it a try come winter time. Wouldn't face it today under my T shirt it's hot!! x