Definition

Noun: A supportive device worn around the torso to provide stability, limit movement, or correct posture in the area of the spine.

Usage

A "back brace" is a medical or therapeutic device. It is used to support the back, often to alleviate pain, aid in recovery from injury or surgery, or help maintain proper spinal alignment.

Examples

• After his spinal surgery, he had to wear a back brace for several months.
• The physical therapist recommended a lightweight back brace to help with her chronic lower back pain.
• Workers in jobs requiring heavy lifting sometimes use a back brace as a preventive measure.

Advanced Usage

• "To be fitted for a back brace": To have a back brace specially measured and adjusted for one's body by a medical professional.
  • The orthotist will fit him for a custom back brace next week.
• "Rigid vs. flexible back brace": Describes the level of support and mobility allowed by the brace's design.
  • A post-operative back brace is typically rigid, while one for muscular support may be flexible.

Variants and Related Words

• Lumbar support (n): A cushion or pad designed to support the lower back, often less extensive than a full brace.
• Corset (n): A close-fitting undergarment, historically used for posture and shaping, which functions similarly to a brace in providing torso support.
• Orthosis (n): The general medical term for an externally applied device used to support, align, or correct the function of a body part; a back brace is a type of spinal orthosis.

Synonyms

• Spinal support
• Back support
• Posture brace

Related Phrases

• "To wear a brace": The general action of using any supportive device.
  • She must wear a brace to stabilize her spine.
• "Back support belt": Often used interchangeably with "back brace," though sometimes implies a lighter-duty device for preventative use.

Noun

1. a brace worn to support the back