8 Best Back Brace For Nurses 2022 – Complete Guide

Correct posture is of utmost importance in physically active jobs like that of nurses. If not correct, it may lead to severe back pain, which can be debilitating. Therefore, being a nurse, you should do something about it, right? There comes a back brace to help you maintain the right posture as well as relieve some of the pressure on your spine. A back brace should comprise several characteristics, and we will find them out.

In today’s session, I will take you on a tour of the best back brace for nurses that you can find this year. I will try to elucidate everything right in front of you to help you make a better purchase because I care about your back pain!

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Do Back Braces Help Nurses?

Back braces help those to maintain the right posture, who have tough, physically active jobs, and nursing is one of them. A back brace manages to distribute the overall pressure correctly to give relief, and it also helps in maintaining the right posture.

But back braces are recommended for short-term uses because wearing them for longer can contribute to muscle atrophy and weaken your back by making it rely on the brace all the time.

Types of Back Braces

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Let’s talk about the types of braces before getting into the depth of our discussion. Back pain can be either chronic or sudden acute. Therefore, you cannot use a general back brace for all cases. Primarily, two main types are depending upon the intended purpose of the back braces:

• Soft Braces
• Rigid Braces

Soft Braces

When a back brace is made up of soft and breathable fabric with adjustable elastic or Velcro closure, they are categorized as soft braces. Usually, these braces support the muscles that support the skeletal structure by relieving the pressure from the spine. So, in the case of soft braces, a forward motion of the spine is ensured.

These orthotics comprising different sizes and shapes are usually worn for support purposes. The support can either be for heavy weight lifting purposes or casual lightweight dealing. Talking of soft braces, they are generally:

• Below the chest to hips
• Large belts (narrow ones)

But don’t worry about the sizing as these are adjustable, and even your orthotics team can guide you in wearing them.

Rigid Braces

As I talked earlier about chronic back pain, here is the solution! Rigid braces provide support in the case of injury or surgery. They have those plastic parts placed over the lower back and stomach, and the attachment is made sure with Velcro straps. To top it off, most of the scoliosis braces are the rigid type to prevent further curvature of the spine.

The rigid braces have further types:

• Boston Braces: Shoulder to the tailbone in back
• Milwaukee Braces: Just like Boston braces but provide neck support additionally
• Charleston Braces: For scoliosis patients to wear during sleep

How to Select the Best Back Brace for Nurses?

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Before getting into the purchase phase, there are certain things that you should know about the product first. Bringing you those expert opinions and recommendations, I would like you to keep in mind the following factors before making the final call, especially if you are a beginner.

Support Area

The first most important aspect that is also a decision-making factor is the support area for which you are looking for a back brace. Usually, back braces provide all-around back support, but there are products specifically designed for specific back parts. Like, some of them are for the upper back, clavicle support, and neck, whereas others are for pelvis support and lower back pain. Therefore, you have to look for a product depending on the targeted support that you need.

Intended Purpose

Now, this is another important aspect. As I mentioned in the types, there are soft and rigid variants depending on chronic and acute pain problems. Some have a robust construction for chronic pain, while others are flexible to wear while you are in motion; walking, exercising, etc. You may also need a robust strip if you have to work while sitting constantly. So, keeping all these things in mind, your intended purpose matters. 

Material

The next important thing is the material. I believe that the best material for this purpose is a breathable fabric. This is because you don’t want to feel the heat and sweat while you are working. Also, the material should be latex-free to avoid any kind of allergies and stay comfortable while wearing the back brace. So, you should keep these things in mind.

Maintenance

You don’t get to buy a back brace every day, and for this very reason, the maintenance of your back brace is important. Make sure whether it is washable or not. If it is washable, then you should know the technique of washing because you don’t want to waste your back brace. Moreover, durability is also important to make sure about.

Ergonomics

Lastly, I think ergonomics play an important role. Whether the brace is easy to put on or not, you have to make sure. Similarly, the back brace should not cause another pain in return for back pain prevention. Moreover, it should provide the perfect alignment to not damage any muscles and joints. Therefore, you have to look for ergonomics as well.

Comparison Table of Top 08 Nurse Back Braces

Our 08 Picks of Best Back Brace for Nurses

There are hundreds of products available in the market for back braces, and finding the best one out of them can be cumbersome. Addressing this issue, I have brought you our top 8 picks after a good deal of sifting. I will now review these products to help you know extensively about them. I will also mention some decision-making factors in each review regarding the product and will grade them relatively. So, remember that A+ is for the best while C is for the least.

1. Best for All: Comfy Brace Posture Corrector

Specifications

• Brand: ComfyBrace

• Material: Neoprene 

• Item Weight: 4.66 ounces

• Package Dimensions: 5.08 x 4.06 x 2.36 inches

• Color: Black

• Closure Type: Hook & Loop

• Size: 1 count

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Decision-Making Factors

Durability: A

Washability: NA

Targeted Back Part: Mid & Upper Spine

Comfort: A+

ComfyBrace brings you my top choice that is best for all. Let me justify that! So, whether you feel clavicle pain or you are facing an issue in the middle part of your back, covering from neck to the mid of your back, this back brace solves the problem.

Being a nurse, you can get tired or feel slouchy by working in a bad posture. This back brace is the best back support for nurses, features an innovative orthopedic design to keep you active and confident all day.

Once you bring it home, you have to take a steady start with it. I mean that you should start wearing it for like 5-10 mins and then gradually, you can take that to 1-2 hours a day. So, by following the instructions, your muscles will automatically develop the habit of the right posture.

Some people have tried it, and they have seen a positive change in themselves. You might feel slightly unusual at the start, but the instant pain relief is worth it. And guess what, that unusual feeling gets vanished when you start wearing it regularly. 

Believing in the concept that “when you treat your body well, it’s bound to return the favor tenfold,” you should be taking care of your back problems today so that it doesn’t get chronic.

Even if the problem is chronic, this back brace will provide relief from that to help you become active and productive again. Thus, you will look taller, healthier, and mightier than before. Isn’t it incredible?

To top it off, the best material (neoprene) makes it highly durable and comfortable for you to wear. So, if you are tired of scoliosis, kyphosis, and slouching, then go for this one!

Highlighted Features

• Highly durable material to last longer
• It helps your muscles in developing the right habit
• Good adjustability for a good fit
• It can be used daily to solve your back problems

Potential Flaws

• It does not cover the lower back.

2. Best for Clavicle Support : FY Posture Corrector for Men and Women

Specifications

• Brand: FY Posture Store
• Material: Neoprene, polyester, 3D sandwich fabric
• Item Weight: 3.21 ounces
• Package Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 1 inches
• Color: Black
• Closure Type: Hook & Eye
• Size: Universal 

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Decision-Making Factors

Durability: B+

Washability: Cold hand wash only

Targeted Back Part: Upper back

Comfort: A+

Imagine getting something for your back and never feeling any back pain again. Let’s have a look at my follow-up product that will take care of your back efficiently. FY Posture brings you this posture corrector designed for your upper back. In case you are looking for something that relieves your back, shoulders, and neck, then this is what you need. Here’s why!

Firstly, this posture corrector ensures the right alignment and stability. That means you will stay healthy and look better in the right posture. Wearing this super-comfortable and effective back brace will develop muscle memory to help you maintain the right posture even without a back brace. This makes it the best back brace for nurses because they can wear it for some time to develop that muscle memory and stay healthy afterward.

Secondly, the ergonomic design acts effectively in preventing you from slouching by keeping your back straight and providing strength to your shoulders and neck. 

Thirdly, it is made up of breathable and latex-free material that ensures next-level comfort, and you do not feel annoyed by something gripping your back.

Now, what’s the point of having a latex-free material? It reduces the risk of allergies for everyone. So, you should always prefer it.

Fourthly, the product is so designed that it doesn’t get visible quite a lot under your clothes. So, guess what? No one will know that you are wearing a posture corrector, but you will still seem in the right posture, and I love this part.

Lastly, this back brace is designed and created with care to make it last longer and stay durable!

Highlighted Features

• Latex-free material prevents allergies
• Creates muscle memory to help you maintain the right posture throughout 
• Ergonomic design to keep comfort level up
• Invisible under clothes

Potential Flaws

• For the upper back, only

Comparison between My Top 2 Products

Let me now demystify the differences between my top two products and let you know why the first one is better! 

• The first one by ComfyBrace covers more part of your back as compared to the second one by FY posture that supports your upper back only.
• The relatively wider strips of the first product make it comfortable to wear. Meanwhile, the second one is relatively uncomfortable to wear.
• The first one comes with a better design for proper posture training, whereas the second one develops an additional pressure that is quite uncomfortable sometimes.

3. Best for Lower Chest: AVIDDA Posture Corrector for Men & Women

Specifications

• Brand: AVIDDA
• Material: Mesh material
• Item Weight: 10.23 ounces 
• Package Dimensions: 13.35 x 10.12 x 2.28 inches
• Color: Black
• Closure Type: Velcro 
• Size: 1 count

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Decision-Making Factors

Durability: A

Washability: Hand wash only

Targeted Back Part: Lower Chest Area Overall

Comfort: A+

Are you tired of the back braces that cause underarm pain? It’s good to say goodbye to your back pain, but an invitation to another pain or irritation is not a good idea with that, right? AVIDDA solves your problem by bringing the best back brace for the lower chest. 

Instead of underarm padding, it comes in shoulder padding with two replaceable support plates. One of them is a steel plate while the other one is a soft plate. Mostly, when you need maximum flexibility, you can insert the soft plate for good flexible support. Like if you are a nurse and your job is going on rounds and visits to patients, then this is a perfect solution.

On the other hand, if you stay still by sitting on your desktop all day, then the steel plate will keep your posture correct. This versatility makes it the best back support for nurses. 

Now comfort is all about wearing good stuff and not getting annoyed by design. Keeping that in view, AVIDDA has used breathable and thin material to not only provide you the complementary comfort but also make it invisible for others to see. That means you can wear it comfortably under your clothes.

Where is the smartness here? Well, the cross-shaped design of the back strap distributes the pressure correctly to maintain good stability and alignment along with reducing back pain.

So, when you are wearing it, it will prevent you from slouching and making back posture by instantly correcting your shoulder posture and correcting the back. 

If you ask me, I love the idea and the design because it’s unique and comfortable. Its gentle pulling effects, as confirmed by the users, are what you really need for the right posture.

Highlighted Features

• Two replaceable plates for multiple uses
• Breathable mesh design for elevated comfort
• No more underarm pain with it
• Lightweight and robust at the same time

Potential Flaws

• It can be difficult to wear sometimes.

Note: If you feel comfortable at clogs, this article (Best Clogs for Nurses) for you.

4. Best for Pregnancy Support : NeoTech Maternity Belt

Specifications

• Brand: NeoTech Care
• Material: Blend (Multi-layered laminate)
• Item Weight: 7.04 ounces
• Package Dimensions: 9.25 x 7.28 x 2.56 inches
• Color: Beige
• Closure Type: Velcro 
• Size: Large

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Decision-Making Factors

Durability: A

Washability: Hand washable

Targeted Back Part: Lower Back

Comfort: A

Here comes something really important! NeoTech Care understands the importance of pregnancy support and brings you a high-quality maternity belt. 

But hold on, the first thing that I want you to do here is to measure the size! To get the best fit, you should measure from the lower back to under your belly (slightly above the public area). Once you know the size, let’s move forward! 

The first understood thing is that your abdomen grows throughout your pregnancy, and you cannot suppress that. So, if you want a back brace, it should be flexible enough to cater to that growth.

Also, during pregnancy, you need maximum comfort. Something not breathable will increase the temperature and sweat. To avoid that, this product comes in a perfect breathable multi-layered fabric.

The ergonomic design of this product allows for walking and standing positions as well. Moreover, it also allows you to detach the hooks and loop fabric while sitting to accommodate your comfort at another level.

Now, if you are suffering from back pain due to pregnancy, then after wearing, this product redistributes pressure throughout the back to provide essential support and reduce that pain. Moreover, if you are worried about pregnancy weight and unable to hold it, this brace will wrap around your belly to lessen it. So, get relief from hip, pelvic, and sacroiliac pain by bringing this amazing back brace for pregnant women.

Lastly, when you walk wearing this brace, your belly constantly gets rubbed against the abdominal pad. So, the comfort of the abdominal pad is of utmost importance, and keeping that in view, the perfect abdominal pad is used in it. Have a look at the pros and cons!

Highlighted Features

• Comfortable abdominal pad for comfortable walking
• Breathable fabric to enhance your comfort even further
• Customizable two-sided hooks
• Redistributes pressure to remove the back pain

Potential Flaws

• It takes some effort to get on.

5. Best for Back & Shoulders : FY Posture Corrector for Women & Men

Specifications

• Brand: FY Posture
• Material: Latex-free
• Item Weight: 3.84 ounces
• Package Dimensions: 9.57 x 7.2 x 2.13 inches
• Color: Black
• Closure Type: Hook & Loop
• Size: Universal

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Decision-Making Factors

Durability: A

Washability: Cold hand wash (apparently)

Targeted Back Part: Upper Back

Comfort: A

On the third spot, we have another option by FY Posture. We saw that in the previous product of this brand, clavicle support was mentioned but here in this product, you get back and shoulder support that is pretty much close to that one.

Let’s talk about the actual features that it delivers! So, first off, we can see that for an essential grip and better support, the material is greater, and the straps are wider in it whether you sit in front of a desktop or do a similar job that can cause back pain. This is a reliable support for you to stay healthy.

Second off, it is not easy to make a back brace that instantly sets your posture. But FY Posture makes sure about the correct ergonomics to provide that instant experience and strengthen your back, shoulder, and neck. Thus, it is undoubtedly the best upper back brace for you.

Third off, I would like to talk about the material as I mentioned while discussing the types of back braces that soft braces are made up of breathable and comfortable material. This is exactly what I was talking about. The breathable and latex-free stuff of this brace takes your comfort to another level, along with solving the problem of posture.

To top it off, the invisible effect of this product allows you to wear it under a blouse or shirt as you like it. Therefore, adding confidence to your walk and style is the right choice.

Keep in mind that for your first 3-4 days, you should use it for around 20 minutes only. After that, you can do an increment of 20 mins daily. But don’t over-wear it as it may result in serious muscle problems. 

Highlighted Features

• Adjustable posture support
• Does not cause irritation/allergy (latex-free)
• Breathable and waterproof material
• Thin material to make it invisible under clothes

Potential Flaws

• Might feel uncomfortable during earlier days

Comparison between the Old and New Products by FY Posture

Here we have two products by FY Posture! The product at No. 05 is the old one, whereas the product at No. 02 is the newer one. So, let’s compare them to know the difference!

• The newer one is more lightweight and smarter as compared to the older one.
• Both are designed for the upper back purpose, but the older one seems more grippy.
• The older one has great customer feedback owing to the perfect design, but the newer one has design malfunctioning complaints by some customers.

Read if you need scrubs: Best Scrubs for Nurses

6. Best for Whole Back : Selbite Back Brace Posture Corrector

Specifications

• Brand: Selbite
• Material: NA
• Item Weight: 1.08 pounds
• Package Dimensions: 17.2 x 9.02 x 2.87 inches
• Color: Black
• Closure Type: Hook & Loop
• Size: Small

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Decision-Making Factors

Durability: A

Washability: NA

Targeted Back Part: Lower and Upper Back

Comfort: A

Next up, we finally have something to cover the whole back. If you feel pain in the shoulders and upper back sometimes and feel pain in the lower back other times, or you have both of them at the same time, then this is your product!

This properly designed full back brace for nurses will keep your bones and joints at the right place to set your posture. I personally love the idea of covering the whole back and mounting around the belly. It’s like having a proper grip around your trunk.

It feels like mom was always right about maintaining the right posture, right? Now, finally, if you have learned the truth, then why not start with something proper. So, this is the best option in that case.

Save yourself from lethargy, nerve damage, and pain due to bad posture by wearing this proper support. Why am I calling it proper support again and again? Let me enlighten you!

Firstly, the overall back coverage speaks of my point. Secondly, the ultimate breathable material with extra strong mesh makes it comfortable to wear, especially when you are a nurse. Thirdly, as you can wear it under your clothes, so it adds more confidence to your posture and style. Lastly, the strong Velcro closure makes life even easier. Now I hope you understand!

Highlighted Features

• Proper back coverage
• The good grip around the trunk
• Breathable material and can be worn under clothes

Potential Flaws

• It folds, and the plastic bars in the brace break after a while

Read if you need backpacks as a nursing student : Best Backpacks for Nursing School

7. Best for Lower Back Muscle Support: Copper Fit Pro Back Belt Compression Brace

Specifications

• Brand: Copper Fit
• Material: Blend (89% polyester and 11% spandex)
• Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Package Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 11 inches
• Color: Black with copper trim
• Closure Type: Hook & Loop
• Size: Small/ Medium Unisex Waist

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Decision-Making Factors

Durability: A

Washability: Machine wash

Targeted Back Part: Lower Back

Comfort: B

Moving forward, we have finally got something just for the lower back purpose. Let me tell you that it is the best lower back brace. Here’s why!

Firstly, the material is very attractive that makes it a robust and unique product along with ensuring lightweight. Polyester, where adds the necessary strength, spandex makes it stretchable and incredible. Then comes the infused copper for ultimate compression, and this results in maximum lower back support for your all-day comfort.

Indeed, it is not breathable due to the type of material. Therefore, it is not a suitable choice for hot climates, and that is the reason that I have given it a B in comfort.

But when you use it for indoor purposes, it is an ideal choice. For a nurse working a 12-hour shift, it works, and it is proven. The thicker material provides a proper grip and support. So, supporting your pelvis solves the problem. 

You can also feel the magic by purchasing and trying it right away. To top it off, like other products, it can be worn under clothes as well. So, what are you waiting for? If you want these features in a product, then go for this one!

Highlighted Features

• Perfect grip to redistribute the pressure
• It can be worn under clothes
• Perfect material blend for indoor comfort

Potential Flaws

• For the lower back, only
• Not a long-lasting solution

8. Best for Posture Improvement: Snoky Posture Corrector

Specifications

• Brand: Snoky
• Material: Breathable Fabric
• Item Weight: 11.36 ounces
• Package Dimensions: 13.62 x 11.81 x 2.13 inches
• Color: Black
• Closure Type: Velcro
• Size: Large

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Decision-Making Factors

Durability: B+

Washability: NA

Targeted Back Part: Upper and Lower Back 

Comfort: B+

Last but not least, Snoky offers you this posture improving back brace that covers your whole back properly and effectively pulls your muscles and spine for correct alignment. This prevents you from slouching and hunching, and gradually, you develop a habit of correct posture. Yeah, it’s that simple!

Firstly, this product is adjustable and provides a perfect fit. You can use it quite easily and wear it under your clothes to work in your shifts. The best part is that no one will notice that you are wearing it, and you will get a straight back and flat stomach to elevate your experience. 

To stabilize your back, chest, and shoulders, it has a double support mechanism. The two braces on the back are responsible for a right posture. 

Moreover, you just have to wear it for 2 hours daily, and due to muscle memory, you will develop the habit of correct posture. So, forget about back pains by purchasing this full back supporting brace right away.

Highlighted Features

• Full back support with a proper fit
• Easy to use and an adjustable brace
• Double support mechanism 

Potential Flaws

• Sometimes, supportive spine strips ride up too high
• Synthetic material can make you uncomfortable sometimes

Note: All the products were good in their features, and none of them fell into the C category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now I will add some frequently asked questions to answer your general queries.

How many hours a day should you wear a back brace?

The normally recommended timing for this is 2 hours. Initially, you should start with wearing for 5-20 mins only. After that, you can extend this period.

How do nurses protect their backs?

Nurses can use back braces to protect their backs. They can also use appropriate lifting and bending techniques for this.

Which back brace is best for lower back pain?

Copper Fit Pro is one of the best options for lower back pain.

Can pregnant women wear back braces?

Yes, they can wear them to avoid back pain as well as handle the pregnancy weight.

How to measure the size of a back brace for pregnant women?

It is measured from the lower of your back to under your belly (slightly above the public area).

Can I be a nurse with a bad back?

When you have back pain issues, you can not properly visit your patients. But with a back brace, you can!

Can I wear a back brace under my clothes?

Yes, most of the back braces provide you this feature to help you wear them under your clothes.

What is the fastest home remedy for back pain?

You should; avoid prolonged static posture, fall asleep faster and sleep longer, support your body in a warm pool, gently stretch your joints and tissues, and much more for the fastest home remedy.

Is it okay to wear a posture corrector all day?

No, it can, instead of helping, make the situation worse. Your muscles can get used to it, and you won’t be able to have the right posture without it.

Do back braces help the neck as well?

Yes, many of the products like our list efficiently protect your neck as well.

Wrapping Up

I have tried to equip you with all the necessary information that you should know before buying the best back braces. Now, I leave the rest up to you because you have to keep in mind all the important aspects and guidance before making the final call. I suggest you never settle for something cheaper when it comes to your health.

If you liked our products and have something to say, then do mention that in the comment section below. I wish you good luck in the purchasing phase. Have an awesome day.

Recommended Readings:

Best Headbands for Nurses

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Best Nurse Compression Socks