Chronic Back Pain versus Light Muscle Strain/Sprain

One very common question is “what’s the difference between the BioBack and a retail brace, like what I can purchase at my local drug store for $20-$30?”. This seemingly simple question provides a great opportunity to summarize some of the key differences between the BioBack (a medical grade therapeutic brace) and the traditional retail braces. Differences which include:

Form versus Function

Traditional retail braces use a ‘wrap” design (form) that’s been around for centuries. Something like the Copper Fit Advanced Back Pro offers a nice “hug” to provide a very-light degree of support and generate some heat. However, they generally lack the required form to qualify and function as effectively as a therapeutic brace.

The BioBack was one of the very first therapeutic braces to depart from the wrap style architecture, by combining an opposing forces technique with a supportive lumber dome into a lightweight design (BioBack weighs less than one lb) that functionally engages and enhances the normal muscular mechanics of the natural abdominal corset.

Muscle Strain/Sprain versus Chronic Back Pain

A light muscle strain or sprain generally occurs from overexertion or a sudden twisting or turning (that took the muscles by surprise). Some retail wrap braces can offer relief for a very light strain or sprain, particularly when combined with ice (at initial injury) to stop swelling and limit blood low into the injured area and then later heat to encourage nourishing blood flow back into the area to aid the healing.

Unfortunately, once a person suffers back pain they are more likely to have repetitive issues, especially as they age. As muscles become weakened or deconditioned or discs and other pain sensitive structures in the lower back deteriorate; the “hug” of a wrap brace becomes ineffective.

That's where the bio-mechanically sophisticated design of the BioBack functions to help re-engage the abdominal and lumbar musculature while the firm panels provide comfortable support. This reduces the muscle tension and actually de-loads the back to ease pressure on other pain sensitive structures, like discs and joints, for effective pain and lasting pain relief.

In the case of the BioBack the same functionality that makes it so effective at relieving pain can also help prevent low back pain, when the BioBack is worn proactively while performing activities that you know typically cause back pain. 

BioBack – Life without Limits