Sciatica is a term used for a group of symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and numbness that starts from your lower back and all the way down to your legs. The pain usually originates from the sciatic nerve, a whitish fiber that carries impulse. When this nerve is inflamed, a tingling, dull, or sharp pain is experienced along the lower back, hip, or leg. One of the most common causes of sciatica is bulging or herniated disc. To ease the symptoms of this painful condition, you can take pain killers and perform targetted physical therapies. One of the useful ways you can relieve sciatica pain is to use a back brace. To help you pick the best back brace, we have researched, analyzed, and reviewed different back braces and picked the best back brace for sciatica.
Top 8: Best Back Brace for Sciatica
We’ll review and analyze different products that can help with sciatica and help you choose the best one out there on the market.
Quick Winner
Can’t read until the end? Here’s the winner:
Sparthos Back Brace for Sciatica
After reviewing and analyzing different back braces for sciatica, we have concluded that Sparthos Back Brace is the best.
Quality: 4.8/5
Pricing: 4.5/5
Rating: 4.7/5
Do You Need a Back Brace for Sciatica?
Lower back pain can be attributed to many things. Lifestyle choices, eating an unhealthy diet, injury, incorrect posture, and old age are just to name a few. However, you need to recognize your pain before you start using a back brace.
With dozens of different knee braces in the market, you’d be overwhelmed by the claims that these back brace brands make. For someone with low to mild pain in the lower back, a back brace can work like a charm. For many others with severe pain and inflammation, due to a severe condition, back braces may not work.
Because the most common cause of sciatica is herniated disc, you’ll need to treat the underlying problem first. A back brace targeted at your lower back can provide enough compression and heat for relief from pain and discomfort due to sciatica. While it may seem a temporary solution, the reality is that knee braces that have better compression properties can treat your sciatica completely. Not only does a knee brace provide warmth and pain relief, but it also supports your back during intense activities. This lowers your chances of further injury.
In short, a back brace can significantly reduce pain and inflammation due to sciatica.
When to Use Your Back Brace for Sciatica?
If you’re suffering from sciatica and have no luck with therapies and over the counter medications, you can use a back brace. However, there are certain limitations to how often you should wear a back brace. If you’re just starting out and have never used a back brace before, aim for anywhere between 10-15 minutes daily.
Once you’ve made this routine for at least a week and are comfortable with the back brace, you can then increase the daily limit. Add 5-10 more minutes each day until you reach 40 minutes of use a day. If your symptoms improve over time, you can stop using the back brace. However, it’s highly recommended not to exceed the limit, and also stop using the back brace after your condition has improved, as it can weaken your muscles.
You can refer to your product’s user manual to read more about the recommended daily usage.
What Makes Sciatica Worse?
Sciatica is a pain that arises due to an inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Usually, it’s the herniated or bulging disc that causes most of the symptoms. Certain positions and movements can exacerbate your condition. Many of them are:
- Improper positions
- Movement in the wrong direction
- Lifting heavy loads
- Coughing
- Poor posture
These are just a few factors that can worsen sciatica. You should also eat healthy food to improve your condition.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Back Brace For Sciatica
Back braces are used for different purposes. You may get one because you’ve rolled shoulders. Or perhaps your bad sitting habits have contributed to that weird posture that you have. Based on your underlying condition and symptoms, you can get a tailored made back brace.
However, when it comes to sciatica, the perspective on your back problems drastically changes. Sciatica is not a typical back pain. Neither does it affect your middle or upper back. You should pick a back brace with a few main factors in mind. Below is a rundown of such factors to understand before buying a back brace.
Target area
Sciatica is an excruciating pain that targets the lower back, thigh, and legs. When selecting a back brace, buy the one that’s aimed at the lower back. The root of the sciatic nerve originates from the lower back and runs all the way down your legs.
Pain relief
Most back pain can be relieved if your back brace has enough compression and provides comfort from inflammation. These factors can be better evaluated if the back brace has a high quality design with enough adjustability for maximum compression.
Adjustability
Back braces with better adjustability and breathable design can provide maximum support and pain relief. Other braces that lack elasticity are hard to use for a longer duration because of the irritation and discomfort.
Sizing
One of the most important factors that describes the quality of a real, pain relieving back brace is size. Custom sizing can fit your individual needs and help with back pain.
Value
You should also keep in mind your budget before buying a back brace. While an average user can afford the posture braces that we have reviewed, the quality and features can change even with a slight change in price.
Top 8: Best Back Braces For Sciatica
1. Sparthos Back Brace for Sciatica
Quality: 4.8/5
Pricing: 4.5/5
Rating: 4.7/5
If you’ve been suffering from Sciatica pain and can’t carry out your daily activities, Sparthos back brace can be a better solution. It comes in three different size options and targets the root of the sciatic nerve in your lower back.
The brace has an adjustable lumbar pad and provides extra compression for stability and pain relief. Made of lightweight, breathable fabric, Sparthos Back Brace can be comfortably worn under or over your shirt. People who used this back brace said it supported their lower back and significantly reduced pain.
Back support – The back brace offers enough compression to soothe your ailing back and reduce symptoms due to sciatica and other painful conditions.
Adjustability – Sparthos back brace comes in three different size options and has an adjustable lumbar pad for extra control.
Comfort – It’s made of lightweight, breathable fabric. Also, the vertical support stays keep the back brace in place. These features make Sparthos comfortable back support.
Pros:
✔️ High adjustability
✔️ Helps sciatica pain
✔️ Custom sizing options
✔️ Secure velcro straps
Cons:
❌ May be uncomfortable at first
2. FlexGuard Support Lower Back Brace
Quality: 4.7/5
Pricing: 4.4/5
Rating: 4.6/5
Pain and injury can cause severe discomfort. For someone suffering from sciatica, FlexGuard Lower Back Brace can be helpful. Not only does this back brace relieve pain, but its design also helps you support your daily tasks.
Unlike other flimsy back supports, FlexGuard has a firm, comfortable design that provides instant pain relief. There are also mesh pockets for using hot or cold packs, so your recovery process becomes fast.
Back support – With FlexGuard lower back brace, you’ve extra pain management support. The mesh pockets can easily accommodate hot or cold packs for quick relief.
Comfort – You get firm compression support and comfort with its cushioned lumbar pad that perfectly fits your lower back.
Size and fit – You have two different size options with this back brace. The firm fabric and metal bars keep your back straight and upright. Overall, this back brace fits just like tailor-made support.
Pros:
✔️ Ice/heat pockets
✔️ Targets sciatica region
✔️ Has a snug fit
✔️ Doesn’t cause irritation
Cons:
❌ May not be durable
3. BODYMATE Compression Brace
Quality: 4.6/5
Pricing: 4.5/5
Rating: 4.4/5
Lower back and thigh injury are often really painful. Not only does it affect your performance, but it also limits your movement. Bodymate compression brace is made to help you with sciatica, hamstring, hip, groin, and quad injury.
This compression brace wraps around your thigh and lower back. By keeping your lower back and thigh in place, this brace will help you perform better again.
Material – The back brace uses latex-free neoprene material in its design for comfort, support, and durability.
Injury support – Whether it’s sciatica, hamstring, groin, or quad injury, you’ll be supported until recovery
Sizing and fit – Bodymate Compression Brace has a universal size, and the brace can be worn on either right or left leg. The latching straps with strong velcro allow the back brace to be adjusted accordingly.
Pros:
✔️ Maximum injury support
✔️ Unique design
✔️ Strong velcro fasteners
Cons:
❌ Universal sizing may not be fit for everyone
4. ComfyMed Back Brace
ComfyMed Back Brace targets your lower back and provides your sciatic nerve the necessary compression for quick pain relief. The removable lumbar pad can easily be adjusted according to your needs.
The design of this back brace is so that it remains in place and may not slip, roll, and bunch. One of the new features of back braces that are available in this one is its grip handles that allow for custom adjustability.
Warranty – Unlike other back braces, ComfyMed offers a whopping 12 months warranty. That’s something most similar braces would never offer.
Value – For a back brace with 12 months warranty and premium features such as grip handles and removable lumbar pad, the price is perfect.
Sizing – With this back brace you get two different sizing options. From 26″ to 37” and 38″ to 50”. These ranges cover different belly sizes.
Pros:
✔️ Easy grip handles
✔️ Removable lumbar pads
✔️ Custom sizing
✔️ 12-month warranty
Cons:
❌ Poor back support
5. AVESTON Lower Back Support
Quality: 4.4/5
Pricing: 4.4/5
Rating: 4.6/5
This lower back brace comes in three different sizes. AVESTON offers a heavy duty lower back support against sciatica, spine injury, and disc diseases. It also keeps your spine aligned with the rest of your back and ensures a straight, upright posture.
The back brace is made of a non-sweating, durable material that stays in place and covers your whole lower back for quick pain relief. The three-layer elastic design and adjustable compression improve sciatica pain and other severe inflammations.
Sizing – This back brace comes in three different sizing options. When measuring, the size should be taken at the nevel level, not the pant waist.
Pain relief – The back support is better than many similar products out there. Whether you have a weak core or are struggling with sciatica, this back brace will help a lot.
Adjustability – You can comfortably wear the back brace without the need for external help. With three-layer elastic design on the sides, you’ll be able to adjust the back brace accordingly.
Pros:
✔️ Custom sizing options
✔️ Lower pain relief
✔️ High adjustability
✔️ Three-layer elastic design
Cons:
❌ Sizing may be an issue
6. Roxofit Hip and Lower Back Brace
Quality: 4.2/5
Pricing: 4.3/5
Rating: 4.4/5
Similar in design to BodyMate Compression brace, Roxofit Brace targets your quad, hamstring, and hip muscles for relief from pain and inflammation. This brace is designed to stabilize your hip and reduce the risk of injuries to the groin, sciatic nerve, and hip flexor.
Made of breathable neoprene material, this back brace has a versatile design to rehabilitate your movement and improve your gait. The waistband prevents slipping and sliding down of the back brace and keeps you comfortable while performing every type of activity.
Adjustability – Roxofit features hook and loop fasteners that can be adjusted as per your need.
Compression – The wrap-around groin support provides targeted controlled compression.
Sizing – If you’ve waist up to 43” and thigh up to 24” circumference, this back brace can fit perfectly.
Pros:
✔️ Adjustable
✔️ Sciatica nerve support
✔️ Targets thigh and lower back
Cons:
❌ Not enough pain relief
7. AidBrace Lower Back Brace for Sciatica
Quality: 4.0/5
Pricing: 4.1/5
Rating: 4.0/5
AidBrace Lower Back Brace offers three different sizing options for people with a herniated disc, sciatica, scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease. Suitable for both men and women, this back brace has a breathable design with a vented mesh backing that keeps your back cool and dry.
The back brace has a unique curved design that reduces pressure on your abdominal areas. Users who tried AidBrace said the design and quality were much better and that it helped them with pain.
Adjustability – The back brace can be tightened or loosened, however you want. It also has built-in stabilizing bars that hold your back in a straight, upright position.
Pain relief – Its stability stays keep your spine straight and pain free. With enough compression from this back brace, you’ll see a significant reduction in pain.
Sizing – AidBrace has three different sizing options, such as small, medium, and large. You can get a custom-sized brace that’s made just for your specific needs.
Pros:
✔️ Cushioned lumbar pad
✔️ Stability stays for durable support
✔️ Breathable vented mesh
✔️ Adjustable design
Cons:
❌ Velcro may not be durable
Best alternative suggested for unavailable product
8. NeoTech Care Lower Back Brace for Sciatica
Quality: 4.3/5
Pricing: 4.2/5
Rating: 4.4/5
NeoTech Lower Back Brace is made of a durable and elastic fabric with six different sizing options to choose from. This back brace has a double pull wide back support, which is highly recommended for intense lower back pain and discomfort.
If you are into sports or manual occupations, this back brace can be a better choice since those people need extra support in carrying out their activities. The back brace also helps with spine curves and incorrect back posture.
Sizing – In terms of sizing, this back brace is hard to beat. There are six different sizing options based on your belly circumference.
Pain relief – This back brace provides enough back support to help you with sciatic pain and other lower back discomforts.
Adjustability – You can easily adjust the back brace because of its double layer straps design.
Pros:
✔️ Better pain relief
✔️ Custom sizing options
✔️ Adjustable as required
Cons:
❌ Little back support
Conclusion
Sciatica is not your typical back pain that will go away on its own. In fact, it’s a more severe inflammation of the disc. To help ease sciatica, you can perform different physical therapies and use over the counter painkillers. However, one of the best treatment options is to use a back brace. The best back brace for sciatica is Sparthos Back Brace. It has all the features you need to relieve sciatica and improve your condition.
