The 10 best back braces of 2024, recommended by experts

Best for: Sciatica, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis, lumbar support | Material: Breathable mesh, neoprene, Velcro | Machine washable: Yes (spot clean lumbar insert)

The Sparthos back brace for lower back pain is our overall pick and a cult favorite (with more than 35,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. it topped our list thanks to its breathable mesh material, rigid lumbar support, adjustable compression and ease of use. The brace is great for strains and lower back pain, yet rigid enough to relieve sciatica pain, as well as a wide range of conditions, such as herniated disc(s), scoliosis, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. It's also a wonderful brace to have on hand to wear proactively to ward off back pain and strains when engaging in a task that puts repeated pressure on the back and spine, such as heavy lifting, exercise or construction work. 

The back brace features three firm stays, an adjustable (and removable) lumbar pad and two Velcro straps to ensure the perfect fit. The brace immediately lifts the load off your lower back and offers gentle compression for stability and pain relief. It comes in three sizes — small, large and X-large. While sizing is somewhat confusing with the lack of a medium option, you can easily find the appropriate brace for your size by following the manufacturer's instructions for taking your waist measurement. 

Yahoo's health editor April McCormick, who has personally used the brace, said: "I have tried multiple back braces to help with the discomfort associated with my degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, sciatica pain and lower back pain and have found the Sparthos back brace to be the best for support thanks to the double layer compression straps that help keep my spine supported while the adjustable lumbar support hits right where I need it. The ease of use and durability are also a major plus since I regularly wear the brace to help with pain and prevent injury when gardening or engaging in heavy lifting."

Best for: Minor strains, stress injuries, preventive support during activities | Material: Polyester, nylon, neoprene, spandex, polypropylene, rubber | Machine washable: No

Ace's simple-yet-effective back brace is a perfect example of why the brand is an industry leader, having been dubbed “The #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand of Braces & Supports" in the Pharmacy Times and U.S. News & World Report 2020-2021 National Survey. The easy-to-use brace provides moderate support and stabilization to help relieve symptoms associated with minor strains and repetitive stress injuries, a saggy abdomen and preventative support during work and activities. Capable of providing support for those with a waist up to 48 inches, the brace features two adjustable straps for customizable support while still allowing for full range of motion. The breathable back panel helps keep your back cool and skin dry, while the palmer stays in the back panel provide moderate rigid support. We also love that the brace is designed to prevent bunching and slippage during wear, which is major issue with inexpensive and knockoff braces. 

"Ace is the best!" wrote one reviewer. "I have scoliosis, joint instability and spinal stenosis. I have tried multiple brands. Ace works the best for support without the added bulk."

Best for: Sciatica, herniated disc, pinched nerves, stenosis, degenerative disc, lumbar traction | Material: 100% inner cotton lining, outer layer construction not disclosed | Machine washable: Yes

Disc Disease Solutions's Neumatic Air Decompression Belt is backed by four U.S. patents and is regularly recommended by one of our experts, Dave Candy, a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. "I commonly recommend the back decompression brace by Disc Disease Solutions," Candy told us. "The brace lifts and unloads the spine, not just compress it like regular back braces." 

What sets the brace apart from the other braces on this list is the patented Vertical Air Technology (VAP) that helps with spinal decompression. The VAP technology decreases axial loading while increasing intervertebral disc space thanks to the air chambers in the belt you can inflate and deflate using the detachable air gauges. The brace also works to gently stretch the torso vertically and displaces stress away from the affected disc and nerve. The end result is alleviated pressure, decreased pain and improved mobility so you can stay active while healing from an injury.

The belt is rigid enough to provide the lift and support you need, while the 100% cotton lining makes it comfortable enough to wear under your clothes nearly unnoticed. Designed to conform to the natural curvature of the spine for maximum comfort, the customizable air compression with easy-to-read detachable gauge and pump will have you back on your feet and moving and grooving almost instantly.

One relieved belt owner with two herniated discs (one of which is bulging) and a fractured vertebrae said:"If I could, I’d give this belt a million-star rating." Wrote another reviewer: "The only belt that gave me pain relief for my pregnancy-related back pain."

Best for: Pains and strains | Material: Neoprene, mesh, red and near-infrared lights | Machine Washable: No

Red and near-infrared light therapy has been shown to help stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. Jazz Band’s Intelligent Light Therapy takes light therapy a step further with four therapeutic modalities for targeted relief: red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy with magnetic signals and micro-vibrations. The band also comes with versatile straps so you can wear it on your back, shoulder, knee and ankle, or anywhere else you are experiencing pain.

While this is an expensive option, the versatility for use on your entire body, and your entire family for that matter, makes the Jazz Band well worth the price tag. In fact, this is another favorite of our Senior Health Editor, April: "While I have been a huge fan of red light and near-infrared light therapy for some time now for both pain management and skincare, I was truly impressed and amazed by how effective the Jazz Band is as targeting and alleviating pain. The four modes are also a great perk and something I have not seen from its competitors. The added magnetic signals and micro-vibration setting make a huge difference for me. After a long day in the garden or an extra strenuous workout session, I will lay on the band starting at my lower back and work my way up to my neck with the micro-vibration on for a mini-back massage. I can honestly feel my muscles relaxing and the pain melting away. This is also an awesome device to take with you while traveling!"

Best for: Herniated disc, arthritis, sacroiliac joint syndrome, pain relief, sciatica | Material: Neoprene blend, Velcro, steel | Machine washable: Yes 

The Mueller Adjustable Back Brace is a great solution for those suffering from muscular weakness of the back and abdominal muscles thanks to a whopping eight steel springs located in the back of the brace that collectively conform to your back and spine for a truly ergonomic fit (most braces feature only three to five rigid steel stays). The steel springs coupled with the tapered design and double-layer adjustable compression straps that pull tight around your abdomen work to fully and comfortably support your trunk, abdomen and spine while you heal and recuperate. This is a unisex one-size-fits-most brace, but it is easy to put on, easy to adjust for customizable compression and comfort, machine washable and FSA-eligible.

It also boasts more than 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. "[It] works!," raved one reviewer, continuing, "I ordered three different abdominal bands from different companies and this one fit the best. It's lightweight, comfortable and supportive! My Dr approved this for me." Another reviewer raved that "this brace is wonderful. I put it on and it helped my low back pain immensely because it makes you stand or sit straight."

Best for: Degenerative disc disease, lumbar support, lower back pain, herniated disc, sciatica, scoliosis, | Material: Air-mesh, four-way stretch material | Machine washable: No

The Freetoo back brace's construction and design are truly impressive, boasting four aluminum memory stays in the back and two steel springs placed along the waist side that work to prevent excessive stress on muscles and decrease the pressure on your sore and inflamed discs. The four-way elastic strap pulley system (which feeds through two clasps on either side of the brace) easily adjusts for 360-degree customizable compression. The inner layer is made of velvety fabric so you can comfortably wear the brace under clothes, while two silicone anti-skid bands on either side of the belt help keep the brace in place to prevent bunching and slippage. For those who fear the heat and sweating that comes with back braces, you will appreciate the breathable mesh channels that help keep your back cool and sweat-free.

This brace exceptionally constructed, offering full back support — and nearly 14,000 five-star reviewers agree! One reviewer said, "This is a winner, hands down. Look no further." Our in-house tester said the brace provided full back support and the adjustable straps offered a really nice level of customizable compression from top to bottom, which also helped with her posture. Another reviewer called it a "Back saver," saying: "Fits well, I love the outer straps to adjust the tightness. I have several lower lumbar issues and this helps tremendously. Would highly recommend."

Best for: Posture and scoliosis | Material: moisture-wicking and breathable material | Machine washable: Yes

Nothing leads to lower back pain faster than sitting with poor posture — even if it's just for an hour. To avoid this, consider giving the Fit Geno Back Brace and Posture Corrector a try. The adjustable brace has four fiber support rods running top to bottom to help straighten your back and relieve pain in your shoulders, neck and waist by taking pressure off the key areas in your back. The shoulder straps further promote better posture throughout the day by gently pulling your shoulders up and back. Four adjustable Velcro straps (two on either side of the brace) allow you to customize compression and tension in the abdominals. The end result is perfect posture and reduced pain through an entire day of meetings or even a long car ride. And no worries about getting too hot in the brace, the moisture-wicking material keeps you cool and sweat-free.

With more than 4,200 five-star reviews on Amazon, it has earned praise from many others besides us. One reviewer declared it "lightweight and sturdy," adding, "I sit in front of my desk for the most part and was having back pain so i decided to give this a go, Really good quality, and it’s quite customizable too, I enjoyed wearing it. There is like a metal/plastic boning in the back to help support your back, and a sturdy wrap to support your core, I got used to it really quickly. It also looks cute because it’s not too bulky."

Best for: Heavy lifting, exercise, lumbar support | Material: moisture-wicking CoolMax fabric | Machine washable: Undisclosed

If your job requires constant heavy lifting, then AllyFlex Sports Back Brace is the type of belt you want to have on hand to protect you from freak accidents. The brace features detachable Y-shaped suspenders that help pull your shoulders back for you to maintain good posture and prevent injuries from over-arching your back. Two ergonomic lumbar pads sit on either side of your spine for added support while two Velcro straps pull tight around your abdomen to ensure a comfortable and stable fit. If you're prone to sweating or working in the heat and loathe traditional bulky and think powerlifting belts, you'll love AllyFlex's moisture-wicking CoolMax fabric designed to keep you cool and dry all day.

One reviewer raved: "This back support has wider metal stabilizers than the others I've tried. It provides much more support and gives me some relief from my back pain." Another reviewer and nurse said, "I ordered this for my husband for work. I tried it on and ordered one for me too! We are both nurses and need all the support and help we can get for our backs."

Best for: Lower back pain with inflammation and swelling | Material: Polyester, gel, Velcro | Machine washable: No

The Magic Gel back brace is an excellent and versatile option for those looking for hot or cold therapy, or alternating both in one sitting. We all agree, this is the kind of brace that's nice to have on hand for strains after a long day in the garden or too much twisting and diving for the ball on the pickleball court. "In general, cold therapy is most beneficial in the first few days after injury, and heat therapy can be helpful when further along in the recovery phase and attempting to regain flexibility in the joint," Woods explained. 

Each belt comes with two gel packs, so alternating between hot and cold therapy is easy. The belt stays hot or cold for about 20 to 30 minutes, which happens to also be the recommended amount of time for applying hot or cold therapy in a sitting. We also love that there is a two-year warranty, so if anything happens and one of your gel packs leaks, the company has you covered.

Best for: Lower back pain, sciatica, dysmenorrhea | Material: Neoprene, Velcro | Machine washable: No 

A back brace that massages your back while heat (or ice) therapy soothes achy muscles? Yes, please! 

The Cueheat back brace features three heat modes and three massaging vibration settings, two removable pads, an ice pack pocket and a Velcro strap closure for customizable comfort. It is also rechargeable so you don't have to be tethered to a wall socket, which is rare for massage braces. Another standout and rare feature is the pocket for an ice pack (not included) so you can alternate hot and cold therapy while still enjoying the massage option. We also suggest you give it a try on sore shoulders and legs!

One reviewer shared that she "loves it" and that "It puts the vibration closer to the spine than some competing belts do."