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Compression Fractures: How to Choose the Best Brace for Fractures, Injuries and Spinal Surgery
The best brace for compression fracture recovery is usually a TLSO, the thoracic spine brace for compression fracture care that reaches from the hips to the shoulder blades and limits forward bending while the bone heals. For a lumbar compression fracture, a back injury or recovery after spinal surgery, a rigid LSO or the brace your surgeon chooses gives compression fracture back support where you need it, and a soft TLSO works as a gentle back brace for osteoporosis.
- Thoracic and lumbar braces for compression fractures
- Support for osteoporosis and kyphosis
- What to expect after a back injury or spinal fusion
Protect the Healing Bone
A firm brace limits the forward bending that loads a fractured vertebra.
Move with Less Pain
Steady support makes standing, walking and getting out of bed easier.
Stand Taller
A tall back panel and shoulder straps help hold your upper back upright.
At a Glance
- The best brace for compression fracture care is usually a TLSO, chosen by your doctor.
- Most compression fractures come from osteoporosis, and some happen with no fall at all.
- Most people feel better within 3 months without surgery.
- A lumbar fracture or spinal fusion often calls for a rigid LSO.
- Many fracture braces carry HCPCS codes such as L0456, L0457 or L0464.
1.5 millionspinal compression fractures happen in the US each yearSource: AAOS OrthoInfo
3 monthsis when most people with a compression fracture feel better without surgerySource: AAOS OrthoInfo
6 weeks to 3 monthsafter spinal fusion is when physical therapy typically startsSource: AAOS OrthoInfo
What Is a Compression Fracture?
A compression fracture is a break in one of the bones of the spine, called vertebrae. AAOS OrthoInfo explains that the front of the weakened bone cracks and becomes shorter, losing its original height, so the vertebra takes on a wedge shape. These fractures happen about 1.5 million times every year in the US.
Compression fractures often happen in the middle of the back (the thoracic spine) or where it meets the lower back. One fracture may cause sudden pain. Several over time can cause a loss of height and a rounded upper back.
Common Signs of a Compression Fracture
- Sudden back pain at the spot where the bone broke
- Pain that gets worse when you stand, walk or move and eases when you lie down
- Pain that flares when you cough or sneeze
- Loss of height over time
- A stooped or hunched upper back
What Causes Compression Fractures?
Osteoporosis is the most common reason. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes it as a bone disease that develops when bone density and bone mass decrease, and lists severe back pain and loss of height as signs of a spine fracture.
Osteoporosis
Weak, thin bones can crack under everyday loads. Risk rises with age and is highest in older women.
Falls and Injuries
A fall, car accident or hard landing can fracture a vertebra, even in strong bones.
Everyday Movements
With osteoporosis, AAOS notes a fracture can happen while reaching, twisting, coughing or sneezing, with no fall at all.
See a doctor right away for sudden back pain after a fall, or new back pain if you have osteoporosis. Get emergency care for numbness, weakness or trouble with your bladder or bowels. A brace supports your spine; it doesn't treat the cause.
Who Benefits From a Back Brace for a Compression Fracture?
A back brace helps people whose spine needs protection while it heals or settles. These are the people we hear from most often.
Older Adults with Osteoporosis
A brace eases pain and limits bending while a fracture heals.
People After a Fall
Support makes moving around the house easier in the first weeks.
People with Kyphosis From Old Fractures
A soft brace gives gentle support to a rounded upper back.
People After Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty
Some doctors suggest a brace for comfort during recovery.
People After Spinal Fusion
A rigid brace protects the spine while the bones grow together.
People with a Back Injury
A firm brace steadies the spine after a sprain, fracture or instability.
How Does a Back Brace Help a Compression Fracture?
Does a back brace help a compression fracture heal? AAOS notes that sometimes patients wear a back brace to help the fracture heal. A brace holds the spine more upright and limits the bending that loads the front of the broken bone.
Limits Forward Bending
Firm panels keep you from folding forward, which puts weight on the front of the fractured vertebra.
Eases Pain
Holding the spine steady can make standing, walking and getting out of bed less painful.
Supports Upright Posture
Shoulder straps and a tall back panel help you stand straighter while the bone settles.
What Are the Different Types of Back Braces for Compression Fractures?
The right brace depends on where the fracture is. A TLSO reaches from the hips to the shoulder blades and supports fractures in the middle of the back. An LSO covers the lower back. Soft TLSOs give light support for older adults with osteoporosis and kyphosis.
Brace typeSupportBest forKey detailCommon HCPCS
Soft TLSOLightOsteoporosis, kyphosis, older adultsFlexible fabric with strapsL0450, L0452
Rigid TLSOFirmThoracic compression fractures, fusionTall panel reaches the shoulder bladesL0456, L0457, L0464
Rigid LSOFirmLumbar fractures, injury, after surgeryFront and back panels limit motionL0631, L0637, L0648, L0650
Cold therapy unitNot a bracePain and swelling after surgeryCirculates cold water through a padE0218
Best Brace for a Thoracic Compression Fracture
A thoracic spine brace for a compression fracture needs to reach above the break, so it is usually a TLSO. Choose one with a tall back panel, shoulder straps you can adjust, and a front closure you can tighten without twisting. Your doctor will tell you how firm the brace should be.
- A tall back panel limits bending in the middle of the back.
- Shoulder straps help hold the upper back upright.
- Front closures make it easier to put on alone.
Best for mid back fractures and recoveryBrace Align ComfortCore TLSO Back BraceHCPCS: L0456, L0457View product
Best rigid TLSO for compression fracturesBrace Align Universal TLSO Back BraceHCPCS: L0464View product
Brace for a Lumbar Compression Fracture
Braces for a lumbar compression fracture cover the lower back, from the base of the ribs to the hips. A firm LSO with a rigid back panel limits the bending that loads the fractured bone. If the fracture sits where the middle and lower back meet, your doctor may suggest a taller TLSO instead.
Best for lower back compression fracturesBrace Align Core Pro LSO Back BraceHCPCS: L0650, L0637View product
TLSO Brace for Compression Fracture: Why It Is Common
A TLSO brace for compression fracture care is common because many of these fractures happen in the middle of the back. An LSO stops at the waist, so it can't hold the thoracic spine. A TLSO reaches the shoulder blades and holds the spine more upright, which takes load off the front of the cracked vertebra.
What is the difference between a TLSO and an LSO for a compression fracture? The TLSO covers the middle and lower back, while the LSO covers only the lower back. Your fracture level decides which one you need.
Back Brace for Osteoporosis and Kyphosis
Over time, small fractures can tip the upper back forward into kyphosis. Mayo Clinic lists compression fractures from weakened bones as a cause of kyphosis, and notes that too much curvature can lead to back pain and difficulty standing upright.
A back brace for osteoporosis should support without pressing hard on fragile bones. A soft TLSO gives gentle support you can wear for longer stretches. Ask your doctor before bracing, since some people need a firmer brace and others need none.
Best soft brace for osteoporosisBrace Align FeatherLite Soft TLSO Back BraceHCPCS: L0450, L0452View product
Best firmer support for osteoporosisBrace Align TLSO Thoracic Back Support BraceHCPCS: L0456, L0457View product
How Long to Wear a Brace for a Compression Fracture
How long you wear a back brace for a compression fracture is up to your doctor, and it depends on the fracture and how it heals. AAOS notes that most people with a spinal compression fracture feel better within 3 months without surgery. Many people wear their brace less as pain eases.
Should you sleep in a back brace with a compression fracture? Most people take it off in bed, since lying down takes weight off the spine. Follow your doctor's advice, especially in the first weeks.
Putting on a Back Brace When Bending Is Hard
Bending to put on a brace can hurt after a fracture or surgery. These tips make it easier.
- Lie on your side, place the brace behind you, then roll onto your back and close the front.
- Or sit on a firm chair and have a helper center the back panel.
- Wear a thin, snug shirt under the brace to prevent rubbing.
- Choose a brace with a front closure or pulleys, so you don't have to reach behind you.
Bracing After Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are procedures that inject bone cement into a fractured vertebra. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon first restores some of the bone's height. Some doctors suggest a brace for comfort afterward, while others don't, so ask your doctor before you buy one.
Do I Need a Back Brace for a Back Injury?
Not every back injury needs a brace. A pulled muscle usually does best with light activity, while a fracture or spinal instability may need a rigid brace to protect the spine. Spinal instability means the bones of the spine move more than they should, which can strain nerves and cause pain.
What is the difference between a rigid and a soft back brace? A rigid brace uses firm panels to limit motion and protect an injury. A soft brace supports and compresses but lets you move. Your doctor will tell you which you need and whether you can take it off to sleep or shower.
Best for back injury and spinal instabilityBrace Align VertebrAlign LSO Back BraceHCPCS: L0631, L0637, L0650, L0648View product
What Is the Best Back Brace After Spinal Fusion?
After spinal fusion, AAOS OrthoInfo notes your surgeon may suggest a brace to help protect the fusion while it heals. Physical therapy typically starts 6 weeks to 3 months after surgery, and it may be several months before the bone is solid.
What kind of back brace do you wear after spinal fusion? Usually a rigid LSO or TLSO, chosen by your surgeon. Can I buy a back brace before surgery? Yes, but confirm the type and size with your surgeon first. Is a back brace needed after a microdiscectomy? Many surgeons don't use one, so ask yours. Many people also use a cold therapy unit after surgery; check with your surgeon before you start.
Best for recovery after lower back surgeryBreg Epic LP LSO 637/650 Back BraceHCPCS: L0637, L0650View product
Best cold therapy after back surgeryBrace Direct IcedHeat Hot and Cold Water Circulating Therapy MachineHCPCS: E0218View product
Getting Used to Your Back Brace After a Fracture or Surgery
Follow Your Doctor's Schedule
Wear the brace exactly when your doctor or surgeon says, and ask before you stop.
Check Your Skin Daily
Look for red marks under the panels and straps, especially if you have thin skin.
Move a Little Every Day
Short walks around the house help your recovery, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Keep Up Bone Health Care
A brace doesn't treat osteoporosis. Ask your doctor about treatment to lower your risk of another fracture.
Insurance and HCPCS Codes
Most fracture and post-surgery back braces are coded as TLSOs or LSOs and have an HCPCS code, the billing code Medicare and insurers use for medical equipment. We don't bill insurance, but you can submit your receipt to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Most of our braces are also HSA and FSA eligible.
L0450 Soft TLSOsL0452 Soft TLSOsL0456 Rigid TLSOsL0457 Rigid TLSOsL0464 Rigid TLSOsL0631 Rigid LSOsL0637 Adjustable LSOsL0648 LSOsL0650 Adjustable LSOsE0218 Cold therapy units
Talk to a Brace Specialist
US-based team, Monday to Friday
Not sure which brace your fracture or surgery calls for? Tell us where the break is, what your doctor said and how easily you can bend. Our specialists can help you choose a size and style before you buy, and after your brace arrives you can use our fitting videos or book a virtual fitting session.
Unused items in their original packaging can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase. See our Return Policy for details.
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Shop Back Braces for Injury and RecoveryFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best brace for a compression fracture?
For most fractures in the middle of the back, a TLSO that reaches the shoulder blades. For a lower back fracture, a rigid LSO. Your doctor will choose the type and firmness.
Suggested: Brace Align ComfortCore TLSO Back Brace or Brace Align Universal TLSO Back Brace
Does a back brace help a compression fracture heal?
Sometimes patients wear a back brace to help the fracture heal. A brace limits bending and can ease pain, but rest, time and bone health treatment matter too.
How long do you wear a back brace for a compression fracture?
It depends on the fracture and how it heals, so your doctor decides. Most people feel better within 3 months without surgery and wear the brace less as pain eases.
Should you sleep in a back brace with a compression fracture?
Most people take it off in bed, since lying down takes weight off the spine. Follow your doctor's advice, especially in the first weeks.
Can you get a compression fracture from osteoporosis without a fall?
Yes. With weak bones, a fracture can happen while reaching, twisting, coughing or sneezing. New back pain with osteoporosis is a reason to see your doctor.
What is the difference between a TLSO and an LSO for a compression fracture?
A TLSO reaches the shoulder blades and supports the middle and lower back. An LSO covers only the lower back, so it suits lumbar fractures.
Suggested: Aspen Horizon 456 TLSO or Brace Align Core Pro LSO Back Brace
Does Medicare cover a back brace for a compression fracture?
Medicare and other insurers may help pay when a doctor orders the brace as medically necessary. We don't bill Medicare or insurance, but you can submit your receipt to your insurer for possible reimbursement.
Should I wear a back brace after a back injury?
It depends on the injury. A pulled muscle usually does best with light activity and short-term support, while a fracture or instability may need a rigid brace your doctor chooses.
Suggested: Brace Align VertebrAlign LSO Back Brace