When most people think about their physical health, there’s one point we all tend to forget about – our posture. Most people have sedentary lives, where most of their time is spent in front of their computer. This wouldn’t be a problem if you make sure that you have a good sitting posture and that you make regular breaks. However, we are so busy that we just forget. And the only time we remember is when we start to feel shoulder aches and the back muscles strain.
One thing you probably aren’t aware of is that bad posture can lead to serious problems. Besides suffering from back pain and shoulder fatigue, you might also start to feel really tired and even presenting the first signs of depression. Plus, your blood circulation will also be affected which will, in turn, lead to other health issues.
In case you already make some breaks to stretch out your muscles throughout the day, that’s a good thing, However, this won’t be enough to stop the shoulders and back pain. You need something that will help you keep your spine aligned in the right position. So, you should really consider getting a posture corrector. Since this might be the first time you hear about the subject, here are the top 23 best posture corrector braces in 2017:
#1: TOROS-GROUP Comfort Posture Corrector and Back Support Brace
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The TOROS-GROUP Comfort Posture Corrector and Back Support Brace is one of the best posture correctors on the market in 2017. Indicated for winged scapula, lordosis, kyphosis, and kyphoscoliosis, the TOROS-GROUP Comfort Posture Corrector and Back Support Brace will help you with different situations concerning your posture. It will help you recover from surgery as well as it will prevent bad posture.
With a semi-rigid fixation of the spine, the TOROS-GROUP Comfort Posture Corrector and Back Support Brace will help you maintain a good posture throughout the day.
The TOROS-GROUP Comfort Posture Corrector and Back Support Brace features adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt which will allow you to feel comfortable wearing it. You should also use an undershirt underneath.
#2: PostureMedic Original Posture Corrector Brace
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The PostureMedic Original Posture Corrector Brace is one of the best posture corrective braces on the market. It is, in fact, a complete posture solution that will allow you to feel immediately relieved as well as your posture will be improved.
The PostureMedic Original Posture Corrector Brace comes in different sizes so you really need to choose the best size for you. This posture corrector brace will not only help you improve your posture as it will help you strengthen your core and back muscles.
With the PostureMedic Original Posture Corrector Brace, you’ll also get an exercise program and some tips that might help you improve your posture as well as to enhance your overall health.
#3: Bravado Premium Clavicle Support Brace and Posture Corrector for Men and Women
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Despite some of the best post correctors are not unisex, the Bravado Premium Clavicle Support Brace and Posture Corrector for Men and Women can be used by either men and women alike.
With foam-padded straps and a thick design, you can be sure that you’ll start to see the results in no time. Plus, since it’s made with a washable, latex-free, and breathable fabric, you can be sure that you’ll feel comfortable using it, even if you’re experiencing hot temperatures.
The Bravado Premium Clavicle Support Brace and Posture Corrector for Men and Women will help you keep your shoulders perfectly aligned with your spine. Despite it may feel a bit odd the first times you use it, you’ll get used to it.
#4: CAMP BEN Medium Posture Corrector
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We had to include the CAMP BEN Medium Posture Corrector in the top 23 best post corrector braces in 2017. When you spend the entire day sitting on the desk, you probably slouch. And this may be hurting your shoulders, neck, as well as your back. You might have already started to feel the first pain, so it’s time to do something about it.
The CAMP BEN Medium Posture Corrector will help you keep your shoulders in the right position. And since it’s cushioned and padded, you can be sure that it won’t pinch your skin.
The CAMP BEN Medium Posture Corrector back connector is completely adjustable, which will allow it to fit perfectly with your body. Despite you might feel uncomfortable the first couple of times you use it, it’s totally fine. After all, this is your body adjusting.
#5: Posturific Brace.com – The 2 in 1 Posture Brace
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The Posturific Brace.com – The 2 in 1 Posture Brace is actually recommended by doctors and it will help you improve your posture with just 30 minutes a day.
One of the main advantages of the Posturific Brace.com – The 2 in 1 Posture Brace is that you can use it in two different ways: you can either use it around the back or over the shoulder.
With a very simple design and being easy to put on and take off, the Posturific Brace.com – The 2 in 1 Posture Brace is one of the best posture braces on the market. Along with the brace, you’ll also get some exercises that will help you improve your posture as well.
#6: Agon Posture Corrector Clavicle Brace Support Strap
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Recommended by chiropractors, physiotherapists, doctors, and osteopaths, the Agon Posture Corrector Clavicle Brace Support Strap is one of the best posture correctors in 2017. It will gently help you align your shoulders into the right position, relieving you from pain as well as improving your posture at the same time.
Despite it features a velcro closure and it is adjustable, you may not be able to strap it by yourself, at least on the first couple of times you’re using it.
#7: CAMP BEN MEDIUM Figure 8 Clavicle Corrector Brace
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The CAMP BEN MEDIUM Figure 8 Clavicle Corrector Brace is an amazing corrector brace that will help you improve your posture. Despite you can use it on a daily basis to keep your arms back, the CAMP BEN MEDIUM Figure 8 Clavicle Corrector Brace is also recommended to be worn before and after surgeries.
Providing a collar bone protection, the CAMP BEN MEDIUM Figure 8 Clavicle Corrector Brace is not only cushy as it is padded to provide you with all the support you need.
One of the things that you may notice is that it’s thicker than other corrector braces. And this is for one reason only: to provide you with all the support you need to improve your posture.
#8: My Pro Supports Clavicle Brace Posture Corrector Support Strap
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The My Pro Supports Clavicle Brace Posture Corrector Support Strap is another great option when you’re looking for the best posture brace. This brace us an orthopedist designed vest that will allow your shoulders to be back into their right position, helping you prevent chronic back and neck pain, besides helping you to improve your posture.
When you get the My Pro Supports Clavicle Brace Posture Corrector Support Strap, you should make sure that you use an undershirt under it to prevent any rubbing on your skin.
With an adjustable design, you’ll see how you’ll feel comfortable using the My Pro Supports Clavicle Brace Posture Corrector Support Strap.
#9: Armstrong Amerika Thoracic Back Brace Magnetic Posture Support Corrector
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When you’re looking to improve your posture, you need the best posture corrective brace on the market. And this is exactly what you’re getting with the Armstrong Amerika Thoracic Back Brace Magnetic Posture Support Corrector.
The Armstrong Amerika Thoracic Back Brace Magnetic Posture Support Corrector will immediately relieve your back, shoulders, and neck pain since it provides you all the support you need.
Made with only high-quality materials, featuring magnets, and adjustable straps, you’ll finally see how a posture corrector can be comfortable.
#10: Smart Back Brace Posture Brace and Back Corrector
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The Smart Back Brace Posture Brace and Back Corrector was just released in December 2016 and is already on this top 23 list of the best posture corrective braces.
The Smart Back Brace Posture Brace and Back Corrector isn’t just another posture brace; it’s actually a Bluetooth-connected device that will teach you how to stay in the right posture, and it’s compatible with both iPhone and Android. The app can be downloaded for free from both stores.
The Smart Back Brace Posture Brace and Back Corrector includes adjustable straps that go around your shoulders, and they work just like the backpack fastenings. And since the straps are covered with an extremely fleece and soft material, you can be sure that your skin won’t suffer any kind of irritation.
#11: FLA Orthopedics BSN Medical Pro-lite Deluxe Clavicle Support
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The FLA Orthopedics BSN Medical Pro-lite Deluxe Clavicle Support is especially recommended for people who suffer from upper back pain. This posture corrector will allow you to keep your shoulders in the right position, while it provides the necessary support.
With a backpack style design, the FLA Orthopedics BSN Medical Pro-lite Deluxe Clavicle Support is very easy to put on and to take it off. The straps are not only soft as they are strong enough to provide both comfort and support.
In case you’re allergic to latex, you can order the FLA Orthopedics BSN Medical Pro-lite Deluxe Clavicle Support without any problems since it’s latex-free.
#12: Bagwell Adjustable Posture Corrector Brace
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Either if you already suffer from back, neck, or shoulder pain, or if you just want to improve your posture, the Bagwell Adjustable Posture Corrector Brace is one of the best posture correctors on the market in 2017.
With a unisex design, and being fully adjustable, you won’t have any problems putting it on and taking it off. Despite the fabric is soft, you should consider wearing an undershirt beneath the Bagwell Adjustable Posture Corrector Brace.
#13: Neo G Medical Grade Dorsolumbar Lower/Mid/Upper Back Support
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Registered as a Class 1 Medical Device with Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK, the Neo G Medical Grade Dorsolumbar Lower/Mid/Upper Back Support is one of the best posture corrective braces on the market.
The Neo G Medical Grade Dorsolumbar Lower/Mid/Upper Back Support is made with a breathable material and includes comfortable arm pads and adjustable straps to make sure it fits perfectly your body. So, you can use it directly on your skin that you won’t suffer and rash or irritation on your skin.
#14: ComfyMed Posture Corrector Clavicle Support Brace CM-PB16
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The ComfyMed Posture Corrector Clavicle Support Brace CM-PB16 is considered, by many people, as the best posture corrector on the market. With a new hybrid design, this posture corrector is both lightweight and it provides you with complete freedom of movements.
With a Figure 8 design, the ComfyMed Posture Corrector Clavicle Support Brace CM-PB16 is extremely simple to put on and take off. And you can be the one to adjust it; no need to bother others.
The ComfyMed Posture Corrector Clavicle Support Brace CM-PB16 doesn’t cut your arms and it has a super soft feel due to the use of only premium materials.
#15: Emma Ya Adjustable Posture Corrector Brace Back Support Belt
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The Emma Ya Adjustable Posture Corrector Brace Back Support Belt is a great option when you’re looking for the best posture brace for you. With a great design, this posture brace will provide you the support you need to improve your posture as well as it will help you with the relieve of both back and lumbar pain.
The Emma Ya Adjustable Posture Corrector Brace Back Support Belt is completely adjustable and comfortable to wear on a daily basis.
#16: BeFit24 – Posture Corrector
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The BeFit24 – Posture Corrector is a figure eight corrective belt that will help you to improve your posture besides providing you some relieve with your back pain.
The BeFit24 – Posture Corrector isn’t only designed for people who need to stay long hours sit in front of their computer; it’s also perfect for moms who need to carry their babies around and for housewives.
With the BeFit24 – Posture Corrector, you can be sure that your back will be straight and your shoulders will be in their natural position.
Along with the posture corrector, you’ll also get an ebook with 7 different exercises that you should do while at work.
#17: Real Doctors Neoprene Lower Back Brace Posture Corrector
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Recommended by real doctors who state the Real Doctors Neoprene Lower Back Brace Posture Corrector is 100% safe, this is one of the best posture correctors on the market.
One of the main advantages of the Real Doctors Neoprene Lower Back Brace Posture Corrector is that you can wear it discretely. So, no matter if you work in an office or you need to stand still for many hours during the day, the Real Doctors Neoprene Lower Back Brace Posture Corrector will be able to provide the support you need to improve your posture.
#18: TOROS-GROUP Elastic Upper Back Posture Corrector and Clavicle Support Brace
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The TOROS-GROUP Elastic Upper Back Posture Corrector and Clavicle Support Brace can be used by either adult as well as kids. You might have already noticed that your children are constantly slouching their shoulders and acquiring bad posture habits. So, this is the right time to act and start improving their posture before they start to feel back pain.
The TOROS-GROUP Elastic Upper Back Posture Corrector and Clavicle Support Brace should only be used between 3 to 4 hours a day. And this is more than enough to relieve you from the back pain you already suffer as well as to improve your posture.
You can use the TOROS-GROUP Elastic Upper Back Posture Corrector and Clavicle Support Brace on cotton clothes or directly on your body.
#19: Thermoscience Back Pain Clavicle Posture Support Brace
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The Thermoscience Back Pain Clavicle Posture Support Brace is one of the best posture braces on the market. It is designed to treat neck and shoulder discomfort, misaligned spines, and to treat poor posture.
Made with a breathable cotton with dura-stitching, you can be sure that it will last. The Thermoscience Back Pain Clavicle Posture Support Brace features a unique wrap around your shoulders that will help you pull your stomach in while, at the same time, it brings your shoulders back. This will make sure that your spine is perfectly aligned.
#20: Yosoo Back Posture Corrector
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The Yosoo Back Posture Corrector is a unisex posture corrector that will mainly help you with your slouched shoulders.
One of the thongs that make the Yosoo Back Posture Corrector one of the best posture correctors on the market is the fact that you can wear it at work, at home, and even at the gym. Plus, you can even wear it under your clothes and no one will notice it.
The Yosoo Back Posture Corrector features adjustable shoulder stick straps that will allow you to feel comfortable and, at the same time, get the support you need to improve your posture.
#21: BAX-U Posture Corrector Back and Shoulder Support
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The BAX-U Posture Corrector Back and Shoulder Support is a great posture corrector that was designed by a chiropractic doctor to improve posture. This posture corrector is very easy to put on and take off, and on the contrary of most correctors, it won’t limit any of your movements. You can use it while working on your computer, working out, golfing, gardening, or simply when you’re taking a walk.
The BAX-U Posture Corrector Back and Shoulder Support is very discreet and you can wear it under your clothes because it won’t pinch your skin or cause any irritation.
The BAX-U Posture Corrector Back and Shoulder Support was the 2014 Innovative HME Retail Product Award winner and is often reimbursed through many different insurance providers.
#22: FootSmart Posture Corrective Brace
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The FootSmart Posture Corrective Brace is one of the best posture braces to improve your posture. Featuring non-elastic straps, this brace will make sure that it gently holds both your shoulders and back in the correct position.
With an adjustable hook-and-loop closure, you can easily increase or decrease the level of pressure and support that best fits your needs. Plus, the amazing fabric allows you to wear it both under or over your clothes.
#23: Oppo Medical Elastic Posture Aid
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The Oppo Medical Elastic Posture Aid is specially designed for people who suffer with shoulder slump as well as for people who have a poor posture.
The Oppo Medical Elastic Posture Aid will help you align joints and bones alleviating round shoulder problems and collar bone fractures. However, you’ll still be able to do all your normal activities since it won’t limit any movement.
The Oppo Medical Elastic Posture Aid features an adjustable hook and loop closure that will allow you to decide on the level of comfort, pressure, and support that is best for your needs.
How Do Posture Corrector Braces Work?
Now that you already know the best posture corrector braces on the market in 2017, how do they really work?
No matter if you noticed it or not, most probably you suffer from poor posture. In order to confirm it, you just need to pay a little attention and ask yourself some questions:
- Is your upper back hunched over?
- Do you notice your back rounded?
- Do you have a tendency to slump shoulders?
- Do you usually twist to one side when you’re sitting?
These are just a 4 questions among so many others for which if your answer is “yes”, that you do suffer from poor posture.
As we already mentioned above, poor posture can lead to severe health problems. And the best thing, and only thing, you can do is to act now. This is the kind of problem that you just can’t turn your head the other way around. Poor posture isn’t simply an aesthetic problem; it’s a lot more than that.
In order to understand how a posture corrector brace works, just analyze the way you sit on your desk at work, for example. You probably need to remain sit for long hours. And despite you keep changing your position, you always end up twisting to one side, slouching your shoulders, crossing your legs, just finding a way to be comfortable. However, all these positions are making your posture even worse.
Unlike what most people think, sitting up very straight is not the solution either. When you’re sitting up very straight, you’re actually causing strain on your back muscles. This is not a natural position as well and you should definitely avoid it.
So, what’s the best position to improve posture when you’re sitting on your desk?
According to some scientific research, you should be sitting in a 135-degree reclining position. But how can you achieve this? How will you know when you’re there?
The answer is pretty simple: you won’t. And this is where the posture braces come into play. The best posture braces allow you to improve your posture because they will align your shoulders with your spine, and will provide the support on the right areas to make sure that you have a good posture.
However, even the best posture brace doesn’t perform any miracles. You should continue to make frequent breaks in order to stretch your muscles.
You need to remember that the main goal of a posture brace is to re-teach your body how a good posture is. After years with poor posture, you may feel a bit uncomfortable wearing your brace for the first couple of times. This is why most brands recommend that you only use the posture brace between 15 to 20 minutes during the first days and that you can keep extending this period over the next weeks. However, a posture brace isn’t something that you can wear all day long. You should wear one for only 3 to 4 hours max or it may start to do more harm than good.
5 Ways To Improve Your Posture
Even when you decide it’s time to improve your posture and that you get the best posture corrective brace, you can also do other things that will help you. Here are 5 ways to improve your posture:
#1: When You’re Sitting:
Despite people who need to be on their desk for many hours during the day are the ones that should pay more attention to their sitting position, the fact is that we all sit-down. Either to have dinner, to watch TV, among so many others. And you need to look at your posture in these occasions as well.
Let’s start with people who do need to sit for many long hours. The first thing you need to look at is your chair. Your office chair should be ergonomic and should be able to provide you the necessary support for your back and shoulders. If it doesn’t, you can always add a small pillow for lumbar support, for example. You need to make sure that your back is aligned with the back of the chair. This will stop you from slouching your shoulders.
In what concerns sitting on every other occasion, make sure that your feet are both on the ground and avoid crossing your legs.
When you need to sit for many hours, taking standing breaks is a good help as well. Just stand up, walk for a few minutes, or try to stretch as much as you can.
#2: When You’re Walking:
When you’re walking, just imagine you’re one of those models who is training with a book on top of their heads. Your head should always be up, your chest out, and your shoulders back.
#3: When You’re Sleeping:
A bad night sleep affects your productivity the next day. We all know this. However, sometimes, you just don’t understand why you wake up more tired than when you laid down, and since you were even able to sleep for 8 hours. Despite there may be many different causes, one of them may be related to your bad posture. We know that you don’t have any control over your sleeping position but there are things you can do to prevent some of those bad positions. Using a firm mattress and a good pillow that is able to provide you the support your neck needs are the first two things you need to consider.
In case you like to sleep on your side, you should get a pillow to put between your knees since it will help you keep your spine aligned. In case you prefer to sleep on your back, you actually don’t need anything because this is the best position to make sure that your shoulders are straight.
#4: When You’re Driving:
All you need to do when you’re driving is remembering what you were told when you were learning. Making sure that your back is against the head rest and the seat and that you are able to spin the steering wheel and touching the pedals without any major effort, is just what you need.
#5: When You’re Carrying Weights:
Carrying and lifting weights is something that most of us do every day, even if we don’t notice. It can be the grocery bags, a suitcase, a package that you got, anything that is heavier than usual.
There’s also a posture to maintain when you’re lifting or carrying the weights in order to avoid any injuries. Most people tend to bend their waist to pick up the weight. However, you should rather bend your knees. This way, instead of using your back muscles, you’ll be using the stomach and large leg muscles. When you pick the weight up, just keep it as tight as possible from you. It will be a lot easier to carry them and you won’t be using your lower back as a support.
In case you’re just carrying one grocery bag or one suitcase, make sure to keep changing sides to maintain a balance.
Some Exercises To Help You Improve Your Posture
Having a good posture isn’t something that you’ll achieve from day to night as your poor posture also took the time to develop.
There’s no question that one of the best ways to improve your posture is to wear the best posture corrector. However, there are some simple exercises that might help you at the same time:
Exercise #1:
You can perform this exercise with or without any weights on your hands.
The first thing you need to do is to put your head upright and square your posture. Then, raise both your arms straight side, with the palms up, alongside your ears. Now, bend your forearms in and back, toward your shoulders. Your goal should be to touch your shoulder blades with your fingertips.
You should do 10 reps using both arms, and then another 10 reps for each arm individually.
Exercise #2:
The initial position should be the same as on exercise #1. However, now, you should raise both your arms to the side until you reach the shoulder’s height. Hold this position and count to ten. Then, start counting to ten again, while you slowly lower your arms to the sides.
You should do 10 reps using both arms. When doing the exercise properly, you’ll tend to feel some fatigue in your shoulders muscles, which is perfectly natural. I fact, you may think that 10 reps may be too much to start with. In that case, you can start with fewer reps and increase the number with time.
Exercise #3:
This is an exercise that you can perform anytime throughout the day when you just have a couple of seconds. All you need to do us to place your elbows on the side and touch them with your hands. Making sure that you have your ears aligned, raise both elbows and count to two, and lower them and count to two again.
In terms of reps, do the amount that you can while you’re waiting.
Exercise #4:
Stretching your muscles is crucial when you need to be in the same position for a long period of time. There are several stretches that you can do:
– Stretching your neck: just move your head in the four directions while you gently massage your neck. Please notice that rolling in a circle should be avoided.
– Stretching your back: Just place yourself on your hands and knees and curl your back upwards and then downwards, just like cats do.
Practicing Yoga:
Practicing yoga is usually recommended for people who have a poor posture and suffer from terrible back, neck and shoulder pain. Yoga exercises will allow you to relax those muscles and, at the same time, they will strengthen them. All yoga exercises are based on body alignment and this is why they’re o popular among people who want to improve their posture. You’ll find many yoga classes near your home or office or you can simply go to youtube and replicate the exercises you see.
One extra advantage of practicing yoga is that is a stress reliever. So, you can be sure that it won’t harm you.
Choosing The Best Posture Brace For You
There are many different posture braces on the market. So, your job when choosing one will not be easy, especially if you don’t know the different kinds of posture braces that exist.
Here are the different kinds of posture braces that you can find:
#1: Standard Posture Braces:
These kinds of braces are usually made of nylon and include straps that are worn over your shoulders. A standard posture brace will work by making your shoulders retract to their original position by pressing your thoracic spine, right in the middle of your back.
So, while your shoulders are returning to their original position, your neck and upper spine will straighten, and your chest will be pushed out.
#2: Support Belts and Bands:
These kinds of posture braces are usually worn around your lumbar area or your lower back. They are mainly designed for people who need to lift heavy objects and they provide the right support right in the lower back and lumbar region.
#3: Posture Bras:
Posture bras are very similar to standard posture braces. The main difference is that they have a bra form. They are particularly helpful for women who suffer from bust-related posture issues.
#4: Posture Shirts:
Instead of being made with nylon like the standard posture braces, the posture shirts are made with elastic. Posture shirts include several inner elastic bands that will allow you to get some muscles compress, allowing you to improve your posture. Usually, these are made for men, just like the posture bras are made for women.
So, which posture brace is the best one for you?
Ultimately, it depends on your needs.
Let’s say that you just started to feel some pain on your neck and that you noticed that you are slouching your shoulders more frequently. Then, the best option for you might be the standard posture brace.
Now, let’s say that you don’t have any pain at all but you have been looking at yourself more carefully and you noticed that you’re developing a poor posture. In this case, a posture shirt may be the ideal solution. Besides it allows you to improve your posture, posture shorts tend to be very discreet and resemble a normal shirt.
In case you’re a woman who has big breasts, you really should go for the posture bra. This is like a bra with extra support for your back. Besides relieving your back pain, it will also help you improve your posture.
When searching for the best posture brace for you, you might notice that people use two different terminologies: posture brace and back brace. Despite they seem similar, they are quite different.
A posture brace main goal is to improve your comfort. They are usually designed to support your clavicle area, your shoulders, and your upper back. They do help improve your posture because they prevent you from slouching your shoulders making them return to their original position. When you’re wearing a posture brace, you’re basically training your body to be straight.
A back brace, on the other hand, will usually fit your lower back. Its main goal is to restrict your movements like when you just had a major surgery or injury. Some back braces also provide you some support for your lower back, when you need to lift heavy objects, for example.
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