Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Taylor Parks from Aspen Medical Products, who provided an insightful session on the differences between the Aspen Aspen Horizon 631 and Aspen Horizon 637 back braces. This post aims to share the key takeaways from Taylor's presentation, offering valuable insights for anyone considering these back braces. Read this summary or watch the whole video down below:
The Purpose of a Back Brace
Taylor began by addressing a fundamental question: "Why do we need a back brace?" The primary reason is pain relief. A back brace acts like a supportive chair for our spine, offering stability and reducing the load on our spinal muscles, which can become fatigued and spasm, especially during prolonged activities.
Differences Between the Horizon 631 and 637
While both the Horizon 631 and 637 braces appear similar, their key difference lies in the level of support they provide. The Horizon 637 offers additional lateral support, making it ideal for those experiencing pain during flexion, extension, or lateral bending. This brace creates a more controlled environment for the body to heal.
On the other hand, the Horizon 631 is more suited for individuals who require control over flexion and extension but do not experience significant pain during lateral movements. It's particularly appropriate for smaller patients or those with less severe pain.
Fitting the Brace
Taylor also demonstrated how to properly size and fit these braces. The process involves measuring the waist between the belly button and hip to determine the correct size. The fitting process is crucial to ensure the brace provides the optimal level of support and compression.
Adjusting the Brace
Adjustment of the brace is straightforward. The braces come with embroidered numbers indicating where adjustments can be made. To make the brace smaller, overlap the belt and secure it with the velcro. To enlarge it, simply extend the belt on both sides. This adjustability ensures a snug fit, which is essential for effective support.
Usage and Support
The tightening mechanism of these braces is designed to provide compression around the spine's muscles, enhancing trunk stability and aiding in pain relief. Taylor emphasized the importance of a tight fit, where only a few fingers can slide between the belt and the body, to ensure adequate support.
Taylor Parks' session was not only informative but also practical, offering a clear understanding of how the Aspen Horizon 631 and 637 back braces can aid in pain relief and improve daily activities.
This session underscores the importance of choosing the right back brace for individual needs and highlights the effectiveness of the Aspen Horizon series in providing relief and support for those suffering from back pain.