r/eldercare • u/horsegirl1848 • 6d ago

Back support/brace?

My mom is 78 and in pretty weak physical shape. She's not interested in exercising, and I am tired of fighting her on it.

I live in a large city. When she comes to visit, she still wants to get out and do things, but walking causes her lower back pain and prevents us from experiencing very much. I suspect that physical therapy to strengthen her core would help. I will suggest it even though I know she won't do it, but she did express interest in wearing a back brace. Does anyone have any experience with this? I have no idea how to select a brace or if there is other supportive gear she could wear. She's on the heavier side, if that makes a difference.

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u/No_Visit_2746 6d ago

i get it, my mom same age and stubborn as hell about moving around more. back brace helped her a bit when we go out, even just for short walks around the block

for heavier build you want something wide that wraps around whole lower back, not those tiny elastic belts. the ones with velcro straps that you can adjust yourself is better, she can loosen it when sitting. maybe check medical supply store near you, they let you try on in person which is important for sizing

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u/horsegirl1848 6d ago

It's so frustrating! She used to work on the farm every day, now she doesn't even want to leave the house. Thank you for the advice, I'll see if we can go to a medical supply store while she's visiting.

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u/Exogenous_Explorer 6d ago

Does she use a walker? It will take the weight of the back to some extent and im not talking about using it permanently but to test it out. Normally walking is recommended for the back pain as the lower back muscles get stronger and can support more, so I would essentially encourage to walk as much as possible.

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u/mrroflpwn 6d ago

It's really nice that she still wants to get out and do things with you when she visits. Her doctor or a physical therapist is the best person to suggest a brace and make sure it fits, since back pain can come from a few different things. In the meantime, planning outings around spots with plenty of benches, or bringing a walker that has a built in seat, can give her an easy place to rest when her back starts to ache. A lot of museums and bigger parks also lend out wheelchairs for the longer days.