It is generally better to wear a brace than a belt (or girdle) during the postoperative recovery period for lumbar compression fractures. Most patients with lumbar compression fractures who have undergone vertebroplasty or internal fixation with a nail-rod system and whose lumbar spine has not yet returned to a stable state after surgery are generally recommended to rest in bed for a period of time that varies according to the type of surgery, and then begin to get out of bed under the protection of a brace or girdle with the surgeon’s permission. The wearing of braces and belts can help to increase the stability of the lumbar spine and prevent secondary damage to the lumbar spine. Most braces are custom made and have a certain supportive stiffness that assists the muscles of the lumbar spine in bearing weight. Lumbar belts are generally softer and less protective and supportive than braces. Whether to wear a brace or a belt during the recovery period of lumbar compression fracture requires a combination of different medical conditions, so you should follow your doctor’s advice.