Abstract: A back brace is provided that is worn by a user for lower back support and to ease pain associated with lower back injuries and/or poor posture. The back brace of the present invention is constructed in a manner that includes a pouch formed to receive panels of semi-rigid closed cell foam that serve to adjust the thickness of the support pad and therein the support of the brace. Further, the pouch is configured to receive and retain a heat pack or a cold pack as needed by the wearer to allow the integration of heating or cooling therapy. Finally, retention members are provided on the rear of the belt and serve to receive and retain an alignment rod. The alignment rod provides a physical reference point against which the wearer can position their back when standing and when performing lifting or other posture correction exercises.