Abstract: A back brace having an at least partially elastic waist belt, a substantially non-elastic rear waist belt portion and a pair of arms extending from the rear portion and having overlapping interconnecting end portions for holding the belt in place around the waist of a human body. Each of the arms carries a pocket, and each of the pockets is adapted to carry a stiff, flexible stay. A pair of non-elastic shoulder straps each have one end anchored by the rear member of the back brace or belt and another end adjustably anchored by a strap connector which is in turn connected to a non-elastic strap support mounted on each arm. Each of the pockets and its related insert have a curved upper portion specifically designed to adapt to the curvature of the lower rib of the body.