Pros and Cons of Back Support Belt for Back Pain

A major portion of the working population suffers from sharp lower back pain. This is due to the sedentary lifestyle that leads to incorrect posture and a lack of ergonomic awareness in the workplace. Lower back pain, however, is not limited to office workers and can be found in people of any age, especially the older generation. But can this lower back pain be treated? Luckily by adjusting a few routine habits and following a certain tip, you can control, minimize and even eliminate lower back pain from your life.

In most instances, the immediate solution to lower back pain is the back support belt for back pain. A lumbar back support belt goes around your waist and immediately supports the lumbar region, actively minimizing back pain. In this article, you will learn about the pros and cons of a back support belt and other ways to combat lower back pain.

What is a Back Support Belt for Back Pain?

A back support belt is worn to support the lower back, often known as the "lumbar" region. Back support belts are often lightweight, adaptable, and cozy to wear. They also come with sweatproof features and breathable design so a person doesn't feel hot and can wear the belt for longer hours and even during hotter days. Although some of these varieties may restrict a person's movement, they have added compression for additional support.

In simpler words, the purpose of a back support belt is to raise abdominal pressure, harden the spine, and lessen excessive stresses on the spine. But are they truly helpful, or is everything simply a myth? By reading on, read on some of the benefits and drawbacks of a back support belt.

Pros and Cons of a Back Support Belt for Sciatica

Every product or solution made in medicine has pros and cons. These pros motivate us to use the product initially, and the cons are known as side effects. A back support belt, whether used for old-age lower back pain or as a gym back support belt, has its own side effects too. Here is all you need to know.

Pros

Enhances Posture: Back support belt wearers assert that they may more easily maintain better posture with a straighter back when wearing their back support belts instead of slouching over with a rounder back.

Provides Back Support: People who wear back support belts assert the extra support the belt offers when moving between lying down, sitting, and standing during episodes of lower back pain.

Controls Movement: A back injury might make it difficult for your body to heal if you move too much. Like a neck brace, back support belts restrict motion and range of motion to give your body time to recuperate.

Reduces Pain: Some back support belts can massage while others include hot elements. Both heat and massaging back support belts can help to relieve back pain.

Cons

Not a Long-Term Solution: Back support belts have not been convincingly proven effective in treating back pain that already exists or avoiding further injuries.

Can Irritate Skin: Back support belt might not suit everyone or if you pick a size unsuitable for you then the irritated back skin results in breakout, rashes and even sores.  

Creates False Support: Back support belts can help you stand up straighter and feel less discomfort, but they don't make future injuries impossible. Just because you're wearing a back support belt doesn't mean you should lift more than you can safely manage.

How to Wear a Back Support Belt?

To wear a back support belt, place it behind your lower back with the sticky side in the front. The wings of the belt should be on either side of the torso, with both ends equal in length, so the pressure is divided evenly. Cross the two ends over the stomach. Make more exact adjustments to the brace's tightness and pressure. Normally, small adjustments are made using the brace's two pull tabs on either side.

Other Ways to Minimize Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain with a belt is not the ultimate solution, as it is just a temporary relief from the pain. To minimize lower back pain, it is important to visit a doctor who can identify the root cause and provide treatment and make a few routine changes that are a definite contributor to lower back pain.

Switch to Ergonomics

Your workplace is just a plethora of diseases and unproductivity if you don't heed office ergonomics. Office ergonomics includes changes at a physical and mental level. These two solutions are crafted from an ergonomic chair to a standing desk to take off excessive stress from the body. Easy standing exercises are also encouraged to help keep those leg muscles moving and prevent the pressure from building up in the lower back.

Sitting for Prolonged Periods

Sitting is your enemy. It makes you lazy, tired, and sleepy and is detrimental to the body's physical health and wellness. Sitting excessively impacts mental and physical health and, in the long run, can lead to issues like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. However, if your job requires you to sit most of the day, it is important to practice some movements. Sitting exercises for abs, sitting stretches, and office exercise equipment that can be installed under the desk are some ways to encourage movement when working.

Exercise

Most people with back pain throw the concept of working out, out of the window, considering it might increase the pain. While care needs to be taken when you already have back pain, eliminating workouts from your routine will only make the muscles stiffer, causing more pain when you move. Consult your doctor and learn about the exercises you can practice even with back pain. Opt for safe office gym equipment that slowly moves your body and helps with back muscle pain.

The Right Posture

One of the most important rules to building a healthy work routine. The right types of posture can be a great help if you suffer back pain. Make sure you pick an ergonomic chair and are seated properly with your back resting against the seat's back. Opt for a chair with lumbar support and points of adjustability so you can adjust the chair settings and sit in the most natural posture.