What are back support belts?
Back support belts, also known as lumber supports or back supports, are the types of belts that are worn around the lower back areas, helping support the lumber back area of the spine. The primary function of these belts is to reduce excessive pressure or forces on the spine, helping increase abdominal pressure. As well as this, by reducing stress on the spine and increasing support and compression, these products help ease back pain, improve stability and provide better mobility.
This article is a detailed account of the uses and advantages of wearing back support belts. Where back support belts help you, at the same time, they may also cause some serious issues when not used correctly. You can also check the possible side effects of wearing back support belts. This will help you restrain the improper use of the back support belts.
Use and advantages of back support belts
The following are the possible uses and advantages of wearing back support belts:
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Back pain relief
Among the primary reasons to wear a back support belt, the chief one is to ease lower back pain. Back support belts are good for creating intra-abdominal pressure by compressing the muscles, joints, and abdominal cavity. The provided compression helps support muscles, promoting forward spine motion. They are also recommended to reduce both intermittent and chronic back pain.
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Posture improvement
Wearing back support belts helps you maintain posture in several conditions. For example, they help you maintain good posture during operating machinery, using equipment and lifting heavy objects. Wearing back support belts or braces helps you prevent turning, bending, or lifting in a way that can cause lower back injuries. So, the back supports or belts promote good postures and remind wearers to use correct lifting techniques. Consequently, you can perform several tasks efficiently that may be painful without support belts. People who have already suffered from lower back pain are also suggested to wear back support belts during intense activities as back support belts prevent recurring injuries.
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Joint stability
Back support belts help in joint stability. For example, sacroiliac joints help connect the pelvis and spine. These joints act as shock absorbers when you move or walk. Any problem in the sacroiliac joints can cause back pain while moving. However, wearing back support belts help ease pain, promoting the stability of the sacroiliac joints. As well as this, they also help reduce stress on the pelvis.
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Help during pregnancy
Back support belts are also considered an effective device to wear during pregnancy as they help reduce the lower back pain resulting from pregnancy. The extra body weight that women carry during pregnancy can be stressful on the lower back, causing lower back pain and other discomforts. Wearing back support belts helps lift and support the belly, reducing extra pressure or weight off the back, bladder, veins, and ligaments. Consequently, this support eases back pain and promotes better health outcomes.
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Better mobility
If back pain disturbs your lifestyle or keeps you restrained from completing your everyday tasks, wearing an adjustable lower back & hip support for pain relief can be beneficial. As it provides needed compression and comfortable support and prevents unnatural motions, a back support belt may take the extra weight off the lower back and spine, making it easier to move without pain.
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Limiting back movements
After having lower back pain, you need to limit your lower back or spinal movements, helping restrict unnecessary movements to control further pain. Wearing back support belts can help limit unnecessary lower back motions. As well as this, they help keep extra pressure off the spine and lower back, helping speed up the recovery following a back pain or injury.
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Promote healing
As back support helps provide enough support and needed compressions, healthcare professionals suggest wearing it after surgery. The provided compression helps improve blood flow to the affected areas, helping promote healing following back surgery. However, keep in mind that for how much time it is suitable to wear a back support belt following surgery.
Side effects of wearing back support belts
We have discussed above that wearing back support belts help you in a variety of ways that are proven by experts. However, do the back support belts leave any side effects? Yes, they may leave some side effects when not used properly or worn without any prescription. Below are the possible side effects of wearing back support belts:
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Skin lesions
Improper or poorly fitting back support belts can cause skin irritations or lesions. It usually happens in the case of one-size-fits-all products. They may or may not be appropriately fitted to your body and provide you with harm instead of rehabilitation. Try to wear a back support belt that fits you properly.
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Muscle atrophy
Remember that a long time wearing a back support belt can cause muscle atrophy – wasting or loss of muscle tissues, setting up your spine for future injury.
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Gastro-intestinal disorder
Some back support belt wearers shared their experiences that the compression to the abdomen from the back support belts resulted in digestive problems.
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Higher blood pressure
Those who wear back support belts for a long time may experience increased blood pressure resulting from excessive compressions to the muscles.
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Postural muscles weakness
Overusing a back support belt can weaken your posture muscles, making your spine or lower back more susceptible to further injuries. Healthcare professionals suggest not wearing back support belts when you feel mild or no pain. Moreover, you should wear back support belts under the recommended time when necessary.
Buy the best back support belts
If you experience a lower back and your healthcare professionals suggest wearing back support belts, you must wear them. Remember that ignoring mild pain or symptoms may lead to chronic illness. You have to choose the best product accordingly as wearing the wrong product may cause other problems. However, you should also wear the back support belts under the instructions of your healthcare professionals. We suggest you visit 360 relief, where you can find a wide range of back support belts to help manage your lower back or spine problems.
