Dr Laina explains the pros and cons of using a lumbar support belt, and shows you her favourite one.
If you suffer from low back pain, sciatica or have had an injury, you may have wondered about using a low back belt/brace for support and relief. This type of brace can be very helpful as it takes over some of the work the muscles are doing. As the body senses stability in the area it often relaxes tense muscles, providing relief.
Back supports can also be extremely helpful in avoiding injuries, especially if you know you’ll be putting some extra strain on the lower back for a short period of time, or during a certain activity.
However, not everyone who experiences back pain needs a lumbar back support or even should use one. Below we answer some of your common questions about who should wear a back support, some best practices and our favourite support to purchase.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Wear a Lumbar Back Support?
As mentioned, lumbar back supports can be beneficial for anyone who’s had a recent injury or experiences lower back pain after engaging in activities. Additionally, those who have undergone surgery or have a chronic condition such as sciatica may benefit from wearing a lumbar back support. The stability it provides can result in amazing short term relief from pain and tension.
It can even allow you to begin to take short walks and move around in order to start the healing process.
However, it’s important to note that a lumbar back support should never be worn as a substitute for proper alignment, posture and strengthening exercises. Wearing it too much causes the muscles to become weak and can lead to further injury in the future. It should always be used in conjunction with adjustments, core strength training and a healthy lifestyle.
If you have had an injury or are in acute pain it’s OK to wear it most of the time. But once the initial spasm has worn off and you’re beginning to heal it’s important to have longer and longer periods of time without it. Eventually, you should either not need it at all or only need it for very specific activities.
How to Choose the Best One
When selecting a lumbar back support, there are several factors to consider, including the material, size, and style. Here’s our favourite.
Lumbar back supports come in different sizes to accommodate different body types. It’s important to choose a support that fits snugly against the lower back without being too tight or uncomfortable.
When selecting a lumbar back support, choose one that’s adjustable and allows for customization of the level of support provided. It should also be made from high-quality materials and be durable enough to withstand regular use.
Best Practices
When wearing a lumbar support, it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure that the support is providing maximum relief and not leading to future injury. Here are some of the best practices for wearing a lumbar back support:
- Wear the support correctly: Place the support on the lower back and secure it in place. The support should be snug, but not too tight or uncomfortable. (see video)
- Adjust the support as needed: Make sure it’s adjusted to the appropriate level of compression and support for the activity being performed. For example, if lifting a heavy object, increase the support level slightly to prevent injury.
- Use the support in conjunction with other treatments: A lumbar back support should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as exercise, adjustments and walking.
What Not to Do When Wearing a Lumbar Back Support
There are some things to avoid when wearing a lumbar back support to prevent injury and ensure maximum effectiveness:
- Don’t wear the support too tightly. Wearing the support too tightly can restrict movement and circulation, leading to discomfort and potentially causing or aggravating an injury.
- Don’t rely solely on the support. Wearing a lumbar back support isn’t a substitute for chiropractic care, proper posture, exercise, and other treatments.
- Don’t wear the support for extended periods. Wearing the support for entire days can lead to muscle weakness and dependence on the support. Us it as needed if you have an injury or spasm and then only for short periods (a few hours at a time) when you require extra support.
- Don’t wear a lumbar back support that’s too large or too small. A support that is too large or too small will not provide adequate support or may cause discomfort aggravation.
The Role of a Lumbar Back Support for Sciatica
A lumbar support can help alleviate the symptoms of sciatica by providing stability to the lower back. It’s designed to support the natural curve of the spine and maintain good posture, which can help alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
It can also provide compression, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the lower back. This can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica.
Conclusion
A lumbar back support can provide support and stability to the lower back, maintain good posture, and provide compression to reduce inflammation and swelling. When choosing a lumbar back support it’s important to talk to chiropractor to make sure it’s appropriate for you.
