Back support belts can provide external support to the abdominal (stomach) and back muscles. Back support belts are worn either directly against the skin under clothing or over the top of clothing. They are designed to be used for short periods to provide extra support during activities involving higher risk of injury.
There are various types of back supports available including:
- back support belts which do up via Velcro at the front
- back support belts with shoulder straps to allow the brace to be tightened when needed and undone or loosened when not in use (without having to be carried around)
- an all in one back support belt which is attached to compression shorts and supports the lower back and pelvic joints
- lumbar sacral support belts that provide support and have a heat retaining pad
- upper back supports that anchor at the waist and are worn up the back and over the shoulders.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Back support belts can be used to offer people extra support for their backs when sitting for prolonged periods, lifting heavy weights, or when carrying out repetitive bending, pushing or pulling tasks.
For people with back or abdominal injuries or conditions affecting strength, appropriate professional advice should be sought regarding overall injury management at work including:
- postural rotation
- appropriate seating in the workplace including vehicle seating
- manual handling technique or use of appropriate equipment to minimise manual handling requirements
- appropriate muscle strengthening exercises.
If a back support is still required, professional advice should be sought regarding the most suitable style and an appropriate wearing regime.
When considering a back support belt, the following information may also be useful:
References
Bad Backs 2001-2011, Backs, Bad Backs, Melbourne, viewed 3 February 2011, http://www.badbacks.com.au/shop/category/128/back.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Abdominal and Chest Supports, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 3 February 2011,
http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=12&MinC=58&Item=548&page=1.