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.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Back support belts can be used to offer extra support for a person’s back when sitting for prolonged periods, lifting heavy weights, or when carrying out repetitive bending, pushing or pulling tasks. 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.
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 techniques 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 (Bad Backs 2001-2008; Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007; Backcare and Seating 2007).
Relevant links:
References:
Backcare and Seating 2007, Back Supports: Support Belts, Backcare and Seating, Melbourne, viewed 1 April 2008, <http://www.backcare.com.au/back_supportbelts.html>.
Bad Backs 2001-2008, Bad Backs Australia, Melbourne, viewed 1 April 2008, <http://www.badbacks.com.au/shop/category/128/back>.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Products: Bambach Back Support Belt, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 1 April 2008,
<http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=12&MinC=58&Item=548&page=1>.