Guarding your back with ergonomic support belts and braces is a good idea if you have a joint sprain, muscle sprain or some other type of injury or is recovering from surgery. Also, if you suffer from back pain and needs to keep working or maintain a certain level of activity, back support braces and belts are a great help.
Back support belts and braces are typically fit around the waist and are secure with Velcro. They often come with a steel or plastic plate attached to the section that would press against the patient's lower back to provide support (some models can come with over-the-shoulder straps). These ergonomic back support items cost between $40 and $350 are they available at many online and local specialized stores.
The list of benefits of using an ergonomic back support belt of brace is large, but below I've mentioned the main ones.
Additional Spinal Support
If your back is unstable due to injured or weakened spinal structures, back braces and belts can provide stability. By holding the torso in a safe, supportive posture these ergonomic back support pieces can help provide a healthy healing environment for the current injury and additional injuries.
Reduced Pressure on the Spinal Structures
Supportive back braces and belts can help unload some of the weight generally placed on the lower back, in the process reducing pressure on the spine's discs, joints and muscles. By reducing spinal pressure, back braces and belts may less painful muscle tension, which is a common protective reaction following an injury.
Reduced Range of Motion During Healing
Ergonomic back support braces and belts can also be used to prevent or restrict painful movements, such as bending forward, backward, to the side or twisting the spine. Limiting painful postures and movements can also help improve awareness of the body's positioning, allowing the wearer to consciously adjust posture for enhanced back health.
Reduced Micro-Motion Between Vertebral Segments
Back support braces and belts also limit excess micro-movements at a particular spinal segment or vertebral fracture, thereby limiting pain from irritated joints or nerve roots and from muscle tension.
It is important to mention that a support belt or brace won't work if you are using an incorrect belt or brace size. A belt or brace that is too big won't provide any support while a too-small one will not provide correct support (not to mention it will be uncomfortable). It is also a great idea to try different styles of belts and braces as some people will find more benefits with one design over another.
