Back support belts are used to reduce the risk of back injury and relieve pain in the short term. See why our top picks are highly rated and provide value for your back support needs.
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Back support belts, also known as back supporters, are used to reduce the risk of back injury. They may also have benefits for alleviating back pain.
In this roundup, we’ll go over the potential benefits of back supporters and provide our picks for some of the best ones available.
If you’re looking for a place to start, we found a few options that we think are good picks. Here are the criteria we used to select the best back supporters:
Back supporters are reasonably priced for most budgets, with prices ranging from about $12 to $40. For this review, we’ve indicated price as:
If you’re not having a back supporter custom-made for your frame, pay close attention to sizing and fabric. An ill-fitting back supporter can exacerbate pain by putting too much pressure on your spine or internal organs.
Be sure to only buy a back supporter made from a flexible fabric and in a size that fits your widest body measurement. For some people, this is their hips, while for others, it may be their chest or waist.
When measuring your frame, don’t pull in your stomach, as this may result in getting the wrong size.
If you’re purchasing a back supporter for use during pregnancy, only buy a belt that’s designed for this purpose. Belly band-type back supporters sit on the body differently than standard back support belts.
Many back supporters are sold by manufacturers that cite curative benefits in their marketing jargon. Unless clinical studies are cited, please take these claims with a grain of salt, as they may or may not be true.
Back supporters can be beneficial and have value, especially for short-term pain relief. However, they won’t cure an existing condition, and they don’t take the place of a doctor or physical therapist’s care.
Back supporters are best used for short-term relief or for short periods. If you find that you need a back supporter to perform daily activities, including walking and sitting every day, talk with a healthcare professional.
Avoid prolonged compression of your internal organs. Don’t wear a back supporter that’s too tight, or really any back supporter, for many hours at a time. This may cause acid reflux and gastric distress.
It’s also important to avoid wearing a back supporter that chafes your skin. This is particularly true if you have diabetes and are at high risk for skin infections.
Many people use back supporters to protect their lower backs while lifting heavy objects. No back supporter will do that job unless you follow safe lifting best practices.
The following steps should always be taken when lifting heavy objects:
Back supporters are one type of lumbar support garment.
Some back supporters are meant to be worn while lifting heavy objects, while others are meant for pregnant people. In addition, others can be worn in the short term during everyday activities.
There’s mixed evidence on the value of back supporters. However, some studies point toward their ability to provide short-term pain relief, prevent injuries, and add stability.
Note that back supporters don’t take the place of prescribed back braces for a serious injury.