A back support belt can reduce back pain by improving posture and minimising movement. It can apply abdominal pressure, which releases pressure on irritated lower back discs.
Back belts are available in a range of materials to help with a range of back pain problems, from a severe muscular strain to the recovery following surgery. Although most back belts are made of similar materials, they differ in rigidity and postural control.
Three categories of back belts are frequently used: flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. Rigid belts are widely used in cases of moderate to severe back pain and instability, such as those following back surgery or to speed the healing of spinal fractures. Flexible and semi-rigid belts are used for discomfort that is mild to moderate. Let's have a closer look at the types of back belts and which concerns they address respectively.
Flexible orthoses are made from soft materials like cotton/elastic blends, canvas, and neoprene (a type of synthetic, flexible rubber). Among these belts are corsets, lumbar belts, and sacroiliac belts.
Lumbar belts and flexible corsets come in a variety of sizes and styles. A corset belt has the appearance of a woman's corset and allows for some slight bending. Corsets usually have vertical supports composed of metal or plastic to provide stability and some mobility limitation at the belt's front, back, and sides.
Typically without stays, sacroiliac and lumbar belts provide greater movement restriction. They frequently consist of a stronger fabric as well.
In addition to a sturdy layer of fabric (often cotton or canvas) that encircles the torso, hard belts feature stiff panels covering the front, back, and occasionally the sides of the belt. Some versions contain strong plastic or metal bars that wrap around the exterior of the belt.
Back belts fall within the category of semi-rigid orthoses, which combine elements of both flexible and stiff orthoses. A flexible lumbar belt may contain moulded plastic inserts or additional padding for stability and support.
Corsets and belts can ease lower back discomfort by the following means:
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They lightly push the torso to relieve pressure on the spinal column and aid in improving posture.
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Offer more spinal support to ease the strain on weakened or damaged muscles.
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Allow a little reduction in range of motion to allow some bending and twisting. With a flexible belt, for example, it might be able to bend forward, but only to the top of the knee.
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Compress the torso or pelvis (particularly with lumbar and sacroiliac joint belts) to lessen micro-motion at a loose or weak joint, allowing the warmth of the belt to ease achy muscles
It is advisable to consult a doctor about the proper size and fit of a belt to ensure that it is secure to wear and likely to be an efficient back pain reliever. Visit Vissconext.
