Low back pain is the second most common symptom Americans cite as the reason they visit their health
Low back pain is the second most common symptom Americans cite as the reason they visit their health care providers every year. About 50 percent of Americans experience low back pain symptoms annually, and as many as 85 percent will experience some form of low back pain in their lifetime.
In the U.S., the peak age for back pain is between 25 and 45 — in fact, it’s the number one cause of disability for people under 45. Americans spent $33.4 billion in 2008 treating the condition, not counting the estimated $66.6 billion lost in wages and decreased productivity. Many people turn to back support belts as an option to prevent or alleviate their pain.
Custom or Off-the-Rack
The two main forms of back support belts are: custom-fit and flexible-fit. If you’ve had back surgery or suffer from adolescent scoliosis, your spinal physician may order a back support that’s molded to your body with heat–treated plastics. Since these devices fit your specific contours, they provide widespread spine stabilization for a specific period of time.
The neoprene belts found in pharmacies or sporting goods stores, on the other hand, are more common. If you regularly do heavy lifting on the job, your employer may encourage you to wear one. While they may help prevent back pain, they won’t help you heal. If you have back issues already, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the best model for your needs.
Benefits of Using Back Support Belts
The research regarding support belts isn’t conclusive. But you’ll likely experience the benefits when you wear one properly, according to your doctor’s instructions. Some issues that back support belts target include:
Physician Concerns
When support belts aren’t properly fitted or maintained, you run the risk of creating more problems than you started with. Issues from improper belt use include:
Depending on your condition, the short-term use of a back support belt may be beneficial, especially if used in conjunction with other forms of treatment like physical therapy. Your physician likely won’t recommend long-term or preventative use. To avoid additional back problems, talk to your spine specialist at the Southeastern Spine Institute about whether a belt is right for you.