Question about back support belt

[Jimmy9190]

I am getting to the point where strenuous physical work is really aggravating my lower back. Cutting the grass, washing the car(s), trimming trees, raking leaves and other general stuff around the house and yard all leave my lower back pretty sore for a couple days afterward. I am 49 years old now and I don't work at a physically demanding job so I am not as used to hard work as I was when I was younger. I can get projects done but am often in pain afterwards. I have a big job here at home coming up now, I have to knock out a 100 foot section of our privacy fence, replace the fence posts, pour concrete and reattach the fence sections. The fence is sagging and needs some missing boards replaced but overall the fence is still in good shape and can be repaired.

I thought about using one of the lumbar support belts, like this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/lumbar-support-belt-large-94104.html

I have no idea if the belt would help support my back during work so it does not hurt as bad later, or is it just a support that keeps you from straining or pulling a muscle? I have never worn one so any info is appreciated on this. If it might help me I may try it. Thanks.

 

[spasm3]

My opinion here. those belts do support the back. If you use them often you don't use your abdominal muscles as much and they become weaker. Then you have more back problems. I would talk with your doctor then perhaps some back and abdominal exercises. Having a strong core really does support the lower back, and can help with pain. My wife and I do light weight lifting about 2 3 times a week. I'm also 49, 20 minutes on the elliptical and the weight lifting really seem to help my knee and back.

 

[wallyuwl]

spasm3 is on the right track with his recommendation. You don't need a back brace/belt so much as you need to get a stronger core (back is part of core, along with abdominals).

I'd recommend going to a personal trainer for a few sessions, with the goal in mind of fixing this specific issue. After a few sessions you should have the tools necessary to do things on your own at a gym or even at your house (if you have the right equipment).

When looking for a trainer it is best if they are certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Second would be American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Third would be American Council on Exercise (ACE). Then there is the rest.

Find a NSCA certified trainer:
http://www.nsca.com/membership/member-tools/find-a-trainer/

If you can't afford a trainer, get this book (the first one, black cover) and do the progression of exercises it suggests:
http://www.backfitpro.com/books.php

It is also available on Amazon but a bit more expensive.

 

[Volv04Life]

This is "Bob Is The Oil Guy". Not "Bob Is The Belt Guy". This place is goin down hill. I joined to talk about oil but its rare to see those threads anymore. Its always about ace bandages or something totally unrelated to oil. Geez.

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: Volv04Life
This is "Bob Is The Oil Guy". Not "Bob Is The Belt Guy". This place is goin down hill. I joined to talk about oil but its rare to see those threads anymore. Its always about ace bandages or something totally unrelated to oil. Geez.


That's why its NOT the PCMO section there are other forums on this site. If you want oil talk go to the PCMO sections. If you don't like the site, you don't have to visit it. Geez

 

[Jimmy9190]

Originally Posted By: Volv04Life
This is "Bob Is The Oil Guy". Not "Bob Is The Belt Guy". This place is goin down hill. I joined to talk about oil but its rare to see those threads anymore. Its always about ace bandages or something totally unrelated to oil. Geez.


That's why I put my question here in the Tools Forum, where it is completely appropriate. If I had a question about oil I would put it in the Oil Forum. I value the info and opinions of nearly everyone here, that is why I am asking about the back support belt. There are probably at least a few guys here who have used a back support belt at one time or another and may be able to help me decide whether to try one.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: Volv04Life
This is "Bob Is The Oil Guy". Not "Bob Is The Belt Guy". This place is goin down hill. I joined to talk about oil but its rare to see those threads anymore. Its always about ace bandages or something totally unrelated to oil. Geez.


Easy champ! There are some posts that i wonder whether should be on this site. but i just gloss over them and go to the ones that interest me. His post was about a back belt which is can be used during work including cars. It in inself is a tool which the op wanted to know how was best used.

 

[NMBurb02]

The first two responses are on the right track. Back support belts were initially used (and probably still are) as therapeutic aids to assist in low back healing after an injury by immobilizing the lower back, thereby reducing the strain on those muscles and allowing them to heal. They have not been proven to prevent back injuries and as spasm3 stated, the reduction in the use of your lower back muscles due to the immobilization causes them to weaken, making it easier for you to injure your back performing much less strenuous work. I know that my neck usually hurts after doing work on my car that requires me to crawl underneath and constantly look up and around, but I would not consider wearing a neck brace while doing such work, and I do not think anybody else would either.

The only possible positive aspect of back support belts is that they promote proper lower back alignment, which puts your back in a better position to do strenuous work by aligning the muscles in your lower back in their ideal positions (neither fully relaxed or fully flexed, but right in the middle) and aligning your vertebrae.

The key is a strong core (abdominal, oblique, and low back muscles) and proper posture. Remember: lift with your legs, not with your back!

 

[Volv04Life]

The worst threads are "how do I deal with my neighbor". See a therapist or a lawyer people. I dont think you should bring your dirty laundry to a lubricant/ automotive site. And yes I know this is a different section of Bitog but im wondering why these sections exist? what guy was like "lets make this place a swap meet for peoples used oil analysis and there life issues!!"..... Im done.

 

[Jimmy9190]

Thanks for the help guys. Looks like I will save my money and skip the support belt for now. I really had no idea how those support belts worked or what their benefits are, other than support when lifting. I see that the Auto Zone guys wear them now so I wondered if maybe the belts helped with general support of your back when you are on your feet.

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: Volv04Life
The worst threads are "how do I deal with my neighbor". See a therapist or a lawyer people. I dont think you should bring your dirty laundry to a lubricant/ automotive site. And yes I know this is a different section of Bitog but im wondering why these sections exist? what guy was like "lets make this place a swap meet for peoples used oil analysis and there life issues!!"..... Im done.

Then don't read them or visit those forums. Easy way to avoid them. If you don't like it, why visit the site? A lot of us have formed friendships here over the years and a lot of people offer sound advice. With your attitude, you won't have many friends around here with your whining and complaining.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

As was alluded to in other posts, the back support belt will offer some protection from injury, but the real key to a healthy back is keeping your core strong. In your case, I would wear a back support belt while doing heavy manual labor until you strengthen your core muscles. You are better off with an added level of protection against injury until you've had time to work on core strength.

I use a BowFlex to keep myself in shape, but there are a lot of exercises that will improve the muscle tone in your back and core.

 

[Volv04Life]

A word to all. Im here for the oil, not virtual friends.

 

[doitmyself]

I remember the great back belt support initiative of the mid 1990's. They showed up everywhere, including my workplace.

There were a few research studies in the early 1990's that suggested that back supports reduced injuries. NIOSH contested the studies and never endorsed their use. OSHA differed from NIOSH for several years, but did not confirm their endorsement one way or the other. It seems that both agencies are now in agreement , more or less, and don't recommend their use to prevent injuries: http://www.osha-answers.com/lore/article.php?id=071

You can Google "OSHA back support" and "NIOSH back support" to come to your own conclusion. This pdf from Australia seems to sum up the cons (IMO) pretty well, but it is biased against their use. It does say that back support belts can be helpful to aid in injury recovery.

http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/__data/as...et_31_08_09.pdf

 

[ronbo]

Consumer Reports magazine about 15-20 years ago did a report on them and declared the belts useless.

 

[JZiggy]

Originally Posted By: Volv04Life
A word to all. Im here for the oil, not virtual friends.


And happy one-month anniversary of joining BITOG to you! You're off to a great start, and I think you'll find you add a lot to this community.