Lumbar support belts are intended for individuals who wish to support and/or improve their back posture. For those with sciatica, slipped discs, facet syndrome, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and other back problems, lumbar support belts are crucial. For those who have back pain or work in industries where lumbar support is key to their daily work, also use these support belts. For example, movers and other workers who perform heavy lifting, frequently use lumbar support belts. The following are five of the support belts that you should consider giving a try for your back support needs.
Mueller Adjustable Lumbar Back Brace
Features: This popular lumbar back brace offers many features for users. With a 40% Polyester, 27% Rubber, and 33% Nylon blend, this flexible and adjustable lumbar back brace will support and reduce pain for even the most severe needs. It fits waist sizes 28”-50” (71-127cm) which is suitable for nearly anyone of any size to wear comfortably. With removable lumbar pad cushions and compresses for the lower back for extra support, this back brace is very advanced and appeals to many user’s needs. This brace helps provide the wearer relief from strenuous activity and injuries, to keep them active. This model is recommended to alleviate lower back pain from muscle spasms, back pain, and strains.
Pros: Custom fit with dual, outer elastic tension straps, has removable cushions, no rolling or bunching of the fabric, and comes with flexible steel supports along the spine for extra stability. Drivers, movers, and users with sciatica problems, amongst others, have praised the brace for its lumbar support that alleviates their pain.
Cons: Some users have complained that the upper range of waist size fitting for this product is more like a maximum of 36 inches, due to overlap in Velcro straps and lack of stretchy material. The belt is 42 inches from tip to tip and requires overlap to wrap in place over the body. Those with a 36-40 inch waist have stated that it does not fit them. (Note that there is a plus size of this same brace available for purchase if you believe you may need a larger size).
Shock Doctor Ultra Back Support
Features: The Shock Doctor comes in sizes from X-Small to XX-Large and is the leading sports protection manufacturer for performance and protection. Worn by professional and college athletes, this back support is not afraid of movement and activity. This support is made of of: SBR, Nylon, Polyester, Rubber, and Latex. This support contains terry-lined lumbar pad and Lycra binding for moisture wicking and compression.
Pros: Dual strap adjustments offer lumbar pad and stability supports. Users have boasted that the vented, hex-mesh design allows optimal moisture wicking and breathable compression while remaining stable and supportive. Also included is an integrated antimicrobial technology.
Cons: This back support is not meant or intended for medical care and is not advertised for medical use. Users have also stated that this brand tends to run small, so be sure to measure yourself correctly to find the right size via Shock Doctor’s size charts.
Aspen Horizon 637 Back Support
Features: The Aspen Horizon 637 is a medical-grade back support brace, touted as being great for post-operative patients that need lateral support and relief from back pain from surgery or an injury. This brace can fit those with 24-70 inch waists (although note that the optional extension panels are required for waists of 50 inches and above, and costs extra).
Pros: The compression this brace provides is good enough for medical purposes, including post-operative pain relief and recovery. Not only great for lateral and lumbar support, this model has an integrated anterior panel in the front for extra stability, in conjunction with a flexible posterior panel that contours to the lower back for a custom fit.
Cons: This back support can run steep in price, at some medical supply stores running up to $250 dollars. However, working with your insurance company or Medicare may alleviate some costs, since the pain use for this back support is medical-grade.
Copper Fit Pro Back Support
Features: The Copper Fit Pro is made of 89% Polyester and 11% Spandex, producing a high-quality and copper-infused fabric that is designed for both maximum comfort and mobility. This back support provides targeted relief in the lumbar region of the back and supports the lower back with a slim, contoured, and lightweight design.
Pros: This back support is affordable and available for anyone who needs lower back support and targeted relief. This product contains Copper ions that are bound in the fiber during manufacturing to help reduce odors. This technology is used in the newest of sports and active wear and is very popular. The lightweight and slim design fits discreetly underneath clothing.
Cons: Some users who are very active in sports have stated that while affordable, the product reflects the price—and that it did not offer them enough support and it tended to fold and roll over on the users when worn.
Ergodyne ProFlex 1051 Mesh Back Support
Features: The ProFlex 1051 by Ergodyne is a breathable, mesh outer shell that supports the wearer with its innovative power panel positioners. This back support has ventilated lumbar pad that contours to the wearer and supports the lumbar region of the back. This is ideal for movers and those who lift heavy objects as a part of their work as well as those with back pain from muscle strain, old back injuries, and other back problems. Sizes come in Small to XX-Large.
Pros: Has 3 adjustable straps that make it easy to adjust according to size. Maintains posture of the lower back and does so by supporting the back’s natural curvature, offering maximum comfort. Users loved the mesh outer shell that allowed them to stay cool even in hot weather. This model offers a step-in support, similar to a girdle, in order to keep the support on without slipping or moving about. This design of crotch-support is a plus for most users; however, see below for the cons of that part of the design.
Cons: The reviews for this product are overwhelmingly positive; however, some users noted that it is slightly inconvenient to have to step into the brace like one would for underwear, as it stays in place using crotch-support (much like a girdle). Therefore, buyers should know that this is not a product that wraps around the lower back—the user must step into it and have to change clothing in order to put this back support on and off. However, due to the positive reviews, this doesn’t seem to be a problem for other users, but rather a design that they can trust to keep this brace in place and support their lower back without slipping or moving out of place. For others, such as movers, having to change clothing to put on and off, may be an inconvenience.
