How to choose an orthopedic lumbar belt
It is absolutely certain that problems with the lower back are familiar to everyone. It’s just that for some they appear one-time, for example, after zealous weeding of a garden plot, while for others they are constantly tormented. Without exception, the doctor may recommend the use of an orthopedic belt for the lumbosacral region to everyone without exception. That's just to choose the right model should be correct. We will tell you how to do this, as well as in which cases a lumbar belt is prescribed, whether there are contraindications for its use and how to wear it correctly.
Why do you need a corset belt for the spine
It is obvious that the orthopedic belt for the spine stabilizes the condition of the lumbar region. He effectively supports the spinal column and evens out the distance between the vertebrae, thereby eliminating neuralgic pinching, atrophy of muscle tissue and pain. In this capacity, it is used for chronic diseases, such as sciatica, or after operations.
In addition to the therapeutic function, the corset is also ready to solve preventive problems, evenly distributing the load on the spine, muscles and tissues during sports training or hard physical work.
Types of orthopedic belts for the lower back
Each type of product has characteristic features and performs certain functions.
The peculiarity of the orthopedic corset is the presence of stiffeners, which are built into an elastic waistband parallel to the spine. This design ideally supports it, unloads muscles, improves blood supply to tissues, and eliminates pinched nerve endings. Such a complex effect leads to the fact that the pain gradually disappears.
Metal or plastic stiffeners in the corset determine the degree of fixation of the spine. Traditionally, in the lumbar belts, one rib is used along the spine, or a pair acting on the column from two sides.
A support belt for the lumbar spine is used during the treatment of chronic diseases, as well as at the stage of recovery after a displacement of the vertebrae or a surgical operation.
Warm in wool or neoprene
Lumbar belts can have a therapeutic effect due to additional functions. The most popular is warming. Strictly speaking, woolen belts are not orthopedic products, but their effectiveness is not reduced by this.
Camel, sheep or dog hair has a beneficial effect on blood circulation, tones muscles, and improves metabolic processes.
Among people with problems in the lumbar region, neoprene belts are becoming increasingly popular. Neoprene is a modern material that both warms and provides good ventilation of the skin. Wearing it helps to speed up cellular metabolism, stabilize blood circulation, and normalize the functioning of internal organs.
With a neoprene lumbar belt:
- improve peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract;
- normalize the work of the kidneys and the genitourinary system;
- eliminate excess fat deposits in the lumbar region.
A neoprene belt is often used for body shaping, as it helps speed up metabolic processes, thereby allowing the body to get rid of excess fat faster.
For women
During pregnancy and after childbirth, women often suffer from pain or discomfort in the lumbar region. A special lumbar belt helps to eliminate discomfort. Prenatal, postnatal and universal bandage belts are produced.
Universal pre- and postpartum bandage will save a lot. The special design allows you to use it for a long time: during pregnancy, the wide part of the product is placed on the back, and the low part effectively supports the growing belly. After childbirth, the belt is turned over so that the wide back is in front.
In addition to eliminating problems with the lower back, the women's belt helps to normalize the work of the whole organism, reduce the load on the spine and muscles, reduce the number of stretch marks, and much more.
Magnetic
During magnetotherapy, the body is affected by impulses that create a natural magnetic field for a person. It is on this principle that the magnetic belt for the spine works. While wearing it, metabolic processes improve, cells absorb oxygen more actively, and harmful toxins are removed from the body faster. Energy balance is restored at the cellular level.
A magnetic belt is used to restore stable body functions: adrenal glands, thyroid gland, genitourinary system, etc.
Indications and contraindications for use
With the help of an orthopedic lumbar belt, many problems can be eliminated:
- osteochondrosis and osteoporosis: treatment and prevention;
- sciatica, spondylosis, arthritis, arthrosis;
- fix the vertebrae during displacement;
- exclude lumbago (“lumbago”), including with heavy loads on the lower back;
- accelerate the process of recovery of the body after injuries and operations;
- improve the condition of postoperative sutures and increase the rate of their healing;
- special models are ready to stabilize the body during pregnancy;
- reduce pain of any origin;
- protect against possible complications in the lumbar region in adulthood.
For an objective selection of a suitable option, the doctor must know the entire medical history. This is not only about the causes of lower back pain, but also other chronic diseases that may prevent you from using the belt. Let's not forget that woolen belts can cause allergic reactions.
A standard orthopedic belt for the lower back cannot be worn by pregnant women, as it has a strong tightening effect on the internal organs. There are special models for mothers.
The greatest number of contraindications has a magnetic belt. It cannot be used in the presence of electronic devices, for example, a pacemaker, and it is also undesirable to be in it near a computer. It should not be worn by pregnant women, as well as by diabetics who use an insulin pump.
How to choose a belt
Any medical products should be purchased only after consulting a doctor. Of course, if you have been suffering from sciatica for more than a year, then you can buy another bandage from sciatica without the consent of a physician. If we are talking about rigid models or you are at the very beginning of the fight against the disease and do not know its features very well, then you simply do not have the right to prescribe a lumbar belt for yourself.
Note that different parameters can be used to determine the size of a model. Some manufacturers are guided by the volume of the waist, others - by the lower back, which is located 7-8 cm lower. Therefore, before buying, find out exactly what parameters are included in the size range of a particular company.
Be guided on the packaging not by letter sizes, but by volumes in centimeters.
Of all the types of orthoses, the lumbar belt is perhaps the easiest to try on. Do not neglect this recommendation and evaluate the comfort of the product even in a pharmacy or orthopedic salon. note that the belt should fit snugly to the body, and its stitching or rigid elements should not dig into the skin. Check the condition of the belts and other fasteners. If health allows, then move around in a new thing: walk around, sit down on the couch.
How to wear a belt
The mode of wearing the lumbar belt is determined by the doctor when it comes to treatment. For prevention, orthopedic accessories can be used in cases where heavy loads on the lower back are expected. For example, you plan to sheathe a garden house with clapboard alone. Especially protection will be required if you have previously had back problems.
- you should not wear it for more than 6-8 hours, so that the muscles have the opportunity to work on their own;
- at night, the belt must be removed;
- do not pull the corset too tight so that your internal organs can function normally;
- it is better to put on cotton underwear, unless otherwise indicated by a doctor.
Exceeding the time of using a corset, and ignoring the recommendations of a doctor, can lead to disastrous consequences. Atrophied muscles, edema, circulatory disorders and tissue death are far from a complete list of complications.
A corset belt for the lumbosacral region will alleviate the condition during an exacerbation of a chronic disease, stabilize the functions of muscle and bone tissues, improve the functioning of the immune system, and help you recover faster after surgery or injury. Its effectiveness has been proven in practice, but the accessory will work only if it is picked up professionally, and the patient complies with all doctor's prescriptions.
