How to choose a belt for the back. Orthopedic belt for the back: reviews, prices

The use of supportive, corrective and warming devices for the back has been known since the time of the crusades that took place in the Middle Ages. Then they were used mainly by those who, on duty, had to experience all the hardships of military life. A back belt made of hard leather strips allowed warriors, dressed in heavy armor that constrained movements, to make long transitions on horseback or on foot.

The variety of forms of belts for the back

Modern medicine has adopted such an invention, useful in all respects, as a back belt that supports the lower back. On its basis, many devices have been developed that allow not only to fix the spine in a vertical position and reduce the load on it, but also to correct curvature. There are several types of medical belts: the classical form. Many believe that products of this type cannot be used to correct posture or treat various ailments, but this is not entirely true. The belt for the back has long established itself as a fairly effective means of prevention and also as one of the most effective means of rehabilitation and treatment of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Now you will not surprise anyone with a magnetic, warming or stretching massage belt. However, few people understand what cases this or that orthopedic belt for the back is intended for. Incorrect selection of medical accessories, which rightfully include belts and corsets, can provoke an aggravation of the disease, and in some cases completely deprive a person of the opportunity to move normally.

When to Use Back Belts

Due to the fact that in recent years the industry has stepped far forward, the representatives of the human race have the opportunity to free themselves from most of the tasks associated with the application of physical effort and movement. Because of this, often there are problems with the spine caused by hypodynamia. Here are just some of the diseases that can be eliminated with the help of such an accessory as a back belt:

• osteocondritis of the spine;
• herniated discs;
• osteoporosis;
• arthritis and arthrosis;
• radiculitis;
• sciatica and lumbago;
• spinal column injuries;
• congenital pathologies of the spine.

This is not a complete list of diseases in which a back belt that supports the lower back will not only help restore the normal position of the vertebrae, but also help eliminate pain and other symptomatic manifestations of spinal diseases.

Belt classification

Before making the final choice and buying an orthopedic belt for the back, it is important to know at least in general terms what varieties are currently being produced. The most common are support belts, which are used as a device that ensures the restoration of the spine as a result of operations performed on it. As a rule, the back support belt is made of durable and rigid material, and its width is at least 25 cm. Sports options that are used by weightlifters can also be attributed to this group of accessories.

With intervertebral disc herniations, it is better to purchase a stretching belt, which will help, firstly, to straighten the spinal column, and secondly, to increase the distance between each of its segments. These properties of the belt can reduce the compression of the nerve roots by osteophytes, reduce pain and restore the normal density of the intervertebral discs.

And, finally, there is a whole group of belts, which, in addition to the supporting function, performs a number of physiotherapeutic tasks. Firstly, these are warming belts made from the wool of various animals. Secondly, these are products with magnetic inserts. And thirdly, belts that contribute to the breakdown of adipose tissue and weight loss. So, let's look at all the options in more detail and find out which characteristics are the most significant when choosing these medical accessories.

What to look for when choosing a belt

You should choose a belt for your back based on the following criteria:

1. Material. Many manufacturers use compressed paper as the basis for supporting belts, which, when in contact with the human body for a long time, can absorb the liquid secreted by the skin. Because of this, there is a loss of elasticity and rigidity of the “skeleton” of the belt, as a result of which it fails. The ideal material for the support belt is whalebone, carbon fiber or leather. Magnetic and woolen belts are often completely fake, made of artificial fibers and without magnetic inserts. It is better to buy such belts from trusted manufacturers.
2. Ease of use. When buying a belt, it is important to try it on to make sure that it does not press or rub in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe ribs, pelvic bones, and spine. Self-respecting manufacturers always take into account the anatomical features of potential buyers, so they produce a variety of belts of different sizes. If after trying on a comfortable model could not be found, it may be worth considering ordering a belt according to your individual measurements.
3. Finishing, accessories. Particular attention should be paid to inspecting and checking the quality of the seams and fasteners of the belt. This is what will provide the main share of the convenience of its operation. The edges of the belt must be closed with a double seam edging. The clasp should ideally be metal in the form of one or two buckles, as this is what helps to make it easier to fit the belt around the waist. Velcro fasteners are also convenient, but they quickly fail due to lint contamination.

Support belts, selection criteria

Fixing or supporting belts are used to eliminate the curvature of the spine (for scoliosis), as well as during rehabilitation after surgery on the spine. Their main task is to ensure the relative immobility and stability of the spine when a person performs various movements. The support belt for the back must meet the basic quality criteria, as well as fit exactly in size. A belt that is too wide can hinder movement, and a narrow one can not fulfill the functions assigned to it. You should not buy a support belt that is too small, as excessive squeezing can provoke a violation of blood circulation in the back and abdominal organs. If you choose the right support belt for your back, reviews about it will only be positive.

According to those who have used a support belt for a long time, this device allowed them to solve problems with lower back pain. However, respondents note that the constant wearing of the belt can provoke an attack of pain after they stop using it.

Posture-correcting belts: how to choose?

To date, several varieties of belts are produced for posture correction. Products of this group are therapeutic, so their choice must be agreed with the attending physician. Depending on the stiffness, the corrective belt for the back can be:

1. Lightweight - made using soft leather or fabric.
2. Medium - made using inserts made of durable, but elastic and fairly soft material (leather, plastic).
3. Strong - made using hard plastic or metal inserts.

To prevent the development of stoop, you can independently choose and purchase a soft belt, and to correct a sufficiently strong curvature, you will have to buy a hard belt, but only after consulting a specialist.

To choose a corrective belt for the back that is really useful in all respects (reviews say this), you need to pay attention to the width of the straps, as too narrow ones rub the shoulders and collarbones, as well as the armpit area.

Choosing a stretch belt: how not to make a mistake

In most cases, it is not necessary to choose a belt for the back with a hernia on your own, since this disease involves the participation of a specialist in the selection of treatments. Based on the anatomical structure of the patient and the degree of disc reduction, belts are made according to individual sizes. According to patients, products with manual air pumps turned out to be the most effective, as they allow you to more accurately control the force of spinal stretching.

How to choose a magnetic belt

Magnetic belts are used as an additional therapeutic agent for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as to reduce or adjust weight, normalize the functioning of organs located in the area of ​​action of magnets sewn into it. When buying a magnetic belt for the back, you should not give preference to too cheap products, since they are most often made using ordinary metal inserts, and not magnets, therefore, as a rule, they do not have a therapeutic effect. According to the reviews of those who purchased them, it is better to buy magnetic belts from trusted suppliers of medical equipment.

Choosing a wool warmer belt

For arthritis and arthrosis, many experts recommend using a wool back belt. These products perform a dual function: they prevent cooling of the lower back and provide micro-massage, which improves the blood supply to the affected segments of the spine. The range of these products is quite diverse. Belts differ, first of all, in what kind of wool is used in their manufacture. The most effective are those made from yak wool. Belts made of badger and dog hair have a slightly lesser effect.