What Is a Back Support Belt?

If you regularly lift boxes or other heavy objects in the workplace, you may want to invest in a back support belt. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that over 1 million U.S. workers sustain a back injury in any given year. Some back injuries are minor, but others can be downright debilitating. A back support belt, however, will lower your risk of sustaining a back injury while working.

Overview of Back Support Belts

Back support belts are ergonomic braces that are designed to support the back. Back injuries often involve stress to the muscles, ligaments, joints and bones in the back. Lifting heavy objects will expose your back to stress. The weight of the objects will take a toll on your back, potentially causing a back injury. A back support belt may prevent this from happening by supporting your back.

How a Back Support Belt Works

While available in different styles, all back support belts are designed to support the back. They typically consist of a semi-elastic band that you can wrap around your midsection. This band will contour the shape of your body while supporting your back in the process.

Prior to lift a heavy object, you can put on a back support belt. It won't eliminate the risk of back injury. Nonetheless, a back support belt will allow you to lift heavy objects more easily by reducing the stress and strain placed on your back. Wrapping the band around your midsection will support your back so that you can lift heavy objects more easily.

Tips on Choosing a Back Support Belt

You should choose a back support belt in the right size for your body. There are different styles of back support belts, but nearly all of them consist of an elastic band. If the band is too small, you won't be able to wear it. Therefore, you should choose a back support belt in an appropriate size for your body.

Some back support belts are also designed for specific purposes, such as weightlifting. Also known as lifting belts, they are commonly used by bodybuilders. If you lift weights in the gym -- or at home for that matter -- you may want to choose a lifting belt. If you only lift heavy objects in the workplace, on the other hand, you can choose a traditional back support belt.