The Effectiveness of Support Belts in Preventing Low Back Pain
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health says that no evidence indicates that using industrial or lumbosacral belts can protect backs or prevent injuries. These belts do not reduce pressure on the spine during lifting. They do not cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which could counter the force against the spine. The belts have not been shown to stiffen the back or restrict forward-bending motions, nor do they remind the wearer to lift properly. A person who wears an industrial back belt may have a false sense of safety and may be injured by moving unusually heavy loads that he or she would not attempt to move if he or she were not wearing a belt.
This conclusion is supported by a recent study in which approximately 300 workers in the cargo department of an airline company were randomly assigned to one of four low back pain programs. The participants in the first program received education about how to lift heavy objects and used lumbar (low back) supports. Those in the second program received education only and did not use lumbar supports. Those in the third program used the lumbar supports but were given no education on lifting. The participants assigned to the fourth group received no education and did not use the lumbar supports. Approximately one-half the participants in all groups reported back pain during the study period. The average sick leave for back pain was also the same for workers in all groups, a little less than one-half day per month. Education and lumbar supports, alone or in combination, were ineffective in preventing low back pain.
