So, should you wear a back brace when lifting? Yes, but there's a twist...
Dr. Aaron Horschig highlights the following: Athletes wearing a belt correctly can lift heavier weights with more explosive power and maintain trunk stiffness for more reps...And as a back brace user, I can confirm this - in moderation, of course. [1]
In this article, you'll learn whether back braces are the best tools to use when lifting, why you should, and when you're about to go too far...
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of wearing a back brace when lifting.
Key Takeaways
- Wearing a back brace while lifting can help protect your spine and reduce your risk of injury.
- It also helps maintain good posture, reducing muscle and joint strain.
- Back braces provide extra support for your torso, reducing the pressure on your spine and providing stability during weightlifting movements.
Should You Wear a Back Brace When Lifting? 5 Myths DebunkedÂ
Yes, a back brace can provide additional support during lifting, enhancing stability and performance.
However, it isn't universally essential. In some cases, relying too heavily on a back brace can be counterproductive, as it may lead to a dependence that could weaken the core muscles over time.
Therefore, it's crucial to use such support devices, like a "lumbar back brace", in a balanced manner. Combining the brace with a regimen of exercises to strengthen the back and core is essential to ensure optimal back safety and prevent injury.
Let's break it down...
Myth 1: The More You Use Them, The Better
One of the most common myths about back braces is that the more you wear them, the better. This is not true.
Wearing a back brace can provide some support and help protect your lower back when lifting, but wearing them too often can do more harm than good.
While these braces offer support and stability, an overreliance can lead to the core and back muscles becoming dependent on this external aid, gradually weakening these essential muscle groups over time...
Myth 2: They Always Prevent Injury
The belief that back braces are a surefire way to prevent injuries is widespread.
However, experts at the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, as cited in the BarBend guide, offer a different perspective [2].
They suggest that although back braces can "explosive power by increasing the speed of the movement," their role in injury prevention isn’t as clear-cut.
As a result, more research must be done on long-held beliefs and encourage a more nuanced understanding of back brace utility.
Myth 3: They Help With A Weak Core
The emphasis on back braces often overshadows the critical role of the body’s natural defense mechanism - the core.
After all, strengthening core muscles and honing proper lifting techniques are paramount in preventing back injuries.
These internal measures foster resilience against strains and injuries, diminishing the exclusive reliance on external aids like back braces.
Myth 4: They Should Always Be Used In The Workplace
In occupational settings where lifting is integral, ergonomic assessments and modifications are often more pivotal than back braces.
Tailored training on safe lifting techniques, coupled with specific equipment to aid lifting, provides a holistic approach to back safety, mitigating the need for constant back brace use.
Myth 5: They Solve Everything
The discourse around back braces isn’t two-faced.
To be more specific, they are not the ultimate solution, nor are they entirely dismissible.
In fact, back braces can offer support and augment performance in specific lifting scenarios.
However, their use should be reasonable, informed, and supplemented by a robust focus on developing intrinsic strength and mastering appropriate lifting techniques.
Skip to this video to learn more about an expert-tested back brace that is proper for any occasion:
Now that we’ve covered the myths and provided some quick safety checks, it’s essential to remember that every person and situation is unique. So, how can you tailor the use of a back brace to fit your specific needs and lifting scenarios?
Customizing Your Approach: Tailoring Back Brace Use to Your Specific Needs in 5 Simple Steps
Now, you'll learn a personalized approach to ensure that wearing a back brace aligns with your individual health, physical condition, and the specific lifting tasks at hand.
Let’s dive in for 5 simple tips!
1. Assess the Lifting Task
Evaluate the nature and intensity of the lifting task at hand. Not all lifting activities are created equal, and understanding the specific demands of each task can guide the appropriate use of a back brace.
When considering lower back pain when standing, it's crucial to assess whether the lifting or standing activity might be exacerbating the pain, and if so, how best to address it.
2. Consider Your Health Status
Your individual health and physical condition play a crucial role.
Consider any existing back issues and your overall fitness level, and consult with a healthcare professional to determine if a back brace suits your specific needs.
3. Training and Awareness
Being educated on the proper use and limitations of back braces is essential.
Consider seeking training on how to wear and use them effectively, and stay updated on the latest research and recommendations.
4. Material and Design
Explore the variety of materials and designs available.
Some back braces offer features like breathability, adjustability, and additional lumbar support. Choose one that aligns with your comfort, support needs, and the specific lifting task.
5. Trial and Feedback
If you opt to use a back brace, pay close attention to your body’s feedback.
Note any changes in comfort, support, or any potential strain, and be prepared to adjust your approach accordingly.
In the next section, we address frequently asked questions, aiming to provide clarity and insights that are balanced and rooted in evidence without over-relying on specific sources or studies.
FAQs
1. Can wearing a back brace weaken my core muscles?
Yes, consistent use of a back brace can weaken core muscles as they become dependent on external support, reducing their ability to support the spine effectively.
2. What are the alternatives to wearing a back brace for lifting?
Focusing on proper lifting techniques, strengthening core and back muscles, and making ergonomic adjustments in the workplace are effective alternatives to ensure back safety.
3. Is it beneficial to wear a back brace post-injury?
It can be helpful for short-term support and stability post-injury, but it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and rehabilitation exercises.
Conclusion
Should you wear a back brace when lifting remains a debate among professionals and individuals alike.
While they can offer short-term support, reliance on back braces can potentially weaken core muscles, emphasizing the importance of individual assessment and consultation with professionals.
Focusing on strengthening core muscles, adopting proper lifting techniques, and ergonomic workplace adjustments prove more effective.
So, as you navigate the complexities of back safety, remember that a personalized approach is key.
And don't forget to leave a comment sharing your thoughts or experiences!
Resources
1. ahorschig. WARNING! Stop Wearing A Weightlifting Belt For Back Pain! [Internet]. Squat University. 2019. Available from: https://squatuniversity.com/2019/08/07/warning-stop-wearing-a-weightlifting-belt-for-back-pain/
2. Dewar M. When, Why, and How You Should Wear a Weightlifting Belt [Internet]. BarBend. 2017. Available from: https://barbend.com/how-to-wear-weightlifting-belt/