How to choose your lumbar belt?

The lumbar belt is used by people with back pain or painful pathologies such as lumbago, sciatica or herniated disc. This pain may be due to sudden movements, shocks, repetitive stresses, prolonged standing or sitting, heavy work or wear and tear on the vertebrae.

The role of the lumbar belt is therefore to relieve this pain by providing relative immobilization of the lumbar spine. It corrects bad posture, supports the spinal joints, keeps the spine straight, and provides protection for the back, stomach and kidneys.

Thus, there are many benefits of a lumbar belt, but several models are also available on the market, which often complicates our choice. To help you during the purchase, here are some tips you can follow.

Criteria for choosing a back belt

Here are some things to consider when buying a kidney belt:

The morphology of the user

To be really effective, a lumbar belt must be perfectly adapted to your morphology. A model that is too big risks not having an effect and a model that is too small will hinder your movements, and at worst accentuate the pain. To have the ideal back belt, measure well around your hips through the navel using a tailor's tape measure or tape measure.

Also know that there are two heights of lumbar belts: 21 and 26 cm. The first was designed for people measuring less than 1.60 m. The second is dedicated to people measuring more than 1.65 m or to patients with atypical morphology such as those with very wide hips, taller than 1.90 m or overweight. For pregnant women, there are specific models that improve posture and relieve lower back pain by reducing the weight of the belly.

The type of pain

In addition to the dimensions, the choice also depends on the nature of the pain to be relieved. Preventive lumbar belts are effective for people who are returning to their activity or who just want to avoid back pain from intensive office work or household chores. Flexible and easy to use, they offer great freedom of movement and apply with light pressure on the waist, stomach and lower back. These models help limit excessive movement and promote posture adjustment.

Semi-rigid lumbar belts consist of a rigid support or padding and a flexible brace. They straighten postures, strengthen the lumbar area and heal pain. They are available in sizes M, S, L, XL or XXL with various features to meet the needs of each user. For example, some have a hot and cold compress to relieve tension, while others have additional tightening straps for an optimal fit.

Finally, you will find rigid lumbar belts which are generally used by patients in the rehabilitation phase or who have suffered from chronic low back pain and severe pain. Equipped with hard plastic or metal bars, these models offer optimal support and stability for the spine. They are also perfect for your weight training sessions or when you have to carry heavy loads.

The materials used

A kidney belt can be made of many materials, but the most common are:

Natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton, elastodiene or polyester which are breathable, flexible, resistant, light, hypoallergenic and very easy to maintain. If cotton is very appreciated by athletes thanks to its softness, its excellent thermoregulatory and absorbent properties, polyester and elastodiene are known for their elasticity and their comfort allowing them to deform during the effort and to resume then their initial position.

The steel springs and ribs: they are curved and must always be covered with a plastic protection against oxidation.

Plastics: we often find polypropylene, renowned for its versatility and strength, apart from in lumbar belts, it is also used in the manufacture of professional clothing disposable, ropes, etc. It is also lightweight, durable, rigid, impact, flex and chemical resistant.

Finally, some models are also equipped with plaster and resin to increase their performance.

Technology

You can choose the heated lumbar belt which soothes and relaxes tense and painful muscles thanks to its thermal therapy. It is also an excellent remedy for menstrual pain and is a good alternative to hot water bottles and pills.

Apart from the heating and massaging models, there are also the inflatable lumbar belts which are without rigid whalebones, but relieve pain quickly and effectively. Easy to use, just inflate the belt with a small pump once it is placed around your waist.

The latest technology is found in magnetic belts that maintain posture and limit possible pain in the event of risky activities such as DIY, carrying heavy loads, etc. These models also cure sciatica, low back pain, scoliosis, rheumatism�