What Is the Proper Way to Wear a Workers Back Brace

Especially for those workers who have to lift and do a lot of heavy physical work, it is essential to wear a back support brace. Properly worn, it may effectively reduce the burden on the lower back and prevent spinal strain or even lumbar disc herniation. On the contrary, if incorrectly worn, it may bring new health problems.

How to Choose the Right Size

The upper back brace should be selected according to one's body type and waist size. If it does not fit, it may malfunction.

According to a study conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association, correctly fitted size of the Fivali brace can reduce the incidence of back pain by 50 percent, while wrong fitted size does nothing in reducing the pressure on the back. Make sure the Back Brace Straightener fully wraps round the waist with appropriate tightness. Common size ranges given below:

• Size XS for 60-70cm waist circumference

• Size S for 68-80cm waist circumference

• Size M for 78-90cm waist circumference

• Size L for 90-100cm waist circumference

• Size XL for 100-110cm waist circumference

• Size 2XL for 110-120cm waist circumference

• Size 3XL for 120-130cm waist circumference

• Size 4XL for 130-140cm waist circumference

Positioning for Wearing

The adjustable back support should be aligned at L4-L5 of the lumbar spine, which is usually considered the primary weight-bearing region of the lower back. The top and bottom rim/edges of the brace must completely cover the top of the hip bones for adequate support.

The tightness shall be adjusted according to the wearer's comfort but must fit snugly at the waist without restriction of breathing or blood circulation. The 2018 Spinal Health Research Report recorded that keeping it within the range of 50-70% will effectively reduce lumbar pressure by 30%. One shall appropriately tighten it during physical activities, while during rest or conducting detailed works, the belt can be loosened a little.

Risk of Injury Prevention

Even with the brace, the workers are still supposed to observe proper postures, such as keeping the back straight and the knees bent during heavy lifting. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Survey Report says that dependence solely upon the brace, without minding posture still results in a risk of back injury.

• Continuous heavy work wear no longer than 6 hours.

• Prolonged standing work wear the orthosis intermittently, working for 2 hours and then rest for 15 minutes.

At the time of lifting any object by bending, first of all, squat, hold the object firmly, and then rise upward slowly.With long repetitive work, shift positions or walk every half hour to reduce local fatigue. The American College of Sports Medicine data indicates workers receiving core muscle training increase lumbar endurance by 20%.