The ongoing use of back support belts in jobs with heavy lifting seems to have decrease the number of back injuries resulting from heavy lifting. Is it the best idea for long term benefits?

If wearing back support belts increase the amount of strength and support around the muscles that protect the lower back, they are essentially decreasing the need for the muscles to work.

Prevent muscles from working long enough and they will become weaker. Let them get weak enough and even the simplest task can “throw out your back.” Back support belts can serve a purpose.

The best recommendation I’ve heard for those that may lift heavy items multiple times during the day (but not constantly) is to keep the support belt loose around the waist. When you are getting ready to lift the item, tighten up the belt and then loosen it again when the item has been moved.

If your job description requires you to lift almost constantly, you’ll benefit from wearing the support all the time. However, it becomes even more critical that you work to strengthen the muscles that maintain your posture.

Keeping the back support belts on all the time will gradually weaken your back. I don’t want you to be the guy that bends down to pick up his shoe and can’t get back up again.