The lumbar belt is a medical device that can be extremely beneficial in the management of certain back pathologies. However, its use must comply with the rules to avoid any risk of injury or additional discomfort.
As you read on, we'll explain how to put on and use a kidney belt and discuss whether or not you should tighten the belt tightly to your body.
Why use a lumbar belt?
A lumbar belt is often prescribed by a doctor to help relieve pain at the lower back level. It provides additional support while reducing pressure on the spine. In addition, it helps maintain good posture.
It is important to note that the lumbar belt must be used judiciously. Wearing this belt continuously without interruption could lead to dependence or weaken your muscles. It is therefore recommended to wear it discontinuously according to the instructions of your healthcare professional.
How to put on a lumbar belt?
Center the belt
The first step in properly wearing a kidney belt is to make sure it is centered correctly. Position the belt exactly at the level of the lumbar area is crucial to obtain maximum benefits.
Here are some steps to follow to properly center your lumbar belt:
- Unfold the belt fully before putting it on.
- Place it around your waist, with the center of the belt aligned with your spine.
- Adjust the height so that the belt covers the lumbar area well.
Adjust the tightness
After centering the belt, it is essential to properly adjust the tightness to ensure a good fit. The tightening should be neither too loose nor too tight.
Follow these instructions to properly adjust the belt:
- Pull the ends of the belt forward.
- Secure them using the Velcro fasteners or loops provided for this purpose.
- Make sure you feel firm support without restricting breathing.
How to Tighten and Adjust a Lumbar Belt
To fully enjoy the benefits of a lumbar belt, it is essential to know how to adjust and tighten it correctly. Here are some tips:
- Hold both ends of the belt at the front of your waist and gently pull them outward to apply slight tension.
- Pass the ends of the belt through the loops or clips provided for this purpose.
- Pull on the ends until you feel a certain level of support and compression on your back, without causing discomfort or restriction of movement.
- Secure the ends of the belt using the fastening devices (Velcro, elastic, etc.) to maintain the desired tension.
To tighten the lumbar belt fully or not?
It is often tempting to tighten your lumbar belt as much as possible to benefit from optimal support. However, excessive tightening can have harmful consequences:
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Discomfort : A belt that is too tight can create a feeling of discomfort and hamper your movements.
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Poor blood circulation : Tightening too hard can also compress blood vessels and impair circulation, causing tingling or numbness in the lower limbs.
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Muscle atrophy : Finally, wearing a lumbar belt that is too tight for a long time can cause the back muscles to atrophy. They no longer work sufficiently to support the spine, which can worsen back problems in the long term.
It is therefore important to tighten the lumbar belt moderately , ensuring that it is comfortable and allows reasonable freedom of movement. Do not aim for maximum compression, but rather adjust it according to your needs and how you feel.
Which way to wear the lumbar belt
Most kidney belts are designed to be worn with the logo or label facing up. This helps ensure that the bolsters and stays are properly positioned around your spine. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you are wearing your kidney belt the correct way.
Some tips for using the lumbar belt
When to put on the seat belt?
It is recommended to wear a lumbar belt when you are performing significant physical efforts or during periods of acute pain. However, it is important not to rely too much on the belt and to let your muscles work naturally to strengthen your back.
How long should I wear the lumbar belt?
The length of time you should wear a lumbar belt varies from person to person and from situation to situation. In any case, it is best not to wear it all the time. Wear it during activities that require extra support and remove it when you are at rest or when your pain subsides.
What precautions should be taken in case of prolonged wear?
If you have to wear the lumbar belt for a long period of time, take certain precautions to avoid problems:
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Take regular breaks : Remove the belt every two hours or so and allow your muscles to relax.
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Practice strengthening exercises : Wearing a belt should not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Complement its use with specific exercises to strengthen your back and improve your posture.
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Consult a healthcare professional : If you have any doubts or questions regarding the use of the lumbar belt, do not hesitate to consult a doctor or physiotherapist for personalized advice.
In conclusion, using a lumbar belt can be beneficial to relieve and protect your back, provided that you position it correctly and adjust it without excess. Do not hesitate to follow these tips and seek professional advice if necessary.
To go further, you can click on the following text to find out: How to wash a lumbar belt .
