Lumbar Back Belts - No Evidence That They Work

Lumbar back belts are popular in many industries. Low back pain affects more than 60 percent of the adult population in the United States and billions of dollars are lost in wages and medical costs. Manufacturers of the belts experience little difficulty selling their products due to the assumption that back belts reduce fatigue, protect against low back injuries and save money.

There is no scientific evidence that the belts work. The medical journal Spine reported a study in which muscular fatigue and isometric force was measured. In the study, 13 men and 11 women performed a dynamic lifting test, once with a belt and once without. The results of the test do not support manufacturers' claims that wearing their back belts will minimize muscle fatigue.

Many chiropractors warn their patients not to depend too much on back belts for protection against unusual strains on the back when they are working or playing. Short-term use may help with pain after an injury but long term use is discouraged.