Running is one of the most popular sports and is in line with the various forms of athletics. It may seem like a simple discipline, but regular running can have undesirable effects on the back.
One way to protect your back is to wear a back support brace while running. Here, we'll explain which ones are right for your specific needs, starting with the types, features and effectiveness of running. We'll also cover the most common injuries you can sustain while running.
What is the best back brace for runners?
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: Green, Pink and Black
- Material: Breathable
- Nº of Products: 1 Piece
- Uses: Rehab and Sport
- Elastic Fabric
- Double Anti-Slip Silicone
- Ergonomic & Adjustable
- Sport Design
- Unisex
Extra Strong Velcro
Detachable Pad
Elastic Fabric
- Sizes: M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Elastic straps and velcro closure
- Inner padding: No
- Elastic straps with velcro for a better fit
- Breathable material
- Strong support
- For all types of activities
- Bulky
- No small sizes
The non-scratch adhesive Velcro and non-slip rubber bands provide extra support at all times. The quality of the elastic webbing and 16-hole mesh creates a comfortable and breathable fabric, making the lumbar belt wearable for longer. It is hand washable and its 6 columns at the back provide just the right amount of medical compression, although some people find this method uncomfortable and it no longer fulfils its main purpose.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Titanium
- Material: Elastic
- Closure type: Elastic and velcro fastener
- Inner padding: No
- Ergonomic design
- Quality elastic straps
- No material specified
With a BAUERFEIND unisex belt, you can relieve back pain, herniated discs and pulled muscles. Thanks to its unique anatomical design, you have more freedom of movement and more stability in the lumbar spine. It is suitable for use in the gym, to correct posture and to recover from back pain. Its velcro fastening adjusts the elastic straps generating the ideal compression, but you should consider that as time goes by this type of fastening will wear out.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Black
- Material: Polyester and Nylon
- Closure type: Elastic straps and velcro closure
- Inner padding: No
- Good compression
- Quality finish
- Suitable for any activity
- Unisex
- Does not include pad
- Not suitable for washing machine
The 4 back bars on each side provide the support you need to relieve back pain and keep your joints in place. The elastic bands will fit any body type, so the one-size-fits-all fit for men and women is ideal for preventing damage. The material is soft and wicks away perspiration, but be aware that the double layer of fabric can come off if you don't wear it correctly.
- Sizes: S-M
- Colours: Black and Red
- Material: Elastic
- Closure type: Velcro fastening
- Inner padding: No
- Strong fixation
- Breathable material
- Adjustable design
- For all types of activities
- Only two sizes
- Voluminous
Strategically placed supports and quality materials work to generate optimal support, without the compressive garment slipping, and don't worry in the summer, the stretch fabric is breathable, allowing you to wear it for as long as you want. To correct posture or obtain correct abdominal pressure choose this lumbar belt, although you should consider that the sizes indicated in the table may not be entirely accurate for some users.
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL
- Colours: Grey
- Material: Cotton
- Closure type: Elasticated straps and velcro closure
- Inner padding: Yes
- Variety of sizes
- Includes Pad
- No material specified
The sizes available for men and women relieve the pain of spinal stenosis and umbilical hernia, so you can also use this is an abdominal strap for back rehabilitation. Keep in mind that, by stimulating blood circulation, it helps to accelerate inflammation through the therapeutic effects of heat. In some types of postoperative procedures, it is not advisable to use the back brace if it is not recommended by the doctor.
- Tallas: S(60-112cm),L/XL(106-145cm)
- Colours: Black
- Material: Cotton
- Closure type: Elastic straps and velcro closure
- Inner padding: Yes
- Good fit
- Breathable design
- Strong compression
- Unisex
- No material specified
- Bulky
but that's not all! The adjustable brace can not only be used to combat the symptoms of an umbilical hernia or weakened abdominals, but is also suitable for applying just the right amount of pressure to the lower back. Thanks to its flexible rods, the support does not restrict movement, so you can wear this belt for as long as you need to, even in summer. Please note that its ergonomic design may not be very useful for lateral and femoral hernias.
- Sizes: S-M-L
- Colours: Black
- Material: Elastic
- Closure type: Elastic and velcro fastening
- Inner padding: No
- Ideal for everyone
- Breathable design
- Good support
- For all types of activities
- No material specified
- Only 3 sizes
Its 5 steel supports will give your back the stability, compression and correction needed to correct posture and shorten the post-operative rehabilitation process. The unisex lumbar brace can also be used for sports, as it does not restrict joint movements. It is important to know that compression is often insufficient when the supports are deformed and the velcro is worn out.
- Sizes: XS/M, L/XL
- Colours: White and Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Velcro and elastic strap closure
- Inner padding: No
- Strong compression thanks to the Velcro straps
- Breathable material
- Only 2 sizes
Its magnet therapy system improves blood circulation and its flexible double strap allows the belt to adapt to any waist. Its different sizes have internal pockets for adding ice packs or heat gel. This means that you get the therapeutic benefits of magnetic, cold heat and compression therapy in the same compressive garment. Its guides offer stability in the back, but in some users the muscular overload of the work requires another type of compression.
Video: Lumbar spine anatomy
Types of back supports you should know about
What are the most common back injuries while running?
The back is one of the most injury-prone areas. For runners, the reasons that lead to discomfort in this area are many: poor posture while running, improper footwear, overuse, and more.
So, this sport is not as simple as we thought, but has a number of risks that directly affect the back and can have consequences for the practice of running. Below we present the most common back injuries in this sport and how they can occur during a training session or race.
Lumbago
Lumbago refers to severe pain in the lower back. Symptoms of this condition include: severe pain radiating from the back and spreading to the hips, thighs, groin and buttocks, affecting mobility and therefore daily activities.
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among runners, especially novice runners, as poor posture and technique can lead to lower back damage. Other factors include shoes that lack cushioning, causing them to impact the lower back and lead to this type of injury.
Muscle contractures
Muscle contracture occurs when the muscle performs an activity for which it is not prepared, causing its fibers to shorten and come under constant tension. The symptoms of this condition are a palpable knot accompanied by pain and muscle weakness that restricts the affected area. It can be caused by a series of intense activities, but also by repetitive movements.
This condition is common in runners because they usually participate in sports that require intense physical activity for a long period of time. It can also occur when the runner begins their workout without warm-up exercises, which causes muscle contractions.
Neck pain
This is a pathology that manifests itself as a stabbing pain in the neck, radiating to the arms and upper back. The most typical symptoms of this condition are headaches accompanied by dizziness and constant nausea. Generally, the causes of this type of discomfort are due to poor posture during daily activities.
Since this sport is based on running, the shocks generated during jogging are reflected in the body and can injure the cervical vertebrae, which can be sensitive due to poor posture during exercise.
Back pain
This is the famous back pain that is felt between the lumbar and cervical spine. Back pain is a condition that affects many people in the adult population. The causes of this condition are daily and repetitive activities such as lifting heavy objects, poor sitting posture, walking and others, but also overtraining.
Runners have a higher risk of this type of injury because they are exposed to a rigorous training program, sometimes accompanied by the stress of a competition. In other cases, improper running posture, such as slouching or bending the shoulders, causes a feeling of fatigue that affects the back.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best lumbar support for running
When buying a lumbar support for running, whether in a store or online, there are certain features to consider. First and foremost, answer the question of why you need it and what functions you want it to perform on your back.
Depending on the function
- Pain Relief back brace: For lumbar injuries, it is advisable to use a lumbar sports sleeve as it stabilizes and compresses the lower back to counteract tension in the affected area and minimize pain and discomfort from the trauma. You will be able to resume your sports activities quickly.
- Protective back support: This type of sleeve is designed to provide the protection you need to prevent future lower back injuries while running. This is due to the construction materials that give the joint the support and stability it needs to form the protective sleeve.
- Safety Belt: With this garment, you can move without fear of the stabbing pain in your lower back. Thanks to the materials used in its manufacture, such as the anatomical padding that relieves muscle tension, you can move without major complications.
- Compression sleeve: One of the greatest advantages of sports bodices is their compression. Due to its therapeutic benefits, as it applies the right pressure on the back that promotes blood circulation, has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces muscle soreness, causes a quick recovery and much more.
Material of manufacture
When choosing a sports lumbar support, you should pay special attention to the type of material used, as this has a direct impact on the comfort and effectiveness of the support. It is recommended that the material is breathable and does not cause allergic reactions. The most commonly used materials for this type of supports are neoprene, polyester, latex, nylon and cotton.
Neoprene is the most popular due to its elasticity and resistance. However, since it is an antiperspirant material, it is always combined with other fibers such as polyester and nylon. The blends have different proportions to meet the required demands.
Type of support
Running is a sport that requires constant movement. Therefore, a good bra is important so that the garment does not slip and does not perform the function for which it was created.
- Neoprene: This material is the most recommended due to its adaptability, as it naturally conforms to the body without the risk of slipping and causing the garment to be out of place and no longer perform the function for which it was designed.
- Velcro closures: These are found in the form of strong closures and tight straps, both of which fit the body perfectly and provide assurance that the bodice will stay in place. This allows everyone to adjust to their size, depending on their needs. This type of bra is recommended for running or physical activities, as the tailored compression provides the security that the garment stays in place.
- Elastic straps: These soft, yet firm, elastic straps allow for a perfect fit to the body. Thanks to the compression and support they provide, they make exercising easier without the risk of the belt rolling or coming loose.
Size
When buying online, it is advisable to contact your supplier who can tell you the sizes they work with. We also provide a table where the sizes are indicated in letters (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XL). These data can be obtained with a tape measure by measuring the specified part of the body, either at the back, waist or hips.
Design
Design is not just about aesthetics or eye appeal. Design also includes other features such as comfort and conformity to tastes and preferences. Due to the large number of models on the market, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a purchase decision.
When it comes to buying a cheap sports lumbar supports, you will find a wide range of models in different shades and colors, ranging from classics such as black, white, red and gray to eye-catching and modern models such as blue, green, purple, red and yellow. This garment not only protects your body or improves an injury, but also allows you to look fashionable while running.
Price
One of the factors that every buyer evaluates is the price. In the market, there are very cheap braces and others that are overpriced. When choosing the right lumbar brace, it is advisable to weigh the value for money so that you can make a decision that suits your needs and that you can afford. Although there are some very cheap products, they do not meet the required quality and compression standards and can therefore be harmful in the long run.
Are sports back brace for runners and athletes really effective?
Running and various sports pose a number of risks that can lead to certain back injuries. An effective way to protect the spine is to use sports back supports, which not only stabilize this area, but also allow for proper posture, minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries.
This compression garment provides better performance and the security needed for every movement when running, so you can continue your sports activities. In addition, if you are injured, the back brace can help you heal as the compression therapy and improved blood flow accelerate healing, prevent pain and reduce inflammation.
The sports back brace is undoubtedly the best ally for any runner. Studies in this field have confirmed that they work well, which is why there is no area of physical training where they are not used. They are a great support both in sports and in the prevention and recovery from back injuries.