Best back braces and Lumbar supports for all sports (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Compression garments for sports are accessories made of elastic materials and worn during sports activities. Over the years, they have become very popular among athletes of different disciplines, as they protect and restore the lumbar region.

Before buying, it is advisable to evaluate various aspects of the garment. In this case, we give all the necessary information, such as: Types of hip belts, their characteristics and even the most common back injuries and how they occur in each sport, so that you are always warned.

What is the best back brace for sport injuries?

To prevent lower back injuries and relieve pain, use the AGPTEK anti-slip elastic support. Its soft seams and pleasant material allow you to keep your back always protected from any muscle pulls or disc injuries. The unisex back support is designed to be worn in all seasons, as perspiration will not accumulate on the back. Best of all, the belt is suitable for the addition of heating pads or ice packs to increase blood circulation.

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.

There are several reasons why you should use a TECH THERAPEUTICS lumbar support brace. In relation to other waist braces, it stands out for its better support, more versatility in movement and greater resistance when worn. It is ideal for physical training or for employees who have to work hard and require a special technique to avoid work-related accidents.

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.

No matter what kind of activity you do! Whether you're an athlete, an employee or you want to do some DIY at home, you'll always need to cover your lower back with a NEOtech lumbar support to prevent injuries, herniated discs and pulled muscles. Simply wrap the brace around your waist, tighten the outer elastic straps and then press the hook-and-loop fastener until you feel secure.

The breathable fabric and double straps provide just the right amount of compression, so you no longer have to worry about lower back pain. Get your performance back and remember to choose the right size for your waist so that the elastic brace works efficiently. Keep in mind that, in some cases, the Velcro fastener may lose quality with use.

Stop thinking about products that won't do you any good and choose a FREETOO lumbar belt now. Thanks to its unique design, the waist belt provides stability in the lower spine. It is ideal for maintaining the correct posture when you need to lift heavy objects or recover from back injuries.

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.

The lumbar support with elastic straps will protect your back and lower spine, align your joints and strengthen the muscles in the area . If you are an athlete or work in a warehouse, airport or lift construction materials, this support is ideal for you. The flexible back stays provide just the right amount of support to compress the upper hip area.

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.

If you are looking for a lumbar protector that protects and stabilises your lower back, don't hesitate to choose the DINOKA anti-slip belt. Its design will allow you to perform sports training, recover from injuries and correct your posture when working. Its breathable materials will keep you dry at all times, so you can wear it over or under your clothes.

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.

Avoid herniated discs, scoliosis and any kind of lumbar injury you may suffer during physical training or when you are at home. Thanks to the adjustable straps system, the VIGO SPORTS lumbar belt adapts to any body, so you can wear it during the day or at night. It is machine washable because the velcro fastener does not lose its quality through use.

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.

Don't miss out on your favourite activities because of sciatica pain or pulled back muscles. Use the InnoTi back brace, which will give you the ideal support to protect your lower back from any risky activity. Its external strap adjusts to the rods to provide the necessary rigidity and stabilise the spine for any type of activity.

In addition to the compression therapy, you will also get the effects of a heat treatment because the lumbar protector generates the right temperature to reduce the inflammation of injuries and lumbago. It is suitable for any sport because it will not run, so you can carry it in the gift bag that comes with this offer to transport it anywhere. Depending on the woman's build, the height of the lumbar belt may cause discomfort under the bust.

Video: Lumbar spine anatomy

Types of back supports you should know about

Best back braces and Lumbar supports for all sports (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best back braces and Lumbar supports for golf (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best back braces and Lumbar supports for herniated discs (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best back braces and Lumbar supports for running (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best back braces and Lumbar supports for sciatica (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best back braces and Lumbar supports for weightlifting, gym and fitness sports (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best back braces and Lumbar supports for work and heavy lifting (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

What are the most common back injuries in sports?

Here is a detailed list of the most common back injuries along with their symptoms, common causes and how they can occur during sports.

Lower back pain or lumbago

This is a condition of the lumbar spine or lower back that can be acute, subacute or chronic. It can occur during physical activity and sports due to repeated violent twisting of the trunk, poor posture, and obesity, affecting the muscles and ligaments of the spine.

Symptoms begin with pain, severe muscle cramps and palpitations and can spread to the legs. Depending on the severity, this affects the timing of mobilization during sports. A common example for any sport could be an overweight beginner; a person with little or no experience in this area may make a wrong move and injure their back.

Muscle contractures

This is an unpleasant injury that can affect anyone in their daily activities or sports. It is an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the lower back or lumbar spine that can prevent you from performing normal movements, and is a result of excessive activity or lack of warm-up. In this case, the body is unable to break down the metabolic products and the muscle loses the ability to return to its resting state.

Signs of the condition begin with inflammation and pain in the muscles, limited mobility and weakness. For example, when a tennis player plays against an opponent and twists the trunk to return the ball, this repetitive motion directly affects the lower back and can lead to muscle contractures and limited range of motion.

Lumbar Impingement

Occurs when excessive pressure is placed on one or more vertebrae and can extend to the legs. It can be caused by repetitive strain during exercise, poor posture over a long period of time, obesity and excessive lifting, among other factors. Sufferers hear a cracking sound in the lower back.

Signs of injury can vary depending on severity; initially, symptoms include pain, tingling, muscle spasms and weakness; left untreated, the condition can gradually worsen until lower limb mobility is compromised. The most obvious example is that of an athlete lifting weights, often beyond his or her physical capabilities, combined with obesity and poor posture.

Osteoarthritis

This is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage that covers the surface of the joints. This soft tissue acts as a kind of shock absorber between bones, and in the case of the lumbar spine, it affects the vertebral bodies. When the cartilage weakens, it can rub against the bones and cause other injuries. It is a result of poor posture and excessive physical stress and, although degenerative, very often affects tennis players and other athletes.

Symptoms begin with pain in the lower back during exercise, cramping and numbness in the limbs, stiffness, loss of flexibility or mobility. In a basketball player who quickly and repeatedly bends and curves his back during play, the vertebrae weaken over time and cause osteoarthritis.

Sprain

Ligaments or muscle tendons help hold the discs together. In this case, a lumbar sprain is a stretch, tear or rupture of the ligament caused by violent twisting or activities with constant tension over a long period of time, poor posture, lack of warm-up exercises and lifting weights overhead.

It can manifest as acute pain, bruising, swelling of the affected area, hematoma, and temporary restriction of movement. These symptoms occur in the early stages of the injury and can worsen if left untreated. For example, when a basketball player twists hard in the air to block or pass to a teammate, it directly affects the lower back and causes a sprain.

Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best lumbar support for sports

To choose the best lumbar support, you should first consider the type of sport, physical or daily activity you do, and then consider features such as design, material, support and more that will determine your experience and the results you get from the compression garment.

Sports

Each sport requires a number of safety accessories with specific features in order to perform it. One of these items is the sports compression belt to protect the lumbar area from injury, the sports mentioned below being more prone to accidents in the back, and therefore the use of the compression garment is almost essential.

• Running: activates more than two hundred muscles, puts a lot of strain on the spine and neck, and if this is accompanied by poor posture, it can lead to lower back pain due to the intensity of the activity. To avoid this, a sacroiliac belt is needed that is not only comfortable while running, but also relieves pain.
• Golf: It is believed that golf is a sport with a low percentage of injuries, but this is not the case for the back, since the trunk must be rotated and this often happens abruptly, causing consequences in this area and requiring a compression garment both for prevention and recovery.
• Crossfit: This is perhaps the most effective way to train all the muscles of the body. However, it involves many repetitive movements that can weaken and fatigue the lower back. You will need to wear a lumbar support to align your spine so that you can perform the exercise safely and correctly.
• Weightlifting, powerifting and Fitness: One of the basic movements in these disciplines is to lift a weight over your head. Injury problems are due to poor technique, lack of warm-up exercises or poor posture, but all this can be avoided with lumbar straps, as they are specifically designed for working with weights and always ensure correct posture and joint support.
• Heavy loading and unloading work: Any heavy loading and unloading activity involves some degree of complication, and it is of utmost importance that clothing helps prevent discomfort in the back caused by constant direct impact on this area. Products such as the lumbar belt are ideal to ensure that you always have the stability you need.
• Poor posture at work: there is a boundary point in every part of the body, because if you make the same movement or have a bad posture, there will be greater consequences, pain being one of the main causes, and with this lumbar clothing you can avoid and cure them.

Material of manufacture

Over the years, the manufacture of sports back braces has evolved to provide the user with better effects and a more comfortable experience with the product. Latex, microfiber, nylon and other synthetic materials provide thermal insulation, absorb large amounts of fluid, keep the device in place and conform to the shape of the body.

• Latex: It comes from the rubber tree, its original texture is watery and yellowish, it goes through a chemical and refining process to obtain a solid consistency. It is extremely elastic, strong and lightweight, which is why it is used as a material for compression garments to treat lower back injuries.
• Microfiber: It is a synthetic material composed of microfibers that are hundreds of times finer than human hair. It is resistant, comfortable to the touch, lightweight and retains its original shape over time, which is why it is preferred by athletes.
• Nylon: this is a synthetic fiber with a wide range of uses in sports. Its properties include moisture absorption, strength and flexibility. It does not wrinkle or deteriorate and is ideal for use as reinforcement in harnesses.
• Neoprene: It is obtained by the polymerization of chloroprene. It can be bent or manipulated in any way without losing its original shape. It is ideal for protection against high and low temperatures, is flexible and very resistant. Widely used in the manufacture of compression garments in different proportions of other fibers that are breathable.

Type of support

Fastening systems are fundamental in sports belts because they help maintain a stable and distributed pressure in the place you choose ; in this way you can reduce the risk of injury, they also avoid mobilization of the device and you can adjust it in the direction you want.

• Velcro: it consists of two elements, one is a group of hooks baked on a fabric and the other is a strip covered with a tangle of fibers; the two elements are joined together to form a tight closure. The straps create an individual pressure for the athlete, depending on what he needs and wants. They are also very easy to put on and take off, as this material is one of the most commonly used to ensure a good grip.
• Magnetic closed: This is also one of the most commonly used closure systems. It consists of two parts, a magnetic closure and a cylindrical closure that lock together. It is made of high quality metals and can be finished in chrome, silver or a strikingly smooth finish.
• Elastic straps: this is one of the most common straps used in camisoles, especially if you want to put more stress on your back. Usually made of aluminum and plastic, the straps help maintain good posture, keep your waist straight and stabilize your spine, among other things. It depends on where it is placed in the garment to provide the necessary support.

Sizing

There are universal sizes that usually have elastic materials or fastening systems that adapt to the person. However, there are also people who prefer a lumbar belt that adjusts to their size, creating the specific fit and compression that the person needs.

However, it is important to choose the right size because a size that is too small can lead to contraindications, while a size that is too large will not create the necessary pressure. To take the measurements, you need to use a tape measure and measure the back, waist or hip depending on the model of the waist belt.

Design

The first known sports equipment served a specific function, without much thought about its design. However, this has changed. Today, the sports industry is a huge commercial conglomerate that pays special attention to the design of its products to meet the tastes of clubs, teams and fans around the world.

In sports belts, there are designs full of textures on the surface of the fabrics used and a variety of colors to suit individual tastes. The goal is to attract the attention of as many customers as possible. All this and much more can be seen in the products mentioned in the article.

Price

The cost of back belts varies depending on certain features, the most important being the materials, as these can determine the compression, absorbency and even durability of the garment. It is therefore important that you define your needs and choose the most suitable offer. Do not forget that the belts determine the recovery, protection and even athletic performance, so it is more of an investment in your health.