Should I Wear the Lumbar Belt for Lumbar Disc Herniation Every Day?

Lumbar Disc Herniation and the Use of Belts

Lumbar disc herniation typically refers to the condition known as lumbar disc herniation syndrome. Patients with lumbar disc herniation often opt to use belts with steel plates to stabilize their lumbar region, effectively avoiding bending motions that could exacerbate disc protrusion and increase pressure on nerve roots.

These belts do not need to be worn daily by patients with lumbar disc herniation. They are not necessary during rest in a supine position but should be worn when getting up or engaging in activities that require standing or walking, thereby reinforcing lumbar support and alleviating pain.

Lumbar disc herniation syndrome arises from the degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc, partial or complete rupture of the annulus fibrosus, and protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, which irritates or compresses nerve roots or the cauda equina. The primary manifestations include low back pain, sciatica, numbness in the lower extremities, and cauda equina syndrome.

When symptoms are severe, patients may experience pronounced low back pain, which can impair muscle strength. In such cases, wearing a belt provides external support, helping to relieve pain in the lumbar muscles. However, prolonged use of the belt is not recommended as it may hinder effective exercise of the lumbar muscles, leading to muscle atrophy, further weakening the lumbar region, diminishing stability, and impeding recovery from lumbar disc herniation.

To ensure safety, patients with lumbar disc herniation should be mindful of the duration of belt usage. Belts are not necessary during rest in a supine position but should be worn when getting up or engaging in activities to avoid bending motions, strengthen lumbar support, and alleviate pain.