Industrial back braces are designed to support the lower back area, not replace proper heavy lifting techniques, such as bending at the knees and bearing the weight on your hips. (BestReviews)

Many manual labor jobs call for minimal lifting at the very least throughout the shift, but not all employees are equally trained in proper lifting techniques. The end results can be herniated discs, strained muscles or extreme back pain. The use of an elastic and supportive back brace is often encouraged by employers because the device holds the spine and lower back muscles in place while stronger muscles in the legs and hips bear the weight more safely.

Although the benefits of back braces for lifting are still being debated, there can be little doubt that the additional support they offer is preferable to no support at all. A properly fitted back brace for lifting encourages proper posture while lifting, and it also prevents the aggravation of other medical conditions, such as sciatica or an abdominal hernia. One of the best back braces for lifting on the market today is the Back Support Belt by Sparthos, an affordable unisex model that works equally well for industrial and medical purposes.

There are some construction and design differences between back braces for lifting and medical back braces. Many medical back braces incorporate rigid plastic and metal components to stabilize the wearer’s back and neck completely. Back braces designed for lifting are classified as corsets and use softer materials such as nylon, cotton and rubber. They may have a few rigid elements, but the support is generally from compression and cinching.

The design and fit of a back brace can vary from brand to brand, with some manufacturers putting more emphasis on lower back support, and others focusing on abdominal compression. Velcro is a common fastener because it allows users to create a custom fit. There are also back braces designed specifically for men or women, although many are promoted as unisex.

A back brace in the workplace may be worn continuously, or it may be put on and removed as necessary throughout the day. An all-day back brace needs to be breathable to avoid overheating, as well as easy to adjust for different tasks. An occasional back brace should be easy to put on and remove and offer good lower back and abdominal support without falling out of position. In this sense, a back brace designed for lifting is more comparable to a weightlifting belt than a medical device.

Many employers mandate the use of back braces for tasks involving repetitive or heavy lifting. This puts back braces in the same category as other safety gear, such as hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection and safety shoes. However, the actual effectiveness of back braces has not yet been established scientifically. Some studies indicate a 33% reduction in back injuries when back braces are used, but there may be other factors to consider. Back braces do promote proper lifting techniques, and they also provide some abdominal and lower back support for users with pre-existing conditions. However, back braces with minimal support can also encourage some wearers to lift too much weight or not follow proper lifting techniques.

Some back braces for lifting or medical use offer wearers additional cushioning or rigid supports. Pads can be added to areas such as the lower abdomen and lower back, where injuries such as hernias and slipped discs are most likely to happen. Special metal or plastic stays can also be added to the rib section for additional stability.

Although not strictly required for lifting, optional shoulder straps can help keep the back brace in position and encourage proper lifting posture.  The straps also allow wearers to remove the back brace between uses but still have immediate access to it.

Many back braces for lifting have a one-size-fits-most design, but there are brands that offer a more ergonomic fit. The brace will follow the wearer’s natural dimensions, reducing the chance of the brace riding up or not supporting the lower back or waist.

The most basic corset-style back braces can cost as little as $10-$15 on store shelves, but they offer minimal support for lifting. More rigid back braces suited for heavy lifting will retail between $25-$75 on average. Customizable back braces for medical and industrial use can cost $100 or more.

A. Any form of back support is preferable to no support at all, but there may be some differences between a rehabilitative back brace and a back brace designed for lifting. A rehabilitative back brace can be more rigid, for example. You may find it challenging to perform a proper lift if the back brace is too inflexible.

A. Employers can mandate the use of specific safety gear, and this usually includes back braces. A weightlifting belt may not provide support for the entire lower back, abdomen, waist and hips, but you could get permission to use it as additional safety gear if your job requires repetitive heavy lifting or you have pre-existing back or abdominal issues.

Back Support Belt by Sparthos: available at Amazon

Our take: While primarily promoted as a medical device, the Sparthos back brace also works well as lift support for those with pre-existing back, neck and shoulder issues.

What we like: The belt addresses both medical and workplace issues, from sciatica to lower back compression. The fabric is well-ventilated and fits well under clothing. A removable lumbar pad is completely adjustable for maximum support, and the hook-and-loop compression straps provide both mobility and support with easy adjustments.

What we dislike: The fit is not as gender-neutral as promoted, and some users noted concerns about durability.

Back Brace by BraceUP for Men and Women: available at Amazon

Our take: This affordable unisex back brace is a good choice for those who need to wear a back belt for hours at a time on the job or during recovery.

What we like: The belt incorporates eight stays and silicone straps to hold it in place and has a soft inner lining for comfort and breathability. The compression straps allow for a full range of motion and are easy to readjust. The mesh design wicks away excess moisture and dissipates body heat.

What we dislike: Finding the proper size can be challenging, and some users complained the belt is not comfortable against skin.

BraceAbility Industrial Work Back Brace: available at Amazon

Our take: While it's priced higher than most back braces, this industrial unisex back brace provides a level of support not always found in medical-grade back braces.

What we like: The brace incorporates removable shoulder straps for additional support, and the design encourages proper lifting techniques. The breathable elastic fabric can be worn over or under clothing. Posterior stays and dual elastic compression bands help hold the belt in place.

What we dislike: There are some complaints about an inaccurate sizing chart, as well as that the brace tends to ride up during use. Michael Pollick is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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