Back pain in everyday life – when is a back belt enough and when should you consult a doctor?

Back pain can occur to anyone - after overexertion, improper movement, prolonged sitting or injury. In such cases, the question often arises as to how to relieve discomfort and continue daily activities without harming the health of the back.

A back brace can be a practical solution for mild to moderate pain, helping to relieve pressure on the lower back and provide additional stability. However, it is important to understand when you can use a brace on your own and when you should discuss its use with your doctor. In this article, we explain when a back brace can help and when you should consult a specialist.

When a back belt can help before consulting a doctor or in cases of minor injuries

A lumbar support may be a good solution if the pain is mild to moderate and there are no dangerous symptoms. It can help relieve the lumbar region, stabilize the back, and reduce discomfort while waiting for a doctor's consultation. In such cases, the support can usually be used independently, observing a reasonable wearing time and monitoring how you feel. A lumbar support helps reduce the load, improve posture, and allow the back to "calm down." However, if you had planned to deal with your back pain "at home" and do not feel any improvement, a doctor's consultation is recommended. A consultation with a family doctor will also be useful, as he will be able to assess the situation professionally and provide recommendations for further action.

Typical symptoms in cases where an orthosis can help relieve discomfort and pain:

• dull, pulling pain in the lower back
• have acute or chronic low back pain without additional neurological symptoms
• stiffness after sleep or prolonged sitting, or a feeling of tiredness in the back at the end of the day
• discomfort, but without sharp, shooting pain
• pain caused by overload or microtrauma (improper movement, heavy lifting)
• need additional support during daily activities – at work, at home, while moving around
• have muscle weakness or a feeling of instability in the lumbar region
• The pain is recurring but has been manageable so far. For example, you have had similar complaints in the past and your doctor has recommended using a back brace to reduce discomfort, stabilize your back, and allow you to continue your daily activities.

Cases in which the use of a back brace is usually recommended by a doctor

There are situations when a lumbar orthosis is part of a treatment or rehabilitation plan, and its use is recommended to be coordinated with a doctor or physiotherapist. In these cases, the orthosis serves not only for comfort, but also to stabilize the spine and promote recovery, reducing the load.

Typical symptoms in these cases:

• regular or constant lower back pain
• worsening pain during movement
• stiffness that doesn't go away with rest
• back “fatigue” even after light exertion
• pre-determined diagnosis

A back brace/back belt is usually recommended by a doctor if:

• diagnosed degenerative processes in the spine
• has a herniated disc but no acute neurological disorders
• spondyloarthrosis or spondylolysis has been detected
• rehabilitation is taking place before or after surgery
• requires longer spinal stabilization in a controlled manner

In such cases, a back brace helps reduce pain, limit excessive movement, and protect the spine, but it is used for a certain period of time and in combination with exercises or other therapy.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

A back brace is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis. Even if you have had similar complaints in the past and a back brace has helped in the past, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, as back health is very important. A minor problem that goes undiagnosed for a long time can become a serious health problem over months or years.

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

• the pain does not go away or gets worse within 7–10 days
• pain radiates to the leg, tingling or numbness appears
• there is loss of strength in the legs
• urinary or bowel control problems occur
• pain occurred after a fall or serious injury
• have a fever or unexplained weight loss along with back pain