It’s really easy to suffer a back injury, especially if you have a job that requires you to lift heavy objects all of the time. People have injured their backs lifting furniture, boxes, even just bending down to pick up a toddler. People have blown out their back bending down to tie their shoelace! The CDC estimates that nearly 20% of all workplace injuries have to do with back injuries.
As a construction worker, your occupation is one of the most at risk when it comes to experiencing back pain. The American Chiropractic Association found that over a one year period, 70% of construction workers suffered some kind of low back pain injury. If you haven’t had a back injury yet, let’s aim to keep it that way. And even if you did, there are ways to recover faster and reduce the chances of it happening again.
There are a number of ways for you to prevent back injuries, the most common being using proper lifting technique. However, even that is not something that will always help you, particularly if you’ve had a long day and you are tired. All it takes is a brief second where you loosen up your lifting technique and suddenly you have a back injury. In cases like this, we recommend that you wear a back brace. Read on to discover what the best back brace for construction workers can offer you.
Benefits of Using the Best Back Brace for Construction Workers
Protects your back. A back brace should fit snugly around your low back, and help to keep constant tension around your back and core muscles as if you are always flexing them. It is similar to what your muscles would be doing if you didn’t have a back brace, but think of this as adding another layer of protection. After you’ve had a long day, your muscles will surely be tired and you are most at risk of hurting your back. With a back brace, this will no longer be a concern.
Fixes your posture. Back braces are highly versatile, and some are designed to be worn even for people with sedentary desk jobs or people who sit on the couch who are always hunched over. The thing about bad posture is that if you have it, you are more likely to get a back injury. Since poor posture will cause your body to be in a position where it is susceptible to injury, imagine you suddenly tried to lift something heavy. Snap! Back injury in an instant. By correcting your posture with a back brace, your spine will be in the correct alignment for optimal lifting.
It’s cost efficient. If you’ve ever been to a physio or chiropractor to recover from a back injury, you’ll know how expensive they can be. It’s not something you want to do because you’re already losing money by taking time off from work to recover from an injury. If you had a back brace, you probably wouldn’t have had a back injury in the first place. By buying a back brace, even an expensive one, you will end up saving money in the long run.
Helps you recover from a sore back. Sometimes your back starts to act up from all the heavy lifting you did the previous day. You don’t want this to prevent you from working. In fact, getting up and moving around is beneficial while recovering. So why not give yourself peace of mind by wearing a back brace? You can still work, stay active, and earn money, while recovering at the same time.
Best Back Brace for Construction Workers Review
Mueller 255 Lumbar Support Back Brace
The Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace features flexible steel supports as well as a removable lumbar pad that provides the stability you need when lifting heavy objects. During our testing, we wore it while performing various activities such as walking, sitting, driving, and of course lifting, and found it to be very comfortable.
Thanks to the lumbar pad in the Mueller back brace can also help correct poor posture and provide pain relief for people suffering from a herniated disc. The double layer design allows for adjustable compression to the lower back and abdomen. You don’t have to worry about this brace rolling or bunching up thanks to the internal molded plastic that grips your core tightly and keeps constant tension on that area.
Pros:
- Dual adjustment straps provide extra stability
- Will not roll or bunch up even during strenuous physical activities
- Removable lumbar pad feels comfortable but can be taken out for more space
Cons:
- This product can run a bit small, so if you are near the cut-off point consider ordering the next size up
BraceAbility Industrial Work Back Brace
The BraceAbility Industrial Work back brace does an excellent job of protecting one’s core muscles during movements like squatting, bending, and lifting. It comes with a removable suspender shoulder strap that provides more stability to the brace. These straps are adjustable, and you can tighten or loosen it to your liking.
This product comes in many sizes, and it can support waist sizes ranging anywhere from 24-60 inches. The brace is made from premium-quality plastic that resists rolling or bunching up. Many customers found the BraceAbility back brace effective at protecting their lumbar spine and providing pain relief during strenuous activities.
Pros:
- Suspender strap provides extra stability to the brace
- Breathable low-profile fit means you can wear it beneath your clothing
- Reduces lumbar strain, alleviates chronic back pain and protects against further damage due to overuse
Cons:
- Depending on how tight you make the suspender straps, it may actually cause the brace to pull up when performing certain movements
BraceUP Lumbar Lower Back Brace Support Belt
Some back braces fit so tightly on your core that it restricts your movement and causes discomfort. The BraceUP back brace provides comfortable lumbar support, but still allows you to move unencumbered. Thanks to its curved design, you will not experience bunching or rolling. This design also naturally conforms to the shape of your back for maximum comfort.
The BraceUP back brace provides excellent support thanks to the dual adjustment straps and eight stays, all of which work together to stabilize your core and keep it protected. The mesh panels lets moisture and heat dissipate, keeping you cool even when worn for extended periods of time. Whether you are using it during heavy construction work or for general everyday purposes, the BraceUP back brace has got you covered.
Pros:
- Natural design conforms to curvature of the spine
- Adjustable straps lets you change the tightness easily, and eight stays provide another layer of stability
- Breathable mesh material ensures you will not get too hot
- Can be used for everyday activities as well
Cons:
- Runs larger, so order smaller if you are near the cut-off point
- Material can be somewhat itchy against skin or thin T-shirts
The Bottom Line
With how prevalent back injuries are in the workforce, especially for people doing hard labor such as construction workers, you really should consider protecting your back by getting a back brace. Even if you are careful and always use proper lifting technique, sometimes you may feel sore or tender anyways. Especially after a long day, your body will feel tired near the end of the day and that is when it is most susceptible to injury. Have some peace of mind by adding an extra layer of protection with a back brace.
A back brace is an effective, low-cost solution that will get you through tough days. And even if you already have a back injury, back braces can help you get back on your feet faster. It is bad enough if you have to take time off, missing out on several days of wages. You might also have to buy medication or see a physical therapist, which will further increase the amount of money you have to spend to rehabilitate yourself. By using a back brace, you can prevent this from happening and keep your low back safe.