According to the NHS, back pain is the biggest single cause of disability in the UK.
The health service says lower back pain accounts for 11 per cent of the total disability of people in the country and is a leading cause of sick days. At least a third of Brits have taken at least one day off because of neck or back pain in the last year, according to the British Chiropractic Association.
But it’s not just inadequate equipment or working from home to blame alone.
Back pain can be down to plenty of things: overdoing your workouts, pregnancy, recovering from an illness or operation, or sitting for long periods - like millions of office workers do every day.
A back brace can help relieve the issue, lending your waist reinforcement and extra support through a stretchy compression belt. Some are given an extra boost with splints to keep your midsection, muscles and spine in the optimum position.
You may have spotted them on hired helpers when moving house, on pro athletes recovering after a game, on weight trainers, or on anyone who’s recently suffered a slipped disc.
Back braces can be worn as an aid or a preventative measure with almost all designed to be worn discreetly under clothing, although you can wear them over clothes if that’s more comfortable.
If you’re sick and tired of lower back aches, a back support belt or brace is a fairly inexpensive solution to try. There are many models to choose from, but we’ve rounded up a neat selection of the best below.
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NEO G Back Brace with Power Straps - One Size
Chronic back pain is a debilitating thing and without taking proper measures, can make the issue worse.
Neo G's back brace comes with power straps and lumbar inserts to support injured and arthritic backs. The compression is made from a mix of neoprene, polyester, natural rubber latex and cotton to keep things breathable.
The belt is registered as a class 1 medical device with the MHRA and has a green light from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Buy now £35.00, Argos
NeoPhysio Neoprene Double Pull Lower Back Support Lumbar Brace
Compressing sore back muscles and giving them additional support can soothe pain in the area. A back brace is a low-cost but highly effective way of doing this, and NeoPhysio's double pull belt means you can hit the sweet spot of stability and support. It comes in various sizes from small to 3XL, meaning there is a range of options for different body shapes and sizes.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Boots Back Brace with Power Straps
Comfortable and discreet, Boots' own-brand solution can be worn under clothes for seamless back support. The elasticated straps mean you can enjoy adjustable compression, guarding your lower back against strains, sprains, pulls and general instability. The one-size design will fit waists measuring up to 132cm or 52 inches.
Buy now £33.99, Boots
Fitomo Lower Back Support Belt for Women
Give your lower back additional reinforcement with this support belt from Fitmo. Ideal for relieving the pressure off lower backs, this wide brace is crafted with shape-memory aluminium splints that will mould to any body shape, ensuring a snug and natural-feeling fit. It's useful for anyone afflicted by the symptoms of poor posture, moderate sciatica, scoliosis and herniated discs. But that’s not all - it can also be used as a preventative and be worn over or under clothes while lifting heavy objects, gardening, house chores, and walking or standing for lengthy periods.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Fitomo Back Support Belt
Fitomo's extra sturdy option offers additional spinal curve support and carbon fibre splits, making it a resilient yet lightweight design that's comfortable to wear all day. The belt helps relieve pressure on the lower back and spine, meaning it could be an effective solution for anyone who suffers from aches and pains in that area. Ultra-thin air mesh allows air to circulate so you'll never feel sweaty and there are adjustable straps to get a personalised fit.
Buy now £36.99, Amazon
FREETOO Back Support Belt
Give your waist the support and protection it so desperately needs with this belt, fitted with 3D bionic support strips that form a mini exoskeleton around the midsection.
Incredibly lightweight and breathable with 500 ventilation holes to prevent sweat build-up, it can help with posture, especially if you're in a sedentary job like an office worker, cashier or driver. It's also a great aid for anyone who counts heavy lifting as part of their daily routine, from fitness professionals and porters to builders. This design is also fitted with adjustable straps, meaning you can create the right fit for you.
Buy now £38.99, Amazon
Clever Yellow Premium Back Support Belt
If you feel yourself wilting soon into the day from the pain radiating from your lower back, it might be time to look for external help. Such a solution is available in this premium back support belt, which wraps around the waist to offer stabilising support. The blue and black neoprene design is made up of seven vertical columns plus four column inserts, underpinning the lumbar and giving the spine a helping hand. Despite the sturdy bolster, you'll still be able to enjoy unrestricted movement, allowing you to get on with your day unhindered.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Neo G Waist/Back Support - Universal Size
Golfers adore this comfortable non-boned back belt, which can be worn over or under clothes to help ease lower back aches when you're on the course. It's made for light wear and can help keep stiff, aching muscles warm thanks to the neoprene material in the mix. Though sold as one size, if you're on either end of the weight spectrum, you may be better off with a sized belt to ensure a better fit.
Buy now £27.99, Boots
Aollop Posture Corrector
Looking for whole-back support? A posture corrector with an integrated back brace might be more up your street. From Aollop, this design wraps around your shoulders to pull them back to the right position, resting against a spinal plate with a lower back belt at its base. Perfect for office workers, this encourages better posture while creating support around the mid-section.
If you've never worn one before, it's best to start in short bursts before incrementally working up your wear time.
Buy now £25.99, Amazon
ALLJOY Cordless Heat Pads
Ease the tightness and soreness of painful lower backs with this heat back belt. Not only does the device warm up to three levels (45℃, 55℃ and 65℃), but it comes with five vibration massage options to help keep blood circulating. The portable belt is USB-charged, meaning you can take it anywhere. Keep it in the car for relief while driving or sling it in your work bag to help on long days in the office.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
