The physical effect of lumbar spinal supports.

A study has been performed to investigate the physical effects of lumbar spinal supports. Two groups were studied, a group of normal male subjects and a group of male low back pain patients. Five different spinal supports were investigated and their effects upon the skin temperature, spinal movements and intra-abdominal pressures of these individuals were examined. The results show surprisingly similar patterns for the widely varying designs of support. The findings also suggest that the longer term wearing of a spinal support results in a degree of physical dependence. The results of this study are aimed at improving the prescription and use of spinal supports in the treatment of low back pain.