Belt?

[BOOEY]

I'm getting a pain in my lower back, right side after working out with heavy weights. Thinking about using a belt, but I don't know much about them. Who uses a belt during training due to lower back pains, and do you use it during all exercises or only the ones that incoporate the lower back directly or as a stabilizer? Thanks

 

[BOOEY]

bumpz

 

[needsize]

I found that my back actually got better once I stopped using a belt. The belts tends to do a lot of the work that your stabilizing muscles are supposed to do, which means any muscular imbalances you have will only get worse.
I would suggest staying away from a belt for now, and try heating and stretching the area that hurts, see if that helps

 

[Shame247]

I don't use a belt....I also don't lift massive weight. I only squat up to about 450lbs and I'm under the philosophy that if you learn how to get your form perfect and start slowly, you build up the accessory muscles that are needed and a belt isn't needed...kinda like getting "true core strength" instead of having a belt act as a handicap (similar to golfers handicaps)...

But then again I'm not a heavy squatter...if I was squatting 500+ lbs I would sure as hell use a belt for support.

 

[BOOEY]

Thanks doods. It's not from squatting, I usually get pain when I'm lugging around heavy db's. Ill try to stretch out more before training

 

[cwick0]

450 is a relatively heavy squat, i might consider a belt if i were doing that much. However, it appears that you have built up to this weight and feel perfectly fine without a belt.

booey,
i would lighten the load for a little while and see how the back starts responding. If you start using a belt it may ultimately leave your stabilizers weaker.
good luck,
corey