Wearing a weightlifting belt...

[Hunter_3]

Does wearing a weightlifting belt affect your lower back development? I'm recently coming off of a herniated disc injury l5/s1 so the belt makes every lift easier especially on back day.

Also does anyone have any recommendations on a belt that i can wear throughout the day (work, driving etc.) that will keep my lower back tight and have a similar affect ?

 

[KrisL]

Does wearing a weightlifting belt affect your lower back development? I'm recently coming off of a herniated disc injury l5/s1 so the belt makes every lift easier especially on back day.

If wearing it makes it easier to heal through your injury, then wear it regardless. When it's not a crutch for an injury, so long as you don't wear the belt to paint your nails and cable crossover, you'll be fine. Anecdotally, wearing a belt actually beats the heck out of my low back - surpassing my raw maximum on lifts is definitely making the low back stronger.

Also does anyone have any recommendations on a belt that i can wear throughout the day (work, driving etc.) that will keep my lower back tight and have a similar affect ?

I've never tried them, but soft belts are used to keep the low back warm and might provide just a touch of support. I've seen strongmen wearing them under lifting belts, even: Invalid Link Removed
There's also the Tommy Kono band: Invalid Link Removed