Do back braces or kidney belts help?

Trentk · #1 02/20/07, 9:43 AM

My lower back is really killing me after each desert race. I was wondering if kidney belts or back braces would help with this? Because I am such a fattie the first thing that burns out for me is my legs so I inevitably end up sitting for a lot of the race and taking a beating.

Also what does everyone use to keep from inhaling all the dust? I assume just a bandana but I figured I would ask.

Thanks,
Trent

Exodus11 · #2 02/20/07, 10:40 AM

i HAD one a long time ago, and i assumed it worked...i dont know but it held me up in the lower back so i would assume they work...

400grl · #3 02/20/07, 10:49 AM

I almost always wear a kidney belt......for lower back and also to keep my poor kidneys from jiggling around too much - that hurts after a while......kidney belts definately help.

I just inhale dust.......

Marlin · #4 02/20/07, 11:08 AM

Trent... I think I got you beat on being a "fattie"...[:0][V]

Absolutely... I use a Fox brand kidney belt that absolutely helps my lower back issues. I have to be honest, I put it on fairly tight too for this reason, but I am not uncomfortable using this while trail riding or racing.

As for the dust... I have used bandanas for years, but the only issue is while racing, trying to get my hydration tube to my mouth...[:0]:D So I stop using the bandana, and started eating more dust...:D[xx(]

curtnrod19 · #5 02/20/07, 12:01 PM

kidney belts work for me, also, drink ALOT of water, part of why your back hurts is b/c your prolly dehydrated,

.

DUST ISSUE; eat it and LOVE IT!!! or stay out front,

...... dust is part of the sport sp you better learn to deal with it!

CB*

Trentk · #6 02/20/07, 1:30 PM

thanks for the input guys. During the race eating the dust isn't too bad but after the race I felt the need to cough for a good 4-5 hours and then it went away.

Marlin · #7 02/20/07, 2:28 PM

Added Note: If you put the Kidney belt on tight enough, it makes your stomach look smaller than it really is![:0]:D

Trent... Thanks again for your information on the knees![^]

that guy · #8 02/20/07, 3:07 PM

Kidney belt is a must!!! Then I started wearing a tool pouch by Thor with the kidney belt and the way it fits it actually helps my lower back so I still wear it on the short courses too.

Norminaz · #9 02/20/07, 3:16 PM

Kidney belts are not just for the bigger fellas. I started wearing one after the Page #2 race last year and it really, really helps with lower back pain.

Mr. Ted · #10 02/20/07, 5:17 PM

I had back surgery about a year and a half ago and the kidney belt really helps. I also wear a camelback back pack with the strap across the stomach. Cranking that down on top of the kidney belt really helps and also solves your dehydration problem..

Trentk · #11 02/21/07, 7:24 AM

Thanks for all the info. I don't have a bad back, I just want something to help with the soreness. Also I drink plenty of water during the race and the day before the race so I am pretty sure I am not dehydrated. I have been dehydrated before and it makes me feel like total crap, there is no way I could be racing while dehydrated.

I will definitely get a kidney belt prior to the page race.

Thanks,
Trent

400grl · #12 02/21/07, 8:40 AM

Yeah, I don't have a bad back either......it will help with the soreness....that's why I wear mine!

99raptor · #13 02/21/07, 12:18 PM

I know its not what you wanna hear,but the reason kidney belts help some and not others is conditioning.When I 1st started riding yes I was Pro belt,but I've done alot of conditioning and don't feel its a neccesity any longer.Dropping a few lbs. always helps[and surprisingly not that many]the back and legs.

itriedracing · #14 02/21/07, 3:23 PM

My mom tries to make me wear mine, but I usually don't. I rarely ever sit down though so that might be why my back doesn't hurt. But I'm sure they work, or they wouldn't make them.:D

crfracr · #15 02/21/07, 6:59 PM

I used to wear a kidney belt and my back still hurt and it was uncomfortable, I don't wear one anymore and haven't noticed a difference. My back is always sore after a race but my legs never bother me. You should try one and see if it works for you.