How to Make a Lumbar Support Belt

Lumbar support is essential to preserving the health of your back and body. The lumbar region -- the lower third of the spine -- is under constant pressure due to daily bending, twisting and lifting. In fact, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, nine out of 10 adults suffer from some form of lumbar back pain. Crafting your own lumbar support belt is one solution. The belt compresses the lower area of the spine, bracing it for all physical activity. With a few standard items, you'll be on your way to lumbar pain relief in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Chalk
• 6-inch wide elastic wrap bandage (2)
• Needle
• Thread
• High-density urethane foam
• Permanent epoxy
• Velcro

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure the circumference of your midsection. Measure the distance from the middle of your spine, around the right side of your body, to your belly button. Double that number to determine the total circumference.

• 2

  Add 3 inches to the total circumference to determine your final measurement. The extra 3 inches allows for necessary overlap of your support belt fabric.

• 3

  Cut two elastic wrap bandages to the length of your final measurement. Sew the cut ends of each wrap shut to ensure the mesh fabric and elastic -- the components of the wrap -- remain intact.

• 4

  Lay one elastic wrap out flat. Lay the second elastic wrap over the first. Overlap the long edge of the second wrap with the long edge of the first wrap by 3 inches. Draw a faint chalk line to help you maintain the 3-inch mark. Sew the elastic wraps together. Wipe away the chalk mark when you are finished. You now have one large 9-inch wide elastic wrap.

• 5

  Ask an assistant to measure the width of your lower back.

• 6

  Measure and cut a piece of 1/4-inch thick, high-density urethane foam to 9-inches tall and the same width as your back. Glue the foam to the center of the large wrap.

• 7

  Add Velcro strips to each end of the large wrap. Pull the lumbar support belt tight around your midsection -- adjusted so the foam is centered on your spine and back. Secure the belt in place with the Velcro strips.