Chapter 9.13

9.13 - Back Braces for Smallholder Farmers to Combat Pain and Improve Quality of Life

Lauren De Domenico ,University of Guelph, Canada

Suggested citation for this chapter.

Domenico De,L. (2022) Back Braces for Smallholder Farmers to Combat Pain and Improve Quality of Life, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org

Introduction to Back Braces & How They Can Prevent Pain

Back braces (See Figures 1 and 2) can play a crucial role in alleviating back pain among farmers, particularly those who spend long hours driving tractors, sitting or bending. Back braces are generally categorized into three types: flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid, each serving different levels of back pain severity (Dang, 2018). A back brace that combines elements of flexible and rigid orthoses is commonly called a semi-rigid brace (Dang, 2018). These braces offer a unique blend of support and flexibility, making them suitable for a wide range of conditions and pain levels (Dang, 2018). The semi-rigid design provides more support than a flexible brace, offering some degree of immobilization while still allowing for natural movement (Dang, 2018). This makes them ideal for conditions requiring moderate support and mobility (Dang, 2018), such as those faced by smallholder farmers who need to perform daily tasks that involve bending, lifting, and other physical activities essential for farming.

Many back braces, whether flexible or rigid, are usually worn the same way (Dang, 2018). They consist of two flexible or sturdy wings that wrap around the torso and connect over the abdomen (Dang, 2018). These wings may have additional elements for stability, like extra panels or vertical stays (Dang, 2018). Semi-rigid braces also include a stiff back panel, often made of hard plastic, to support the back's posture (Dang, 2018). A sturdy front panel, typically featuring Velcro closures, applies pressure to the abdomen (Dang, 2018). Furthermore, most braces allow for small adjustments using cords and pull tabs on the sides (Dang, 2018).

According to Rodriguez et al. (2002), back support can help decrease pain and prevent back strain, which are common issues faced by farmers. Chronic back pain is prevalent among farmers due to prolonged exhaustion from extended work hours, frequent trauma from machinery, decline in muscle strength due to apparatus motorization, and frequent bending (Schrock, 2016). Smallholder farmers are at a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries, partly because they often lack access to help, educational opportunities, and training to prevent unsafe environments and injuries (Behrens, 2014). Therefore, using back braces can provide much-needed support and help reduce the risk of back injuries, ultimately improving the overall well-being of farmers.

Benefits of Wearing a Back Brace

Wearing a back brace offers several benefits to farmers, including reducing lower-back pain and tension in muscles (Dang, 2018). By shifting weight in the spine, these braces can enhance posture, which is crucial for farmers who often spend long hours performing physically demanding tasks (Dang, 2018). Improved posture not only reduces the risk of injury but also enhances function during daily tasks, making farm work more manageable and efficient (Dang, 2018). This is particularly important given that farm-related injuries cause approximately 243 farmers to lose valuable work time every day in the United States alone (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Moreover, the posture-enhancing advantages of back braces could be particularly valuable for small-scale female farmers. Women play a pivotal role in agriculture, often at the forefront, making up an average of 62 percent of the agricultural labour force (Odiwuor, 2022). They are primarily responsible for the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural produce (Odiwuor, 2022). Because they frequently spend long hours bending and reaching down while harvesting (Odiwuor, 2022), wearing back braces during these tasks could provide them with added comfort and relief. Back braces can also restrict painful movements, providing much-needed support to the back and helping prevent further strain or injury (Dang, 2018). Typically, back braces are lightweight, constructed with a sturdy layer of material such as cotton or canvas that wraps around the torso (Dang, 2018). This lightweight design is advantageous for farmers, as it allows them to continue their work on the farm without feeling burdened. Overall, wearing a back brace can significantly improve the comfort, safety, and productivity of farmers.

Figure 1. Osteoplast Lumbo-Sacral Back Support Brace Indiamart → $9 USD Model Name/Number: B-102

Figure 2. Posture Corrector Belt for Women Alibaba → $2.49 – $6.61 USD

How Smallholder Farmers Can Gain Access to Back Braces

Smallholder farming organizations can gain access to information about back braces through various channels, including the Agriculture & Horticulture Safety Centre, which aims to provide them with tools and resources concerning health and safety (Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, n.d.). This center offers access to safety training and support for health issues through its website, making it a valuable resource for farmers in need of back brace information (n.d.). In addition to this, there are several low-cost back braces on the market in developing countries, for instance, India and China. Examples of such companies include IndiaMart and Alibaba, respectively, which sell back braces for as low as $2.49 USD, as pictured above. By utilizing these resources and options, smallholder farmers can easily obtain back braces to enhance their comfort and safety while working on the farm.

Critical Analysis

The use of back braces by farmers to manage back pain presents both benefits and challenges. Research suggests that back braces are more effective than relying solely on physical therapy and painkillers (Morrisette, 2014), highlighting their potential as a valuable tool for managing back pain. However, there is a need for more research to fully support this claim, indicating a potential gap in understanding the true efficacy of back braces in pain management. A significant hurdle for smallholder farmers is the accessibility of back braces and ensuring they obtain the correct size. This is crucial for the effectiveness of the brace in managing back pain (Schrock, 2016). Moreover, keeping the price of back braces low is essential, as cost can be a barrier for many smallholder farmers. This is especially true for female smallholder farmers in developing countries, considering that they often encounter significant challenges due to their country’s cultural norms (Duckett, n.d.). These obstacles not only hinder their ability to earn equal wages compared to male farmers but also restrict their access to borrowing money, which can subsequently limit their access to back braces (Duckett, n.d.). Typically, these farmers also have restricted access to health insurance or health-related benefits, which makes it difficult for them to receive proper health care, including obtaining a back brace for a back injury (Schrock, 2016). This limitation highlights the importance of ensuring that back braces are accessible and affordable for all farmers, regardless of their insurance status. Furthermore, small-scale farmers are often reluctant to seek medical attention due to the potential impact on their costs and output, as missing work can have detrimental effects on their livelihoods (Reed & Claunch, 2002). In addition to this, deeply ingrained gender roles in developing countries can hinder women from travelling outside of their villages without the permission of their husbands (Duckett, n.d.). Whether a farmer is either reluctant or unable to leave their farm to seek health care, this emphasizes another critical concern, as it can impede their ability to address back pain and other health issues in a timely manner. While back braces are indeed lightweight, they may not be suitable for individuals who frequently work in extremely hot weather conditions. This highlights a potential challenge for small-scale farmers, especially those in regions like Africa or India, who might consider wearing back braces to enhance their quality of life. Despite these challenges, one advantage of using back braces is that they can be obtained without a prescription (Dang, 2018), making them more accessible to smallholder farmers compared to prescription medication. This ease of access could encourage more farmers to use back braces to manage their back pain. Additionally, back braces can be concealed by wearing them under clothing, which helps reduce any potential embarrassment or drawing attention to themselves. Overall, while back braces offer potential benefits for farmers, addressing the challenges of access and affordability is crucial to ensure that all farmers can benefit from this form of pain management.

Helpful Resources to Get Started

Informative videos on how to wear a back brace

How To Wear A Back Brace (Properly)

How to Put on This Back Brace for the Best Fit | Women's Lumbar Support for Lower Back Pain

Link to the Agriculture Safety Centre

https://www.wsps.ca/how-we-help/agriculture-safety-centre

Links to back braces shown in Figures 1 and 2

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Posture-Corrector-New-Model-Corrector-De_1600190401509.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.p_offer.d_title.7d9d462brycfeo&s=p https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/back-support-brace-21760959548.html?pos=2&kwd=back%20brace&tags=A%7C%7C%7C%7C8042.3813%7CPrice%7Cproduct%7C%7C%7CIVESI%7Ctype=attr=1%7CattrS

References

1. Behrens, K. A. (2014). Small farmers' awareness of body mechanics and assistive technology. Ithaca College Theses. Paper 6. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/217288241.pdf

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012, July 13). Agricultural Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/aginjury/

3. Dang, S. (2018, July 3). Types of back braces used for lower back pain relief. Spine. https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/alternative-care/types-back-braces-used-lower-back-pain-relief

4. Dang, S. (2018, July 3). Using a back brace for lower back pain relief. Spine-health. https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/alternative-care/using-back-brace-lower-back-pain-relief

5. Duckett, M. K. (n.d.). Empowering female farmers to feed the world. National Geographic Society. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/partner-content-empowering-female-farmers

6. Morrisette, D. C., Cholewicki, J., Logan, S., Seif, G., & McGowan, S. (2014). A randomized clinical trial comparing extensible and inextensible lumbosacral orthoses and standard care alone in the management of lower back pain. Spine, 39(21), 1733–1742. https://doi.org/10.1097/brs.0000000000000521

7. Odiwuor, F. (2022, September 7). Women Smallholder Farmers: What is the missing link for the food system in Africa? Wilson Center. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/women-smallholder-farmers

8. Reed, D. B., & Claunch, D. T. (2002). Behind the scenes: Spousal coping following permanently disabling injury of farmers. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 23(3), 231–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/016128402753542983

9. Rodriguez, J., Domingo, V. I., & Stiles, M. (2002). Back Safety (Newspaper Article). National Ag Safety Database, USA. http://nasdonline.org/document/1345/d001137/back-safety-newpaper-article.html

10. Schrock, R. D. (2016). The Farmer’s Back. Postgraduate Medicine, 4(2), 132–139. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.1948.11693675

11. Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. (n.d.). Agriculture Health and Safety Centre, Canada. https://www.wsps.ca/how-we-help/agriculture-safety-centre