Better than the brace I got from the hospital. Eases the pressure. Easy to use.

It is a quality product. I would have liked to see the back support a little bigger.
You must try it to see whether it helps you.

I aggravated a lower back herniated disc. I had a lumbar laminectomy in September of 1990 and have aggravated this herniated disc several times over the years. I was loading 50-pound bags of cement into my compact cargo van and felt my lower back give out two days ago. I put on this belt and tightened it up around my naval. It definitely helped. I couldn't even bend over or hardly walk without my trekking poles helping me. It was better after just standing awhile. Definitely put it around your naval. I had it lower at first and the results weren't good. Got the weightlifting belt on 6-19-2023 and prefer it.

A weightlifting belt might help better so I ordered one and will see. A weightlifting belt is only 4 inches wide, but you'll have something covering your spine vs the crisscrossing straps in back for this device. The main thing is I want something that will help prevent reinjuring myself once I heal up and maybe allow me to resume my ordinary activities sooner. I want to be able to lift these bags of cement, mix up two bags of cement in a wheelbarrow and then load some into a large, two-handled pot and drag that (about 40 pounds) under my singlewide and dump it out and spread it out to keep it dry under my singlewide.

I like the way one can use the pully system to receive the right comfort level.

MAJOR EDIT APRIL 2023:

This is a fantastic brace with some serious key benefits. Worth every penny and then some.

The preliminary adjustment is performed in securing the entire brace around your "trunk" tightly - using its wide Hook-N-Loop ends of the belt. But THEN the magic is performed by locating and pulling the 2 (one on each side) side straps -!fastened on each side of the brace belt. These straps are connected to the "web of support" on the back of the brace through "pulley" rings. They perform the compression that takes this brace to a whole new level. Pull them as tight as you feel comfortable (and safe) with. Then secure them around the front (they also are Hook -N-Loop). NOW you have a real back brace!

After having it for months I realized I was missing the key feauture of this brace - the compression. I was only using the full width hook-n-loop to achieve the rigidity around my lombard area - but was ignorantly not using the two side straps that activate the compression function.

This was totally stupid on my part - since that is what makes up the total genius of this brace! They perform the tightening compression function - by drawing tight the webbing on the back. Then - and only then - did I understand and experience the real help this brace is designed to provide.

My paticular back issue is not important. But hearing it may aid you in your decision to better understand the potential for help in your own application.

My spine degradation at 64 is chronic and painful, located just right of the L3-L4 discs.

It is not there due to injury, but has been relentless for 2 years now. No non- surgical procedure has helped - although as recommended by my PCP & "Pain Mgt Doctors" - I have ENDURED them all, (therapy, MBB, RF Ablative, and 2 epidural shots).

Scheduling with a surgeon is a 6 month wait - (which I am on the list for). But despite all the imageries both X-ray and series of MRI, I am still without medical help - other than my addictive pain meds and this brace.

This brace enables me to perform life activities that were becoming too challanging due to the pain. I now do all my yardwork, walk - or ride my roadbike - daily, and the brace is key to maintaining these activities with the most duration and least pain

It truly is "the king of kings" when it comes to REAL COMPRESSION back braces.

I highly recommend this model for anyone in need of such - or contemplating which brace to buy.