I love this brace. It does seem to help when I have to be on my feet longer than I would normally choose to. I have a lower back injury, involving many discs, but L4-L5 is the worst.

That said, getting the right size was a NIGHTMARE. Probably for Scientific Bracing and Amazon, as well as for me. God bless them, they did take returns on most of the ones I tried. Once, when I ordered a small, they sent an XXL. That was a bummer.

But here's the main thing. I am 28" in the waist, and I ended up with a size small as my best fit. The size small belt does not have a bit of extra length in it for me. I couldn't fasten it at an angle if I wanted to, nor down low on my hip bones, either. I can barely fasten it and get all the hard velcro on the ends of the main belt to overlap with it sitting just above my hipbones. But even though the belt is quite short, when I tightened the pull tabs, they became so long, they would overlap onto the hard plastic in the back, where they can't stick down. I ALMOST returned the small.

Then, I realized, I could shorten the strings on the pull tabs. EUREKA! : ) I wish I had figured THAT out a lot sooner. Maybe it was supposed to be obvious, but I didn't get it. It is not mentioned on Amazon, on Scientific Bracing, in any of the videos anywhere, nor in the little pamphlet that comes with the belt. But with some finesse, you can untie those white strings that go to the pull tabs, and you can re-tie them shorter. Once I did that, I was able to tighten my brace to a wonderful firmness, stick the tabs down, and enjoy the support it offers.

I think if I tried the medium again, I might find that it would allow me to fasten it lower, and at an angle, and still tighten it to a good firm level of support. IF I shortened the strings to the pull tabs substantially first.

So there you have it. If your strings are too long when you tighten your brace, those strings can be retied to shorten them, and allow the tabs to get purchase on the velcro portion of the belt.

I should have paid heed to the 1-star reviews! This brace is not as pictured and certainly isn't worth the money. For one thing, it isn't as wide (from top to bottom) as shown. Secondly, the draw strings are not much thicker than kite string. I am not kidding, it's only a matter of time before the strings break. Interestingly, this back brace is EXACTLY THE SAME as the back brace that I borrowed from my brother in law - without the Aspen name on it. He was sent home from the hospital with a brace that is identical in every way to this one except that his has the hospital's name on it!

This was a very disappointing and overly-expensive purchase. You've been advised.

After esearching product, including reviews, I had hoped this would provide needed support, especially for those small household chores, but was left very disappointed! Brace continually slides upwardly not only with slightest of bending, but sitting and even when simply walking. It's very uncomfortable not to mention failing to provide support needed. Too bad there isn't negative stars!

So far the Aspen QuikDraw PRO back brace is out performing all other back supports/braces I have previously purchased. The brace seems to be solidly constructed with a pull tab connected on left and right sides which are used to tighten/stiffen the brace. One merely puts on the brace so it covers the lower back, attach it securely via the overlapping velcro panels at the front and you are ready to adjust to the level of support desired. The adjusting pull tabs on either side are attached via velcro so a quick pull will free them from the brace. Then just pull on them until the desired level of support is achieved and reattach. The pull tabs are connected to very small but strong draw strings that like a shoe are laced across the rear panel of the brace. When tightened they both stiffen and tighten the brace. This may seem complicated but it is really quite simple and it really works. This is the first back brace I have used that is both comfortable and relieves most if not all of my lower back pain. Just buy it you will like it.

I have been using this brace for over 5 months now, for at least two hours a day. I wear it during my caregiver duties, rolling and pulling the patient in bed. This belt protects my lower back and lower abdomen from injury during these tasks.
Previously I was using a much narrower belt from another company, and the Velcro closure would pop open by just bending over. The strings would also bind, making it a very frustrating experience.
But this Aspen Brace has a very good system of string and pulleys that are bind free. The belt is wide enough to provide a significant Velcro contact area that never pops open under duress.
I don't usually take the time to recommend any products, but I remember searching for a belt and finding it hard to decide what to buy. This product warrants a positive review.