Sparthos Lumbar Support Belt - Immediate Relief from Back Pain, Sciatica, Herniated Disc - Adjustable Lower Back Waist Brace +Lumbar Pad - For Men & Women, Fits 63–73″ Waist (XXX-Large, Check Sizing)

I've never used or bought a back support belt before. I had no idea which one to buy. I looked through many reviews on Amazon before deciding upon this one and I'm happy with my purchase.I like it for these reasons:1. It is adjustable and fits me very well. I really like that there is a double layer of adjustable straps, that really helps me find the fit that feels "just right" for me. I ordered a size small and it's perfect for me. I'm 5'7", 133 pounds, with a 31" waist. I included pictures because I always find them helpful and to show that the belt isn't noticeable under clothing, it's even fine under the t-shirt (which is fitted). The dress I'm wearing in the picture is also a small and the belt fit fine underneath. I had thought about buying the Mueller 255 belt because it was a little cheaper but I felt concerned that I might not get as accurate of a fit since the waist range was so much larger. The reviews were also slightly less positive. I'm glad I went with this one instead.2. The adjustable lumbar pad really makes a difference for me. I tried the belt on without it and my back pain was still noticeable. But with the lumbar pad and adjusting the belt, my back feels so much better! The relief from the pain is well worth the purchase.3. The belt is well made and very supportive. The structure is just firm enough to offer strong core support without being restrictive.My plan is to wear this belt occasionally, while walking and driving. I tend to have the most problems while driving. I wore it while on a long walk today and it did get warm/a little sweaty. Not super uncomfortable or surprising considering the weather and distance, but something that may be a bigger issue for some. It does not bother me much. The support is more important to me. Another consideration is that it's possible to move and bend with the brace (especially depending upon how tight you adjust it), but if that's the main purpose there might be other options that are more flexible (but may offer less support, I'm not sure).Other items from Amazon that I bought to help my back:* Cushion supports for my car seat (which have helped a lot). One is a wedge shaped cushion to sit on (my seat is slanted oddly and I wanted it to be more even so the wedge cushion made by Clever Yellow works well, and is available on Amazon). The other is a cushion to support my lumbar region, also available on Amazon: "Memory Foam Back Support Cushion - Designed for Back Pain Relief - Lumbar Pillow With Premium Adjustable Strap - Hypoallergenic Ventilative Mesh - Alleviates Lower Back Pain made by Xtreme Comforts." I liked it because it has a convex (rather than concave) shape... most lumbar support cushions seem to be concave and that tends to irritate my back. It was one of the only convex cushions and I love it! It's taller than most, very thick, has a removable cover, and really supports the length of my back. It does push me forward a bit, which I like in my car (I just put my seat back), but that may not be comfortable on a traditional, rolling office chair. I'm going to review both of the cushions on their pages as well. I tried another lumbar cushion by NurtureSoft but it was more concave shaped than I thought it would be and didn't work for me.* The book Freedom from Pain by Peter Levine. I can't write much about this one yet, as I just received it today, but I'm looking forward to reading it. I've been doing Trauma/Tension Release Exercises (TRE) multiple times a day and they have really really helped me (along with gradually increasing the distance of my walks), so I'm optimistic about learning about other exercises in the book!* Also planning on buying insoles and new shoes, as well as do Network Spinal Analysis at the chiropractor (a very gentle approach ... traditional chiropractor tends to trigger my body and make the bracing worse). I'm hoping the chiropractor might be able to suggest insoles/shoes and posture-correction apparel as well.A month ago I was unable to move because of my back pain. It's gotten much better and I have Faith it will continue to do so! Grateful for these supportive products to help me function better along the way!! If you're reading this and in pain you're in my heart and prayers. Hope you feel better soon!!! :)

Sparthos Back Brace for Lower Back PainXactly what I needed. On occasion I have lower back and sciatica pains shooting down both legs to my knees. My pain is generally from a strain or stiff muscles not from injury. The only fix is heat, anti inflammatories and wearing a brace for about 7 days. I retired my 30 year old brace last year and needed a new one. After researching and reading a lot of reviews I chose this one because of the value (price and quality) and fast delivery. The fast delivery was really what tipped the scale.Appearance: This was a pretty standard back brace, there are four stabilizing supports to keep the back straight. The materials, elastic and velcro all appear to be very good quality. Stitching is strong, at least for now.Sizing: After reading the reviews I went one size larger than the size chart recommended (from small to medium) and it fits perfectly. There is a lot of room for adjustment so going a little bigger worked for me.Function: Pretty simple, align low on back, attach the main band with velcro, pull the two sidebands forward until they are firm and attach with velcro. This brace function is as expected. He quality is good, the band is a little stiff and I am sure it will soften over time.Tips: consider going larger than the size chart.Works great, fast delivery and I would buy again.

Per product instructions, I did measure my waist over the belly button. It was 38”. Hmm… Should I get a size S or M??? But I’m definitely not 200 lb. So I ordered a size S.Well, this belt did not come with an original package. This came in that infamous green plastic bag (yes, the "you've got a returned!" green bag) with no instructions or actual packaging. Soooo I ordered a new one but got someone’s return, a used one. Oh, I hate that!Luckily, this belt did not look dirty and didn’t smell, and my back was hurting, so I tried it on. Umm, this barely closed the front. But because I didn’t have any instructions or package, I watched the video on the product page. And it said to have the logo pull it over to the front to close it securely. Well, the logo didn’t even go around the side of my waist as you can see in my photo.I was so mad and ready to write a 1 star review, but I decided to reach out to the seller/manufacturer first. I think I sent a message on Saturday, so I didn’t think I’d hear back from them til the following week. Surprisingly, they messaged me back within like 12 hrs. They came back with the resolutions immediately and recommended that I get a Medium, so I did. I really appreciated their prompt response.So I got a medium, but I still can’t pull the logo to the front. But I think the next size, L, will be too big on me so I’m just wearing the Medium.The belt definitely helps me. I move like a tin man but I can dance while I'm wearing it without hurting my back more.But it makes my belly area very sweaty, even when I'm just wearing without moving much. I’m wondering if my pot belly might get skinnier. Don't they sell those sweat belt to get a skinny waist? haha. Anyways, I usually spray disinfectant when I’m done using so it won’t get too stinky after one use.I think it’s a really good belt. But people are returning them because the sizing is really off. So, hey, Sparthos folks, just take a minute to re-do your sizing list. I think that will reduce your returns and increase your positive reviews. Because you really do have a good belt and are a very customer-friendly company.