Twoply 0 #1 April 17, 2007 I strained a muscle in my lumbar area. My doctor gave me muscle relaxers and anti inflamatories. I've been wearing this for a few days now at work. (See pic) May back feels so much better wearing this while at work. A few of us were talking and one guy said his doctor advises against them. I'm heading to the doc on wednesday but I just want to make sure its a good idea and I'm not doing more harm than good. Anyone ever use one. NON sexually? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benblee 0 #2 April 17, 2007 Those can provide support, but you shouldn't just rely on that. One thing most people look past is how much your hamstrings and leg muscles affect the muscles in your lower back. Just doing some simple stretches to keep your legs loose will really help releive a lot of tension in the lumbar region.Ben Lee www.CollegeSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #3 April 17, 2007 I wore one similar for a while following back surgery. It's a great 'tool' while you're healing from and injury, or to wear when you are doing some heavy lifting etc. but as mentioned above, not something you will want to wear all the time. They make a bit higher end model with an inflatable bladder that you can adjust for more comfort, and vary the amount of support given to correspond to the tasks you're undertaking. best advice is to wear it and take the meds..let it heal up, then do some strength exercising to build up the supporting muscles including your abs. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #4 April 17, 2007 My wife bought one of those for me, the smallest one Home Depot had. It was still too big for me. I mean jesus christ, there's got to be one that fits a size 32 waist!?!? "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #5 April 17, 2007 Stick a phone book in it! Or get the one with the inflatable thingie... By the way, a standard weight lifting belt is what I use for home projects etc. that require continuous lifting. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sartre 0 #6 April 17, 2007 The problem with these braces occurs when you wear them constantly. If you cinch them up for lifts, then undo them the rest of the time, no sweat. However, if you are using the brace continuously, you are actually weakening those core muscles in your back and abdomen, because the brace is doing the job they should be doing. They are endurance muscles, and if not used constantly, will weaken. While you have a strain going on, it should be ok to wear it more or less continuously, at least for a few days. But then, curtail the use. I haven't read any of the other replies, so I apologize in advance if I'm being repetitive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #7 April 17, 2007 Quote Stick a phone book in it! Or get the one with the inflatable thingie... By the way, a standard weight lifting belt is what I use for home projects etc. that require continuous lifting. That's what I was thinking to myself the other day after lugging those goddamn cases of tile around. Gonna be making a trip to the local sporting goods store soon."Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joblades 0 #8 April 17, 2007 My girl sent me one of those here to wear, when I go on long convoys or patrols wearing 50lbs of armor and ammo my lower back kills me, but when I have that belt on under it makes a world of difference. I might be hooked on it which in the long runmight hurt. But as the previous post said, proper streching and excercise will make those muscles stronger again. GL~Freedom is never free Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
willard 0 #9 April 17, 2007 OSHA required us to have them available for employees, but the choice to use or not was left up to each individual. They are great for rehab after an injury but can lead to further injury if misused. Extended use can lead to loss of strength and stability in the core muscles (abs and lower back). Injury occurs when someone who is used to wearing the brace attempts to lift without wearing one. Go ahead and use it to help with your recovery, but be careful when you resume normal work without it. Have to give your muscles time to get back in shape. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #10 April 17, 2007 That's why I use a heavy-duty nylon weightlifter's belt that has a lumbar pad whenever I have to do some lifting of bulky / awkward items (or if I'm doing a job that requires a lot of bending and twisting [e.g., sweeping, raking, vacuuming]). I don't put any faith in those silly spandex jobs as pictured, and as others have said, they can sometimes make people think they're Superman and mess themselves up even worse than before. A real weightlifting belt is your best bet, IMO. It's not orthopedic, but it will keep your back straight and true, unlike those spandex rigs. mh ."The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twoply 0 #11 April 18, 2007 Unbelievable, but juwst some simple stretching of the hamstrings this morning and I feel so much better. Thanks for the advice. I guess the leg-bone is really connected to the hip-bone, the hip bone's connected to the.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
