does this belt weaken back long term? or does it strengthen back long term?
239487
I am neither a Physical Therapist nor an Orthopedist, but I do have hyper-mobile SI joints and I find the belt helps hold my pelvis in the correct position while I do exercises to strengthen the surrounding and supportive structures and muscles. Once these structures are stronger (through exercise), I can usually do without the belt for longer and longer periods of time until I only have to use it if I become dis-aligned. I believe strength of muscle and supportive structures is acquired through exercise. Hope this is helpful~ CMB
239488
I believe it strengthened my back. It enabled me to function in daily activities and even resume my exercise regimen.
239489
I have had the belt for a few weeks and I am now able to workout . My physical therapist has me using weights to make my back strong. The belt is a tool you must still do the work yo make yourself stronger. Hope this helped.
239490
Hello -- I guess the best way to answer if neither -- building up the core (abdomen, etc.) is the only way to build up the back muscles -- what the Belt did for me was to allow most of the pain to go away by prodding more stability to the back -- it actually allowed me to concentrate on work, and at this time, I have (I guess) forgotten about the pain (at least it no longer hurts) -- I have sense also started swimming (which the BEST overall exercise for the body) -- Hope this helps -- another thing I started done which I believe contributed to my pain free back was to learn how to meditate (yoga) -- the stress relief keeps the back muscles from tightening around the spin causing spasms which the Dr says can cause more pain that a real physical back injury -- Have a great Spring and Summer! Gratitude, Bob
239491
What I have read about SI belts is that they strengthen the back long terms. I personally am wearing the belt to help support ligaments that are damaged at the base of my spine..causing hypermobility in a SI joint. It is not big enough to support back muscles. My analogy is that it is like a.rubberband holding my pelvis in cohesion while "the glue dries." Eventually I will be stepped down off of it. I do have a lumbar belt for occasional back support.
885523
Haven't experienced a problem with the locking system. Plastic is very thick, & sturdy. Given the correct size for your waist, the velcro is strong enough to keep the belt locked in place even when lifting heavy. I also own a heavy duty leather lifting belt as well, but this one is more comfortable because it doesn't pinch or seem to cut into my waist when I bend over. I also agree with the previous comment that if you plan to lift heavier than 500 lbs, you may prefer the security of the leather belt.
120405
I had back surgery 2 years ago for a blown disc. Since my surgery, I have used a 6in for back support when doing squats and lifting anything over 50lbs above my head. I stay away from dead lifts. My surgeon instructed me to stay out of the gym completely because I have 2 more discs that are not in good shape. My physical therapist said "that if it doesn't cause me pain or discomfort, then it's ok to do, just don't over do it". I tried a friend 4in belt, but it didn't feel right. Hope this helps.
419962
Build his medium stiffness and I would not use it for any sort of repelling. It is an okay duty belt but I would only use it for that.
89613
I have lower back scoliosis and other problems and to be honest I didn't think this belt helped me very much. I did like the si-loc belt and felt that it helped more. Hope this helps!
297550
The front of the belt narrows to about two inches . The buckle is also two inches wide. My mother wears hers the entire time she is out of bed. I use it to pull her up from a chair and to steady her as she walks. We took it to a shoe repair man to cut it shorter to fit her. She has had it for about 18 months. It washes well.
194002
Yes it does, but if you don't make your belt tight and wear tight pants they make you sag pretty badly.
580865
it will sag I believe. It also depend how much you stretch and do a tight install. I tried my best to tighten but it still sags for heavy clothing.
489186
Yes girl, i can see where it's working on mine.. U have to stick to it and be consistent for better results! It's super cheap so make your purchase! U won't regret! I got my boyfriend one and he started this past Monday wearing on his morning jobs and told me he can see where the belt is gonna work! Good luck!
59736
No not strong but I don't even wear it. It is to small in width , dies not cover entire front bottom gut or back fat. Just don't understand the rave about this belt it's not was I had expected
78865
the belt is flexible. my husband and I both have the belts and we love them.
351310
Hi So far the I've not had any problems with the belt on mine. Sorry I could not be if more help
1400296
It would hold up for 8 hr wear as it is very well constructed. I just don't think it would be comfortable. It is made to be worn higher around the waist, more at your belly button to support your abdominals and hold your posture while lifting not actually your back. I wear it for deadlifting, squats ect. and I can't wait to get it off as soon as I finish my lift since for it to work properly it has to be very tightly worn. This may not be the belt you are looking for.
2016226
Yes it will but may not hold as strong as it would without the stability of your belt.
1114550
Yes, it stabilizes the neck area very sturdily. We are atill using ours after three years.
425032
I wear mine on skin and it stays right wear I place it. I haven't worn it over clothing yet, so I can't speak to whether it stays in place that way or not. I have LOVED this belt, and if I had known of it 1 1/2 years sooner, I would be $1000s richer w/o having spent it in P.T., Chiro, pain management injections, etc., all of which didn't do anything to help my problem. Best wishes to you and I sincerely hope you get as much if not more relief from the belt as I did!!!!
1400295
It will definitely hold up for the whole day. The Velcro on it is very good quality and overall it's very comfortable. I used other belts in the past and found most of them too wide and uncomfortable, this one is narrower and fits well.