Mueller Adjustable Back Support with Lumber Pad

As someone who suffers from sciatica problems, I've been looking for a decent back brace to help alleviate the pain, especially when driving. I tried several, and this one with the lumbar support really does the trick.I tried a couple of other brands, but Mueller overall produces a great product for a reasonable price. Construction is excellent - seams are tight, ample velcro, easy to put on and take off. I have a 34" waist and this fits fine -- could easily accomodate several more inches.I started with the basic Mueller brace (the one without the lumbar). Nice, but didn't really help all that much in terms of pain. The higher end Mueller (the one with the laces on the back) was also very nicely made and a snap to adjust, but again, it didn't offer the support I needed. The lumbar pad on this model makes all the difference. They have videos of several of their models on their website which are very helpful, but they are hard to find -- I just stumbled across them by plugging in the model numbers. Good info, but a very poorly organized site.Everyone's back is different, so unfortunately you'll need to try out various models to see what hits the sweet spot for your condition. All three Muller braces that I've tried were all very well made and a good value, so I can highly recommend the brand.I ended up buying two so I could keep one in the car and one at home. I found that using both lumbar supports next to one another makes the support even better. The lumbar pads attach with velcro, and there is room to fit both on the same belt side-by-side. That works best for me when driving. A single lumbar pad works well for when I'm mobile.I also want to pass along some advice I received from my physical therapist regarding braces. While they can be huge help, you should not wear one constantly since it can lead to muscle atrophy. The ideal situation is to build up your core muscles so they do the job on their own. A brace is just a stop-gap to help cut down on pain on the bad days or when you are stressing the muscles (which, for me, occurs when I'm driving long distances). Used judiciously they're great; used improperly can make the situation worse.If you're reading this you probably have back pain, and I very much hope you find the right solution that helps make the situation better or at least more tolerable.

If you place this belt properly on your back and waist line it will support you properly and protect your back from injuries. This belt is very well made very comfortable to use. it's a great price for the quality of belt. My advice is that you Do not purchse any other back support belt untill you try this one. This belt is the best in the market!!I personally know two men including my husband who uses this belt daily and they would never trade it for anything other back support belt. It Comes in three sizes the largest size can fit a man who is 350 lbs to 375 lbs. The medium size fits someone up to 195 lbs. The smaller size fits a man or woman from 100 lb to 150 lbs. This is my personal experience & it's not written on the belt package. The belt comes packaged well and its lightweight and comfortable. The beltbis very well made. It's firm & supportive and sits firm on the back and waist line. It doesn't slip off and it doesn't move up and down. It stays put where you put it at all day long. Please wear it under your clothes for a better fit. If you wear it over your clothes that's when belts usually slip because clothing shift so will the belt. Depending on the person and the type of clothing you're wearing it may or may not slip. Wearing this belt under clothing, may give the best experince. But if clothing is tight on men then the belt willll stay firm without shifting around the waist and back. If clothing are loose fitting the belt obviously shifts around because of the loose-fitting clothing are moving and shifting and so will any belt. Best support is when it's worn underneath gives best support all day.

I'm starting off as 3 of 5 stars as I just received this brace about 2 hours ago. I'll adjust as time goes by. First off the quality is super duper compared to past braces I've used that are more affordable. The little lumbar pad is like a small patch that is velcro'd in and you can move it around a larger circumference. It wasn't what I imagined. It's like a very thick flexible foam- not useless but not super stiff either.This belt is huge width wise. I can imagine that I won a wrestling championship belt. Granted I'm small 5'6", weighing 115 lbs, with a 30 inch waste but it still definitely fits me. So for those who are thin you will have no problem whatsoever around the waist but it will be like wearing a bullet proof vest around your back and chest.It applies by velcro and goes right wing over left end and attach, then left wing over waist and attach, then right wing over waist and attach. So it is super secure. It's not going to come off unless you want it to. I'll have to find the sweet spot for tension but I didn't put it on very tight and seemed useless. Then I fastened it tighter and it helped restrict movement. I might have a slightly curved spine so I don't really feel the lumbar at all unless I start to bend over and then feel it.Overall it's well made. I'll just have to update once I test it out. I had painful back spasms 3 weeks ago and was bed ridden for 24 hours. Then reaggravated it and was bed ridden for 48 hours... with pain lingering for a week.Update:Despite it's overall size, my back pain eventually went away. I would have to really attribute that to the brace, or at least it helped not reaggravate the injury which was worth it. I did feel the lumbar pad the more I used it- didn't like it but it helps prevent you from moving in ways you shouldn't. I would recommend this and have already done so to many folks!