Alpha Medical Pain Relieving Back Brace, Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis Corset, Spinal Decompression, LSO, L0631, Universal Back Support

I ordered this device right before spine surgery unaware that my surgeon was going to arrange to have a medical device company bring me a back brace. I wore this for 2 days before the orthopedics rep came to my house and fitted me for their device. I noticed such a drastic improvement in my back aching, that I didn't even need opiates or NSAIDs after the first 2 days.When I received the new "fancy" device, I immediately noticed that it looked nearly identical. However, The ortho rep's device just looked aesthetically cooler (but only in like the color scheme and logos, the design was virtually the same in every way) and more expensive. As it turned out, the insurance claim was for nearly $1,000. Regardless, I wore it for a few hours and realized the the $50 Alpha Medical device was more comfortable and I switched back to this one. It wasn't until I called the ortho company to ask if i could return it, that I found out my insurance said they were "out-of-network", so the out-of-pocket cost to me was around $400.I couldn't wait to give this device 5 stars, until I tried to adjust one of the straps and instead of the velcro unsticking to the other side, the stitching ripped completely off and I had to use crazy glue just to use it again after only one single attempt at adjusting the size.So, I guess you get what you pay for, but I'd still rather have a $50 poorly made device that is equally effective than a $1000 one that has an unlimited warranty with excellent craftsmanship.Update (few months too late): Although I wouldn't have known how to stitch on a new piece of velcro if it were sent to me, the seller did reach out to try to rectify the problem, but I never noticed their reply. Therefore, I'm adding a star to my rating because the problem may have been rectified had I contacted them for help, but the fact that it did tear after normal use, it still isn't quite a 5 star product

I've tried other so-called "back braces" and they all fall short. Real short. Virtually all of them have NO real back support, and what they do have is really useless after being worn for a few weeks. The plastic strips, cardboard, or other 'strong' materials is really lip service to the buyer. They try to say they have the same support as a medical back brace, but don't kid yourself. They are all not even in the same class. The best they seem to offer is a product called king of kings. Forget it. That's for small people or small men. If you're over 6' and weight 200 lbs, like I am, that thing is useless.Now this product is different. It REALLY HAS back support where you need it. The stiff composite formed back plate means you can contract your injured back to the proper lumbar shape using the pull strings that are thick and strong. Because the back plate is a real plate. That means YOU GET PAIN RELIEF BECAUSE THE VERTEBRAE ARE NOW ALIGNED MORE CORRECTLY. So ganglion nerves that exit between these vertebrae aren't being impinged, so pain disappears. So, life becomes better as you heal. This product is the one to get and it mimics the one the best orthopedic surgeon in South Florida provided to me after my first epidural. Dr. Eidelson, a back surgeon gave me my first one, from Aspen medical, which still functions, did great--but this one might be a bit better because is has a smaller profile, so when you wear it under a polo shirt, you don't look like a fat walrus walking down the street . . . only a water buffalo. None of the good ones are compact, for good reason. They need the support foundation structures--the plate--to work. But, it's only for 4-5 months and then those damaged discs will heal again.

I have been weaeing this for the past 2 weeks with the hope it would privide some relief. But unfortunately it has not, infact wearing it makes the pain worse😢 I am contemplating a rerurn but I want to give this brace a fair chance. I went on line for reviews, instructions, etc. but not very helpful. A video showing how to wear it ro affect the maximum pain relief.

Love this item it better than the hospital gave me.

I have a spinal fracture,got a back brace with my insurance,so heavy,I am a small person,this one that I order just right for my size,light weight material,I can wear it all day,Thank you