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.
1993204
It contracts your muscles, which can appear to be expanding. The Ab belt works all of your muscles at one time, unlike regular crunches which will only work one area at a time. I hope this helps.
1976112
It is used to help stabilize your back during certain lifting exercises. This is especially true if you have a weak mid section. Usually these belts are used for exercises such as the deadlift and squat. You can also use it to do weighted pullups or dips by attaching weights to the belt via a rope.
489182
Yes, it's working for me. I run everyday and was looking for items to help target my midsection. I read the other customer reviews and decided to try it. The belt is extremely well made. None of the seams or velcro are coming loose, and I've been using it each day for a few months. And it does exactly what it's supposed to do. Running, when wearing the belt, my midsection begins to sweat before any other area. The belt absorbs all of the sweat, it doesn't drip or soak through. Also, it dries very quickly. I get better results wearing the Ab Belt versus not. Hope that helps.
2016226
Yes it will but may not hold as strong as it would without the stability of your belt.
1519453
sorry for the late response-was out of town. the back is a loop that the belt passes through. hope this helps!
411442
I haven't tried it. It is possible that the belt may slide up from its position if running hard on a treadmill, however, if it is tightened securely it should be fine. I have wore it while driving and getting in and out of my truck without any need for adjustment. As with any support belt, you shouldn't wear it for extended periods of time so your back muscles don't end up depending upon belt support. I would say it would work fine on a treadmill.
89615
I'm really not too familiar with her condition, only that it's got something to do with a curved spine(?), but that said, I was completely debilitated by a lower back injury and this exact belt kept my spine in full traction and perfectly straight, it even saparates the disks (I was 2" taller while wearing it), this thing actually kept my spine perfectly straight everyday that I wore it (for three months), and that was actually long enough for my disks to heal to the point that they are at now, I'm not perfect, but I'm no longer in pain, and I don't need to wear it everyday anymore... I can only assume that it would definitely keep her spine as straight as physically possible.I hope this helps... I'm really not too familiar with her condition, only that it's got something to do with a curved spine(?), but that said, I was completely debilitated by a lower back injury and this exact belt kept my spine in full traction and perfectly straight, it even saparates the disks (I was 2" taller while wearing it), this thing actually kept my spine perfectly straight everyday that I wore it (for three months), and that was actually long enough for my disks to heal to the point that they are at now, I'm not perfect, but I'm no longer in pain, and I don't need to wear it everyday... » Read More I'm really not too familiar with her condition, only that it's got something to do with a curved spine(?), but that said, I was completely debilitated by a lower back injury and this exact belt kept my spine in full traction and perfectly straight, it even saparates the disks (I was 2" taller while wearing it), this thing actually kept my spine perfectly straight everyday that I wore it (for three months), and that was actually long enough for my disks to heal to the point that they are at now, I'm not perfect, but I'm no longer in pain, and I don't need to wear it everyday anymore... I can only assume that it would definitely keep her spine as straight as physically possible.I hope this helps... « Show Less
425030
Yes, it does pretty much, if you put it skin to belt, otherwise it travels up to the waist as do all clothes. If you have any weight on yourself is when you have the most trouble. It is worth the money at any rate for the time you will have to wear it.
89612
I'm really not too familiar with her condition, only that it's got something to do with a curved spine(?), but that said, I was completely debilitated by a lower back injury and this exact belt kept my spine in full traction and perfectly straight, it even saparates the disks (I was 2" taller while wearing it), this thing actually kept my spine perfectly straight everyday that I wore it (for three months), and that was actually long enough for my disks to heal to the point that they are at now, I'm not perfect, but I'm no longer in pain, and I don't need to wear it everyday anymore... I can only assume that it would definitely keep her spine as straight as physically possible. I hope this helps...
1360144
Belt did not slip when we used it. Only issue we have is that it causes pressure where it sits against the body. The person is thin, so any Type of belt will cause that problem. I have looked for a padded belt, and have not been able to find one.
133225
James, the belt does not slip. I was worried about that too, initially, but the material gets less slick with use and the buckle grips quite well.
1334495
I've had my rigger's belt for a few months and there's no wrinkles in the back. This belt is the most durable belt I've ever owned and I don't expect it to deform in any way.
1180748
I have owned this belt for over a year. I used it a lot at first, but not much lately. It works very well, in fact, I plan on using it more often.
85593
My belly button is about in the middle of the belt. But adjust it until the back is nearly pain free. This belt totally changed my life for the better. Recently my doctor told me it's a good back support. Best to you.
1172174
This heavy duty belt supports your back, keeping it in place and safe for your lift. Without it your putting your self at risk of being injured as I did once, trying to prove that I was strong. I have my regrets but I'm still able to lift, so now I make sure I use this Belt. It definitely works and 180 lbs I think your pushing it. Anything over 100 lbs you should definitely use the belt. I know the right posture helps when lifting but why take chances with your health. Your in the right direction for asking, keep doing more research and learn from other peoples mistakes.
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