ORTONYX TLSO Full Back Support Brace with Removable Dorso-Lumbar Pad - Lightweight, Breathable - Pain Relief, Thoracic Kyphosis, Herniated Disc / ACHB5248-L

I've been wearing these for a few years now, and they've been great. I originally just needed something to keep my shoulders in place, but ended up needing the back support. My PTs liked that the support bars can be removed if/when those muscles strengthen. What surprised me is that it provides very good (but comfortable) abdominal compression, which helps with my POTS. It allows me to be on my feet about twice as long as without. Maybe more. On top of that, I think it's a lot more stylish than most braces. If you're anywhere near between sizes, I would definitely go a size up (e.g., if your waist is 29.5", I would go with size medium). Another downside is that the velcro frayed an inside edge, but it can't be seen while wearing. It should last about a year and a half, using a few times per week. Make sure to use the second belt that keeps it secure across the abdomen. That should reduce strain on the larger velcro across the abdomen, and it wasn't mentioned in the instructions I received.

I have tried several braces similar to this one and have returned or thrown them away. This one I will keep! I ordered the XXL as I am very overweight, and it just barely fit over my stomach. Hopefully that will get better. :) The metal stays really help! I do recommend getting assistance when putting it on, at least for the first time or two That assistance will allow you to more easily decide how to bend/position the metal stays, placing them against your upper back, just below your your neck. Expect, at least initially, to learn that there are pressure points that are unavoidable, and may be uncomfortable, it is large and will be warm after wearing for a while. Highly recommended!

Totally clumsy to put on and uncomfortable when wearing and sitting. No instruction on how to put on! I will return.

The sizing info is way off. Amazon gave a notification when I bought “frequently returned item” - 2 things helped me - my wife bought one a culé of years ago. I tried hers (she’s 5’6” 122 lbs) it was wayyy small f me , but when I looked it said Large. OK - I’m 5’11” weigh 180 have a 35” waist. The sizing info had me as a Large - after trying my wife’s I said - no way - I tried to order an X-Large but no stock. So, I thought I’d take a chance and go XX-Large. Thankfully, I did, because even that is pretty tight. It works anf fairly well designed, but not as good as the one my wife bought 2 years ago. Other braces have the Velcro better distributed, so that if you wanted to relax the belt (say, while you were trying to eat) you could loosen and attach anywhere. Not this one. It attaches only at designated points which are not generous, and you have to completely let the brace go slack and fall off. Not great. Nevertheless, wearing it stretched tight and fully attached, it works and is not uncomfortable. Trying to eat while it is stretched tight is not comfortable, however.

I broke my back in a car accident and after surgery received a clamshell brace that was so uncomfortable and dug into my hips, causing more pain than my back. As soon as I felt strong enough I ordered this brace. Unfortunately, the medium was so small on my 30.5" waist it only had an inch overlap to secure with. I had a little trouble communicating with the sellers about the problem, but am glad I gave the Large a try. With the aluminum bars bent to fit the contours of my back, this brace gave me the amount of support I needed and for the most part was very comfortable to use and it allowed me to advance in healing. A couple of things I want to mention to the seller or manufacturer: The LARGE's straps were still rather short, so I suggest that they lengthen them on future manufactured braces, or include velcro extensions for the straps. Seriously. I'm tall and slender, and I only get a half inch overlap from the fasteners. Any tighter and it's uncomfortable where they removed and replaced my left back rib for anterior spine surgery. If it's not fitting me well, there's no way it's going to be comfortable for a person with even a slightly larger girth. The other issue is that while the model's brace shows smooth lines in the shape of her torso, mine bunches up and constantly needs to be straightened, the elastic bulges out from the tighter edge trim. This is kind of disappointing because it sticks out when wearing underneath a shirt and over a tank top.

I am pleased with this brace. It gives good support of both shoulders and back. Be certain that you order the right size. My waist is 25-1/2" and hip across the upper pelvis where the bottom of the brace sits is 30-1/2". I ordered the size Medium and it fits well if cinched up tight. Order the size that matches the largest area whether it is upper stomach or hip area as I did. It enables me to lift and move things without hurting my back and keeps my shoulders back so that my rotator cuff injury is not aggravated. If you shape the two support pieces so that they match your curvature it makes it pretty comfortable. I even wear it under my clothing and it is barely noticeable. The only issue I have is that it tries to ride up and irritates my neck a little bit, but I just pull it back down and pull my blouse up to provide a barrier to my skin and that takes care of it. All in all- it beats back and shoulder pain!

I am elderly and have Parkinson's and scoliosis . The brace is very supportive, and the first couple of hours I have comfort because the brace helps me to sit and stand straighter. Helps my muscles because they do not have to work so hard to keep me from leaning over to the left. Then it starts to make the pain worse because it is trying to correct the torque of my body, which would hurt. I cannot wear the brace all day (2 X at day at 2 - 4 hours each time). I have 4 different braces - one a custom made at $3200 which cannot be worn as long with comfort.

I am a small person and this item was too small around the waist and too long towards the neck. May be great for a taller and extremely thin person.