Guys, the problem with the concept of a brace is that it promotes weakening of the muscles necessary to support the low back. With decreased muscle strength eventually comes more pain, and it becomes a negative cycle. The brace may relieve symptoms for a short time, but then as the muscles weaken, more support is needed to prevent pain. You may end up with more pain generators in addition to the disc as things worsen.
In the end, long-term use of a brace can worsen things considerably and can make recovery even harder to achieve. Jeff, you indicate that your situation has worsened, so you continue to use the brace. Vickie, you mention weakened core muscles from prior pregnancies. Perhaps both situations could be improved with core strengthening? Vickie, your comment about "this brace is supposed to help," according to who? The marketer of the product? Beware, there are many, many products out there for back pain patients that have little or no proof of results but claim to be beneficial.
Unfortunately, when it comes to back pain, there is usually not a quick, easy solution. I guess that's why we're all on here, huh
. If others disagree or have had good results with a brace, please chime in.
-tc-