Simms Back Magic Belt

[chiasson]

Was wondering if anyone has one of these and if so how you like it? I have some minor lower back issues and bought one today. $100 but worth it if I can carry a decent amount of weight on my back, if need be, w/o pain.

[Guest JayVee]

There has been quite a bit of research into these in recent years and the general consensus is that these are ineffective and a waste of money. I'd return it if I were you. From a workplace perspective my guess is that employers are trying to avoid law suits. Here's a couple of links:

 

http://www.alliancetac.com/index.html?PAGE_ID=122

 

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/12/05/back.belts/

 

Neil

 

Was wondering if anyone has one of these and if so how you like it? I have some minor lower back issues and bought one today. $100 but worth it if I can carry a decent amount of weight on my back, if need be, w/o pain.

 

[chiasson]

Thanks for that. I think I may return it actually, it doesn't seem to fit right, it limits movement a little too much for my liking. However, I think that this type of belt could help people with existing problems like myself, with a proper fit that is. Are they effective for preventing injury, who knows.

[reevesr1]

I used to wear one made for saltwater called a Wade Aid as I used to have pretty serious back pain, and wading the flats made it worse. To tell the truth, I was never convinced it did anything, but I figured it couldn't hurt.

[Castuserraticus]

I had occasional back pain until a few years ago. I signed up for a yoga class at the U of C to increase my flexibility. The instructor was a back specialist it turned out and she put the class through some regular stretches. Even thought I don't do the exercises regularly I have not had pain since.

 

I think it helped that I was the only guy in a class of lovely young women. All that head turning I guess.

[beeker]

Chaisson,

If it is the wading belt with the large panel on the back, yes I have one. Been using it for years. I had disc surgery about 10 years ago that fixed most of my issues, but I still can not stand around for any length of time without getting numbness in my legs. With the belt I can hike and fish all day without any problems. I figure it's an essential piece of gear for me. $100 seems a little steep, I think I only payed about $30, but that was along time ago. Then again, all that R & D,space age materials, warranty, etc, etc. Sorry, already beat that topic to death.

 

Beeker

[headscan]

I used to wear one made for saltwater called a Wade Aid as I used to have pretty serious back pain, and wading the flats made it worse. To tell the truth, I was never convinced it did anything, but I figured it couldn't hurt.

Was that before or after you got your scooter from the scooter store?

 

[acurrie]

Core exercises..... Core Exercises..... Core exercises......

[chiasson]

I believe it. After a few sessions with a physio I'm convinced my issues are resulting from poor core strength.