I bought the brace for my husband.He had one before and he was satisfied of it,he tried a few different brands that stand for back support,but this belt is the real deal,he said .It really does what it's made for and it's the same price.The other brands did nothing,but create more trouble than help.It was money well spent and if there is anybody who has lower back problems,I'll say:"Get one!" 4 stars

[] For those of you with lower back problems - especially those of you in the construction trade - this back support is the best out there. Several of my friends had a dislocated sacroiliac joint on their lower back and thanks to a local Chiropracter he was able to twist and push - he jokingly called the treatment "The Pretzel" - and get their back right back into alignment with ONE visit. Sacroiliac joint misalignments are very common injuries for people that LIFT alot and often during their work day.
[] This back support has flexible metal [8] support strips on the rear sewn in, and a wide [9"] section which will help support your lower back during the work day or while diving. The front straps are fully adjustable and the 'Velcro' hook & loop tabs hold quite well during movement.
[] If you are going to wear this for long periods of time, you may want to wear it wrapped around your waste over your tee shirt for better comfort.
[] Product shipped very fast - which is always the case for anything ordered from Amazon.com - and is constructed of excellent high quality materials. Highly rated for you in the construction trade to help prevent or support sacroiliac joint injuries.
5 stars

I wasn't sure if it would help but I put this on when my back is bugging me and it feels better right away. It's a quality product. It's identical to the one Verizon issues to their field employees--a buddy of mine works for Verizon. I bought this because the picture of it looked the same as his. It is. I use it mainly for skiing and snowboarding. Guess I'm getting old. 5 stars

Very good product for my job and my back. Couldn't find anything out there at the stores so I bought it off line. I am very pleased with it. I would recommend this back brace to anyone. :-) 5 stars

The Amazon 'Product Description' (as of Aug 2008) states that the product is "Machine washable, Drip dry." However, the actual manufacturer's packaging states "Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, rinse thoroughly and air dry."

(This is not the first product I've seen that Amazon claimed was machine washable but turned out not to be. I made my purchase primarily based on the machine-washable claim, so I feel that Amazon has wasted my time and money by posting false information about the product.)

Also printed on the box of the Mueller Adjustable Back Brace #4581, but not posted on Amazon: "CAUTION: This product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions. Constructed of a neoprene blend which may cause skin irritations. If rash develops or pain persists, discontinue use and consult a physician."

Amazon's 'Product Features' says the product fits waists 24-44 inches, but the actual box says 28-44 inches.

I just received the item today, so cannot review its effectiveness. But it looks like a well-constructed product and its velcro did not scratch me while putting it on and when wearing it. It does seem a little hard to bend over with the belt on- I mean when I lean forward in a chair or stoop down to pick something off the floor, the bottom of the belt jabs into the top of my groin area. Maybe I will try wearing it a little higher on my back.
3 stars