Question 1

Will the Better Back products affect the circulation to my legs?

Accepted Answer

No, the circulation for the legs passes behind the knees.
 
The straps are placed on the shinbone and are designed to absorb pressure without cutting off your circulation. However, it is important to remember that the circulation in the legs is greatly enhanced by movement.
 
You will be able to sit for much longer periods more comfortably, we recommended that you take sensible breaks to stand, stretch, walk and breathe deeply at least once each hour.

Question 2

How long is it recommended to wear the BackUp or LumbarJack?

Accepted Answer

The supports can be safely worn all day.
 
While most people report immediate and complete relief from the pain of sitting slouched, you can realistically expect the benefits to continue as long as you wear the support and when you stand up or walk after using the BackUp, it is not uncommon to feel a "halo effect" of well being and good posture for sometime thereafter.
 
As with any new product, you may need to experiment and make fitting adjustments to optimize the longest, most comfortable sitting period. Because you will be able to sit for much longer periods more comfortably, we recommended that you take sensible breaks to stand, stretch, walk and breathe deeply at least once each hour.

Question 3

Which one is best for me? Back-up? Sport-Backer? LumbarJack, or a combination?"

Accepted Answer

Three considerations can help you make a good decision:
 
1) your body size
2) the activity you plan
3) What problems do you currently have with your back
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The BackUp is the product to prevent the Lumbar vertebrae squeezing on the Lumbar discs when sitting, retraining correct posture and for stretching a variety of muscle groups including Hamstrings and Adductors
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The SportBacker is the best support solution for younger children or small framed adults.

The LumbarJack is the only product we recommend using for driving. It is also recommended for heavy manual work and prolonged forward bending and as a support to help mobilization during episodes of back pain.
If you have back problems and/or need the LumbarJack for driving, manual work or mobilization then both a Backup and LumbarJack are recommended.

Question 4

How do I know when I have adjusted the BackUp properly?

Accepted Answer

Like a good fitting pair of shoes, the BackUp should fit snugly but not too tightly.
 
Much of the adjustment is self-corrective. If you feel uncomfortable over time, simply loosen the straps slightly. The goal is to keep the low back supported just enough to prevent the sagging that leads to back pain.
 
It is recommended to vary the support by alternatively tightening and loosening the straps when you are sitting for longer periods.

Question 5

How high should the back pad be on my back?

Accepted Answer

The back pad should span the lumbar spine with the back cushion approximately centered on the belt line. Experiment until you find the most comfortable position for you.

Question 6

Will the LumbarJack interfere with my legs while driving?

Accepted Answer

No. A study of users tested in critical movements such as braking and clutching proved that the LumbarJack does not slow the user. Copies of this study are available upon request.

Question 7

Will use of the BackUp weaken my back muscles over time?

Accepted Answer

Experience shows just the opposite.
 
Doctors internationally are using the back slings to teach their patients to sit straight. Once trained in new habits of good posture, users find it easier to sit properly without the supports. Primarily, the back-sling acts as a guard against slouching and disc damage because it works like an extra muscle to keep the back supported.
 
Unfortunately, the major contributor to back disease and weakness is the common office chair that provides only the illusion of support while causing the user to slouch against the backrest.

Question 8

Will the Better Back products improve the health of my back?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!
 
By keeping you from slouching, the back slings can actually prevent progressive spinal deformation and disc degeneration. It is critical to the long-term health of your back that the alignment of the vertebrae be maintained with the natural curves in the back. 
 
As your sitting and standing posture improves episodes of mechanical back pain diminish.

Question 9

Can I use the BackUp in an airline, soft chair or couch?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, the BackUp will effectively improve your posture in any chair.
 
The back-sling provides the additional lumbar support that most seat backs lack. When using the sling to augment an existing back support, it isn't necessary to tighten the straps as much as when you are depending on the sling for full support.

Question 10

Can I use the BackUp while wearing a dress?

Accepted Answer

Yes - simply tuck the dress or skirt down enough to allow the straps to engage the knees.

faq

Frequently asked questions