I have chronic SI joint pain and lower back pain in general, and one of my horses in particular really seems to aggravate things as my back is always achy after riding him. I often have muscle spasms and tightness and I was looking into getting a BOT back brace to see if that helped. Anyone used one for a similar issue? How did it work? Can you ride with it on?
I know there are others on the market, so I am open to suggestions for one that may work better for my situation!
I love my BOT back brace! I have old ruptured discs in my lower back and have had a couple riding falls where I tweaked myself pretty good. I highly recommend the brace plus acupuncture. That has given the most relief, plus robaxin when an episode is fresh & painful. Often if I feel a twinge of something happening I’ll put on the brace and it prevents me from getting a muscle spasm that makes me crooked. You can ride with it, it will be warm, though 
Be sure to order a smaller size - like if you think you’re a small/medium, get small size. They stretch a bit over time.
Hi,
I have two cracked disks in my lower back that are sensitive to too much movement on the horse. It wasn’t until I started riding in a back brace that I could canter or sit a trot without discomfort. I just bought one from Walgreens though. Works great for support. I have fallen in it twice and where I would have thought I’d have re-injured my back, I didn’t (other places, though!)
TIP: If you have back issues where nerves get pinched (as I have had) go to an accupuncturist for cupping. It helps the healing process by at least 70%, (where it used to take a month or two to get back to normal, after cupping it’s only a couple of weeks).
Yeah, a back brace is hot and makes you sweat, but the protection is worth it.
LOVE BOT stuff
I swear by my BOT knee brace.
@Write&Ride Haha I do sometimes “steal” Robaxin from my KS horse (who ironically is the one who hurts MY back) when my back is hurting, good stuff 
I’ve not tried acupuncture for my back, but have for other issues. I’ll ask about that my next appt!
Glad to hear people who have the BOT brace love it, sounds like it’s definitely worth trying. Thanks for the replies!
Horrible muscle spasms here. BOT brace is very good. I also do the Mckenzie Method exercises. Robin Mckenzie’s book was a game changer for me. I also have recovered from herniated disc and have permanent nerve damage in my leg, but it doesn’t affect me at all. Good luck back issues just plain suck.
I have a herniated L4/L5 that caused severe sciatica for over a year. I love my BOT back brace. I rode in it and wore it at work in the latter part of my recovery. These days I don’t use the brace as much, but wear my BOT leggings a lot to ease the remaining issues that occasionally get aggravated running and riding.
I have 2, possibly more, compressed discs in my back. I bought a BOT back brace last year and love it. I went for the more expensive option with the side adjustments, and it’s made a huge difference in my comfort.
I wear it over my shirt because it rubs my skin otherwise, but I can ride in it comfortably, and it’s a must when picking up a load of hay.
Love mine, thankful that I haven’t had to use it much…unlike my knee brace, I live in that
I can’t comment on the brace, but I sleep in the BOT t-shirts. They’re a big help! I also rely on weekly acupuncture to stay comfortable. Back pain is just plain miserable.
I have the back brace and like it a lot! Unfortunately I don’t wear it as much as I would like to/ should because when the weather is above 65 or so I just find it too hot. I have been thinking about ordering some shirts to see if those may be helpful without getting too hot.
A good riding friend uses a BOT back brace and it absolutely makes a positive difference in her comfort.
I need my BOT back brace to live. Unfortunately I’ve misplaced mine so the end is nigh, folks.
SI joint dysfunction here, so it helps keep me together. I notice a big improvement over fences and when doing stalls.
Well okay then! It’s a unanimous consensus - I’m off to order one! Thanks for all of the feedback everyone
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