Neo-G Clavicle Brace - Back Support for Early Kyphosis, Rounded Shoulders, Pain Relief, Muscular Aches, Rehab - Fully Adjustable - Class 1 Medical Device - M - Tan

I have terrible posture and I sit at a desk all day, so my back bothers me often. On top of all that, I seriously hurt my back a couple of months ago while helping my husband move bags of concrete (i.e., laid up in the bed for several days with terrible muscle spasms). I would describe it as my middle back that I hurt, but I think technically it's my upper back. My back is better now, but some days it feels fragile, so I looked into a back brace to wear on those days.I first tried a lower back brace from a big box store, but the top of it hit me right where my back hurts and actually made it feel worse. So I started looking for an upper back brace. It is really hard to find an upper back brace, as opposed to just a posture corrector, but I am so glad I found this one. I ordered the Medium based on the size chart, but the shoulder straps cut into me pretty badly. My waist is 31.5", and the short straps that only go around my waist fit fine. But the long straps that wrapped around my shoulders were too short, and I suspect that's because I'm 5'8", which is a little taller than average. So if you're taller than average, you might consider going up a size.I ordered the large, and I love it. I've worn it several times on days my back wasn't bothering me just to try it out. It definitely corrects your posture when you're wearing it. My back has only bothered me a couple of days since I received it, but I wore the brace on both of those days, and it made my back feel so much better. The pads on the shoulder straps can be a little uncomfortable, but if I'm deciding between uncomfortable straps and back pain, I'll choose uncomfortable straps any day. I found the pads were the most comfortable if the top was near the top of my shoulders and the bottom just started to go under my armpits. That still seemed to keep the straps in place.(On a side note, you can't actually exchange this item since it's a medical device, but Amazon did refund my money, so I could order the large. I asked the Seller (Online Sports Support Store) if they wanted to send me a shipping label to send the medium directly back to them, but they said that unfortunately it didn't make financial sense because of the shipping costs when not shipping through Amazon. I like this product so much that I didn't want the medium to go to waste, so I paid to ship it back to the seller. I work for a pretty big company, so I was able to ship it for relatively cheap through them.)

They were definitely on the right track with this -- the materials used are strong and yet thin to go under clothes. The design is right on the mark -- only they screwed up with the length of the straps that go over the shoulders and are supposed to cross in back then Velcro closed in front. I'm usually an XL but I decided to play it safe and order a 2XL because it's much easier to shorten than to lengthen straps. As it comes from the seller, there is no way a human of any proportions would find the shoulder straps long enough! So I now have made a custom extension strap out of a 3" wide elastic band with Velcro sewn at each end (on opposite sides) to run across my belly and connect up the two shoulder straps in front. At my size, this strap measures about 2 1/2 feet long. It needs to be the exact size you need to close the two shoulder straps across the front of your body. I think the manufacturer probably figured this out before they designed the package because, when you look at the illustrations, you can see that they cleverly omitted any views of the front of the "model" with the device fully applied!

Because of pain exacerbated by sitting in a chair where I can't lean back to support my upper back and neck, I ordered this brace. I had one that fit around the arms and fastened in the back like a bra but it cut off the circulation in my arms quickly so I couldn't use it very long. The same thing happens with this brace if I wear it in the configuration pictured on amazon site and the product box. If I wear it with the straps going under my arms, it's very hard to stretch the straps long enough to fasten them in front, making the product seem "too small." Also, the circulation is cut off in my arms, making it even more uncomfortable than the support device I was replacing. So, I place the straps over my shoulders (using the cushions there), cross them in an "X" on my chest, then wrap them around my waist and fasten them in the back. This may not be the ideal configuration but it does help support my upper back and keep it straight without torturing me in other ways. The brace has extended the time I can sit comfortably and concentrate before I have to take a break. I still can't go very long but any improvement is welcome. I can put it on over my clothes for driving and when it gets cooler, I'll try try some yard work with it. If I could wear it the way it's designed, I'd give it a 5.

This product runs very, very small. I can't say "very" enough. As a size M in a women's t-shirt, I ordered an XL, following the reviews of the other reviewers. The shoulder straps are too short and by the time they wrap around and connect, the straps dig into your armpits, causing friction/burns. What makes the sizing problematic is that this product is NOT returnable. I received the brace yesterday, wore it today and said, "No way." When a manufacturer does not offer a return policy, I have to wonder why - because they finally dumped something marketed deceptively and made their money? Especially frustrating for a product in the realm of a medical device where we just want relief from pain. I should have read their return policy. You should, too. Lesson learned. By the way, a similar product call Posture Corrector Brace by ufeelgood.us is appropriately sized, and you will be much happier. I bought a size Medium from them and the fit is accurate.

Very uncomfortable