I had a herniated disc in November and started using this belt for pain relief and to tone the muscles lumbaire. I used the belt for six months, every evening for an hour or so, and whenever will aussi I Had bread. Once it's on no force is required. It works very well. No. I need to use it along purpose will keep it incase of a relapse. As a result of using this belt I my Reduced intake of ibuprofen.