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Do SI Belts Help?

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Posted 5/20/2011 12:04 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone with sacroiliitis or other similar issues (I also have issues with my piriformis muscle) tried an SI belt?  Does it help?  Do you wear it all the time or only when doign a lot of walking, chores, etc?  Does it affect how your clothes fit?  Does it allow you to exercise (i.e. I can no longer exercise as it always causes more pain or a flare up after a few exercise times and would love to hear it gives enough support that I'll be able to exercise again).  Would love to hear other people's experiences.
Posted 5/20/2011 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
My L5-S1 disk is gone and I tried the SI belt...It was pure torture for me...made me hurt even more. :(
Posted 5/21/2011 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Yikes.  I'm so sorry.  Wonder why it made things worse?
Posted 5/21/2011 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
It put too much pressure in the joint. The insert on it felt like a brick to me.

My therapist and back doctor told me never wear a brace longer than a week because the muscles become dependent on it and it will hurt more to take it off. They told me to strengthen the muscles to help support the joint better. The stronger the muscles the less pain in the joint. Believe it or not it does work. Back last August I was so kinked up in spasms I couldn't walk without a back brace or a cane. Even then I was in constant agony. I decided to see the back doctor about it, went through two months of therapy and now it only hurts if I bend from the hips longer than a minute.
Posted 5/21/2011 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
I use my SI belt only when jogging or walking, to support my pelvis. When I first got it, I wore it around the clock for a week or so because my sacroileitis had caused me to tear a large muscle in my back. Once I started PT for the muscle injury and got stronger, I only wore the belt when exercising.

The piriformis spasm that you have is a result of the sacroileitis, not a separate condition. Once you get your pelvis into better shape (strength, flexibility) you will be able to address the piriformis more effectively. I think the SI belt will help by stabilizing your pelvis and taking some of the irritation out of the piriformis.

Have the physical therapist show you how to get your pelvis back in alignment if it is skewed due to the sacroileitis. THEN put on the belt.
Posted 5/22/2011 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
couchtater, someone else on here also commented about the muscles becomming dependent on the belt.  Glad to hear that you've been able to strengthen your muscles and it's helped overall.

kazbern, I believe you're the one that mentioned the piriformis muscle to me.  Was going to ask the PT about it, but she mentioned it before I got a chance.  Thank you for describing the SI belt and the muscle. That's what I"m hoping..to only wear it during exercise and long walks (and to be able to do both). 

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