What's the easiest way to reduce a six foot two inch thirty-two year old husky ginger to tears? Bambi? No. Well, .....actually yes. But not because I'm vegan...because I have a soul. Toy Story 3? Also......yes. But I'm talking about sciatica y'all. That leg numbing beast that almost derailed my attempt at the Leadville 100.
Im no stranger to sciatica. Since college I've dealt with spats of it here and there. It would slowly creep into my life and I'd slowly take steps to slowly get it back under control.But now, with only six weeks of training before I attempt my first 100 mile ultra marathon, there couldn't possibly be a worse time to experience the gnarliest sciatica flare-up of my life. It came on faster than ever before and, with the help of a genius new back brace, left faster than ever before.
Anyone who has seen a medical professional for help with their sciatica has almost certainly been told to wear a back-brace during recovery. It decreases movement, promotes proper posture, and gives pelvic and lower spine support...all things that create a positive healing environment for your spine. Serendipitously, I had came upon the new Bio Skin Vector Back Brace just days before my flare-up and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.
Ill attempt to avoid gushing but it's going to be difficult. This is a typical back brace on steroids. The Lamborghini of back braces. Worth. Every. Penny.
Heres why...
First, the quality. If you've used other Bio Skin products you know full well that they don't mess around when it comes to material and build quality. This thing is rugged, hand washable, and impeccably designed.
Second, the Bio Skin Vector Back Brace has a built-in slot for a heat/ice pack and comes with a heat/ice pack perfectly sized for this pocket. A huge advantage over a standard issue back brace.
Lastly, the Bio Skin Vector doesn't only offer the traditional level of support from the main body of the brace. After you put the brace on and close the front main Velcro closure there are two additional tabs attached to a system of pulleys surrounding the brace that allow you to add ann additional layer of support. This additional support applies the desired amount of pressure to the back lumbar support of the brace pulling it in toward your lower back giving you even more support exactly where you need it most. The tabs can be attached at any level of support you choose and easily and securely attach to the brace using Bio Akin's super strong Velcro closures.