I have worn a variety of back belts over the years as I have 3 damaged disks. I don't wear one every day, as most are bulky and uncomfortable under clothing. When my pain flares up tho, I do wear this belt or an earlier version of it to decrease the pain. The difference is in the magnets. Other belts support my back, but they do nothing for the pain. The magnets in this belt decrease the pain and the effects last past the time I actually wear it. I have bought 4 of these over the last ten years ( I keep one at work, one at home, one in my car, and I have loaned them out to friends in pain). The beauty of this listed belt is that Homedics has added a pocket for a gel pak (included) so that I can ice my back as I am wearing it. I have learned that icing my back is preferable to applying heat, so I don't have the issues others have with reheating the gel pac. I also like the XL size, because it can also be worn lower to relieve my hip and sciatica pain . Great product !!