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Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt

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Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt

Overall Rating

2.2

40 Customer Reviews

Summary

Dr. Ho’s Decompression Belt claims to provide in-home relief from chronic, acute back pain using gentle and effective traction, by using it for 30 minutes per session. Research shows that it may work but not always if you have certain underlying conditions.

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Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt Reviews - Does It Provide Back Pain Relief?

By Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S

Updated on: Mar 25, 2020

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What is Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt?

Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt is a device claimed to offer relief from back pain by decompressing your spine.

Dr. Ho states that the Decompression Belt offers 2-in-1 relief; it supports your lower back and also stretches your spine to reduce pressure.

Specifically, his Decompression Belt is said to:

  • Offer decompression through spinal traction
  • Relieve inflammation and allow nutrients better access to the spine
  • Support and strengthen your lower back
  • Stretch tight muscles and ease stiffness
  • Reduce the load of the upper body on your lower back

According to his site, Dr. Michael Ho is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and Acupuncture with over 30-years' experience helping people relieve pain. Part of his mission is to provide the tools necessary to achieve pain relief on your own, without the need for expensive medical treatments.

His Decompression Belt is just one option he offers. But is it the tool you need to relieve your back pain?

In this article, we'll discuss spinal decompression, review how the belt works, and highlight any pertinent scientific research that investigated the safety and efficacy of this product.

Vertebral Anatomy

Your spine, or vertebral column, is made up of a series of vertebrae. These are stacked on top of one another, forming a column that extends from your skull to your tailbone.

There are 3 segments, all with distinct features.

  1. The 7 cervical spine vertebrae support your head.
  2. The 12 thoracic spine vertebrae support your arms and trunk.
  3. The 5 vertebrae in your lumbar spine bear much of your body weight.

Your vertebral column plays many essential roles. It transmits and protects your spinal cord. The column provides a point of attachment for many of your muscles and ligaments. It also works as a shock absorber, dispersing the forces placed on your body.

The intervertebral discs between each vertebra also work as shock absorbers and promote flexibility and mobility by keeping your vertebrae spaced appropriately.

As your lumbar spine bears the most weight, these discs are often affected the most. Over time, these discs can degenerate and cause pain.

Supposedly, this is where Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt may be able to offer relief.

How Does the Decompression Belt Work?

DR-Ho's Decompression Belt is an inflatable device that he claims can both support your lower back, as well as apply traction to your lumbar spine.

Spinal traction is synonymous with distracting or decompressing. It essentially means to apply forces that pull your vertebrae apart, rather than compress them. This action relieves the forces applied to your intervertebral discs.

Dr. Ho claims that his belt can offer relief in as little as 30-minutes. Though the belt is portable and offers convenience, there are many steps you should follow to ensure you maximize your benefits.

How to Use:

  1. Place the fully deflated belt around your waist with the bottom of the belt cradling the top of your hip.
  2. Close the metal-air valve on the belt by turning it clockwise.
  3. Clip the air pump nozzle onto the metal-air valve on the belt tightly to prevent air leakage while pumping.
  4. To pump, push all the way down and lift your foot off entirely with each stroke.
  5. Once fully inflated, you will hear the air release from the safety air release valve on the foot pump.
  6. At this point, remove the nozzle from the belt.
  7. When you've finished your session, deflate the belt by turning the metal air valve counterclockwise.

While inflating the belt is thought to offer decompression, it doesn't always need to be used in this manner. When not inflated, Dr. Ho claims that his belt will act as a support brace by stabilizing and strengthening your lower back during activity.

Is There Any Science Backing These Claims?

As your lower back pain can be related to any number of sources, the available treatment can be just as variable. Often, this can include multiple doctor visits, medications, or even surgery.

Is there a more effective and less effective way of finding relief?

In this section, we'll review available research, if any, that supports the claims made by Dr. Ho regarding his Decompression Belt.

Spinal Decompression

Surgical decompression is the final destination for many with chronic low back pain. While these procedures have been well studied and seem to offer favorable outcomes, our literature review focused on the proposed benefits of nonsurgical decompression.

In 31 patients, those that received spinal decompression therapy for 30 minutes daily over 8-weeks experienced improved abdominal muscle function, as well as improved scores regarding the severity of their disc disease. The decompressive device was not an inflatable belt, however.

Another study used a device similar to Dr. Ho's belt to determine the ability to restore spinal height that is lost during exercises that place compressive forces upon the spine.

The belt used in this study restored spinal height after exercise quicker than the control group. These were healthy subjects, so pain measures were not investigated, however.

Another study examined the effects of a similar belt in 41 patients with chronic low back pain. They found that 43/41 patients treated with the decompression belt experienced subjective and clinical improvements, including reduced pain.

Keep in mind, these patients used the belt for 60-minutes 3 times each day over 5-weeks.

While both surgical and nonsurgical methods of spinal decompression have been researched, there are not many studies available that specifically looked at inflatable decompression belts similar to Dr. Ho's product.

The limited studies available that used comparable devices did offer promising results. However, one study included subjects without back pain while the other required use for 3 hours each day.

Safety

As braces are designed to relieve pain, you'd think that the chances of worsening your problem with use would be rare. These devices aren't without risks, however.

The good news is that the studies investigating the effects of belts similar to Dr. Ho's did not report any serious adverse effects, even with 3-hours of use per day.

Most often, the unwanted effects of wearing braces are related to poor fitting. If the fit isn't secure, you are unlikely to notice any relief. If the fit is too snug, you run the risk of damaging skin and impairing blood circulation.

Also, your core muscles are designed to support your spine. Thus, steps should be taken to improve their ability to do so, not prevent it.

Prolonged use of bracing serves to support your lower back, reducing the need for your core muscles to work. Over time this can actually weaken these muscles and further aggravate back pain.

Patients with acute lumbar injuries, spinal or pelvic fractures, and those with severe osteoporosis should not use the belt. Similarly, pregnant women and children should not use this device.

Lastly, inflating this device over wounds, fractured ribs, or if you have difficulty breathing may be harmful.

You should always speak with a physician before use to first determine the cause of your back pain. If the source is more serious, treatment beyond this belt may be required.

Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt Cost

The belt alone will run you $199.96 (Basic Package).

For $329.99, the Deluxe Package includes the belt as well as the following:

  • Everything in the Basic Package
  • Magic Heat Pad ($19.99 value)
  • DR-HO'S Pain Therapy System Pro ($219.99 value)
  • 8 Small Replacement Pads
  • 2 Large Replacement Pads
  • Travel Foot Therapy Pads
  • Travel Bag

You can also opt for the Ultimate Package for $379.99 which includes the following:

  • Everything in Deluxe Package
  • DR-HO'S Pain Therapy Belt ($59.99 value)
  • DR-HO'S Pain Therapy Belt Replacement Pads ($19.99 value)

You may be able to get your Decompression Belt at little to no cost. If you have Medicare, Dr. Ho recommends calling 1-(800)-437-2701 to see if you're pre-approved to have them cover your belt.

Lastly, you can return your belt for a full refund within 90-days if you are not satisfied. To process your return, call 1-888-373-8163 or email at drho@drhonow.com.

You can also obtain Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt on Amazon for $32.99 or $49.99, depending on your size. Either way, that is considerably cheaper than the pricing offered on Dr. Ho's site.

Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt

Buy Dr. Ho's 2-in-1 Decompression Belt from Amazon:

Dr. Ho’s Decompression Belt is available on Amazon in two sizes: 25x41 inch ($32.99) and 42x55 inch ($49.99). Shipping is free. Additional popular Dr. Ho's products are available on Amazon as well.

$32.99 (25x41 inch)

$49.99 (42x55 inch)

Shop Best Sellers

The Bottom Line

Decompression, whether surgical or nonsurgical, seems to be a viable option for relief depending on the cause and severity of your back pain.

Dr. Ho's belt is unlikely to relieve chronic and severe pain or pain associated with fractures, for example.

While various nonsurgical decompression methods have been tested, there aren't many studies that have tested inflatable belts. The results from studies that tested belts most similar to Dr. Ho's included healthy individuals or treatment regimens lasting 3-hours each day.

Therefore, you may not see much benefit if you're not in pain or if you are unable to dedicate 3-hours daily to wearing your Dr. Ho Decompression Belt.

The risk for harm is low when used as directed. Studies did not report adverse effects related to the belt, though be sure to determine the proper fit adequately.

Part of your pain may be related to your core muscles working inefficiently. If this is the case, simply wearing Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt won't solve the problem. In fact, prolonged use may even weaken these muscles further.

As there are a number of causes for low back pain, it's important first to identify the source. This involves seeking medical advice. Once you understand the source, you can discuss pain management with your doctor.

Customer Reviews

2.2 Stars out of 40 Reviews
5 Star:22% 4 Star:7% 3 Star:2% 2 Star:5% 1 Star:62%
30% Recommend This Company
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Posted on Nov 1, 2014

Dr. Ho's decompression belt

By Kat , Wisconsin

I tried it for about two weeks and then a small attachment that connects the belt to the pump fell off and I can't find a replacement. The belt is now useless to me. I've put money down the drain.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 219 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 20, 2015

Dr. Ho's Compression Belt

By Donald Matusoff , Chicago, IL

I have had pain in my right leg due to my back. The Dr. Ho's Compression belt has not helped at all. I cannot not feel any support. I have a 32 waist so I ordered the small one. I have seen no effect at all.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 192 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 14, 2015

Hoax

By S A White , Shoreline, WA

I called them in June and was told by the rep that it was to be covered by Medicare if I get a prescription from the doctor. I received the belt and it was defective. I contacted SMS, the company that sent it. They said they would mail me the label so that it could be sent back (waited two weeks) and was sent back.

Then I received a bill from SMS for the balance of the cost showing the belt was paid by Medicare for $1,295.00 and I was shocked since the ultimate package on the web costs only $304.94, that's quite a big difference! I contacted SMS and requested it be canceled but was told the replacement was sent 8/25 along with a return label.

I called them on 9/8 asking why I did not receive and to stop the delivery. I was treated so rudely and with such disrespect. They said that the belt would be delivered by UPS 9/9 and to refuse it. This has been the most horrible buying experience ever from beginning to end!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 410 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 14, 2018

Medicaid ripoff benefits

By Ihssan, Arizona, Verified Reviewer

I purchase the Dr. Ho's Compression Belt on TV and I went through my Medicaid because they told me that I qualify for the benefit. They billed Medicaid $1997, Medicaid paid $888, and now they're going to bill me $226. And the belt only cost $199 on TV. Be very, very careful if you are on Medicaid. They are trying everything they could to rip you off. The belt does not work at all. I'm returning the belt, and they better refund the money back to Medicaid.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 270 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 24, 2018

Garbage

By Jim, Livingston, SC, Verified Reviewer

This is literally a floatation device and does nothing for back pain. I said what I had to say and that's it, it's garbage.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Feb 22, 2019

Hi Jim, we are sorry to hear that you didn't like our Decompression Belt. We would appreciate the opportunity to help troubleshoot your belt. You can reach our Customer Care team at 1-877-374-6669.

Helpful Review? 209 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 15, 2018

The return policy

By Abdul S., Kingston, PA, Verified Reviewer

The return policy is a lie. When you call to order the belt. everyone understands you just fine, but when you have a problem with the belt, as I did, no one understands you. They keep switching you from one person to another having you hold on up to and more than a half hour. My belt was the wrong size and they’ve said they’d send me another about 3-4 times and it’s been about a year and I still have not received it yet!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Feb 22, 2019

Hi Abdul, we are very sorry to hear you had this issue. Exchanging your belt for a different size should not be a difficult thing to do. Was this belt ordered directly from us, from another retailer, or through Medicare? You can reach our Customer Care team at 1-877-374-6669.

Helpful Review? 137 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 3, 2018

Not good!

By Kameron S., Colorado, Verified Reviewer

We ordered the belt. It came with someone else's name and invoice on it so I called customer service. Since I ordered it via Medicare, I got the runaround. It took a total of eight back and forth phone calls before they finally sent us a return label for the mix-up. We tried the new belt, and it still didn't work. Six more calls and I finally decided that the deplorable customer service between the people in Canada and Georgia (the heavy accents leads me to believe the Georgia people are just a relay from another country), the conclusion is their customer service reps are the worst. You can find via a scripted service with little training. The belt is a good product but not to be used for true back ailments! Save your money and get a consult from a local physician it's free, and would probably last longer and be better for you in the long run! Find something else to throw your money at, this isn't it. No golden relief here!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 117 People Have Voted

Posted on Oct 12, 2018

Never received

By Ray E., Lousiana, Verified Reviewer

I ordered and paid for this, but did not get the belt. I cannot get them to answer me at all. Where is my belt or money? I ordered and paid for it on eBay, but I did not get my order. I tried to get an answer but cannot get them to answer me.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Feb 22, 2019

Hi Ray, we do not sell our product on eBay. If you purchased from eBay, you should contact the seller via the channels provided there.

Helpful Review? 74 People Have Voted

Posted on Nov 5, 2018

A $1703.13 rip off

By Terri S., Woodward, IA, Verified Reviewer

I was told Medicare would pay for the belt. They never said it cost $1703.13. They did say I might have to pay $200.00, like that was the cost of the belt. They said they knew how to bill Medicare so it would be paid. I didn't need to worry.

I tried it twice, it caused more pain, I waited a couple of days after the first try before I tried it again, but got the same result. I hurt! I called got a return number and sent it right back. They are still trying to bill Medicare and my secondary insurance for $1703.13. Had I kept it, I would have to pay for that!

Don't fall for this scam! It doesn't work!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 171 People Have Voted

Posted on Jan 4, 2019

Never received it

By France C., Roxbury, MA, Verified Reviewer

I called three months ago and gave all my information, and I'm still waiting for an answer from them and/or my belt. I truly hope they haven't gotten approval from my insurance and just didn't send it to me!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 53 People Have Voted

Posted on Jan 10, 2019

Trash

By Jim H., Ohio, Verified Reviewer

I received the belt a few days ago. Placed the belt around my waist. Pumped it up, stood up, and within the usual 60 seconds, the pain was exactly as always. Just another TV scam. A complete waste of my money and time. I tried it in several different positions. No difference.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Feb 22, 2019

Hi Jim, we would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you to troubleshoot the fit and use of the belt. Please reach out to our Customer Care team at 1-877-374-6669 so we can assist. Thank you.

Helpful Review? 65 People Have Voted
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