I feel sorry and sometimes guilty when I read the stories about what Medicare will and will not pay for and the medications. I'm a disable veteran but it still have it's challenges. For instance with my consistent leg pain I feel massages help.me tremendously, the VA hasn't paid for 2 times physical therapy, acupuncture, and now aquatic therapy, but they want me to go through another 8 hour course and they may pay for massage therapy. I will just pay out of pocket. 8 weeks is a long time to wait for something that helps me out now. I'm grateful for the VA in a lot of aspects, I could not imagine all the doctor visits and procedures and having to come out of pocket. God bless us all and I pray for a cure for this disease. Oh I had a niece that passed in Memphis 2 weeks ago and I actually drove down to her celebration of life service which was 8 hours down and 8 hours back, to my surprise, I made the trip all alone and it was a success. That felt great and a sense of accomplishment for me.

Is this a back brace for your lower back? I wear one when I’m doing work, like working in the yard. I don’t see why it should cost $500. That seems excessive. I saw them advertised, for instance on Amazon for around $20 up to $60. Besides, with a prescription from a doctor, Medicare does pay for them.

Especially when I have this wrong
A pinched nerve usually requires a comprehensive treatment plan including rest, ice/heat therapy, stretching exercises, and physical therapy alongside brace usage. 

Wearing a brace for too long can lead to muscle weakness in the back due to reduced muscle activation, potentially worsening the problem in the long run.

AngieNixon and Jamie,
After my spinal fusion surgery, I wore a specially fitted back brace for 6-8 months.
Now with mm, I was sent to a specialist who fitted me with a back brace to cover my fractured vertebrae.
It was 2,000 but covered by Medicare and my supplement.
I only wear when I go out in the car ( I don’t drive) or out walking or shopping.
I also wear a cervical collar, which I bought on line.