We are finding out that maybe the inside of the disc is torn, which does not show up on scans, and does not respond to medication. Training is used to teach people to hold their head in the right way, so as not to continue the tearing. Once diagnosed, it is relatively easily fixable. A colleague was operated on on Monday, and was back to work on Friday. It is not terribly involved.
Many doctors tell patients that their back pain is all in their heads.
They are not at all effective at mechanically protecting the back. Most people don't even cinch them up. It is more of a reminder. It does not truly protect your back, however. Weightlifters, on the other hand, cinch theses bands very tightly, which creates pressure and strenghthens your spine.