I personally think it could be. I also have back problems (Thoracic and Lumbar). I called the contact person with Smart Vest. I bought my best durring the height of Covid and my instructions were done by zoom and the person had my program set TOO HIGH! It was jarring me to the point of feeling my head shaking, A respiratory therapist/technician came to the house when I called and reset the program to about 1/2 the intensity that the other lady had set it.

Now it is not bothering my back, but I only use it for 15 minutes at the time. It increases through 3 different speeds and intensities during every 5 minutes. The highest intensity is lower than the lowest one that the 1st tech had set it on. I would suggest having a trained person with that vest to work with you and your fragile back before giving it up completely,