OPTP The Original McKenzie Lumbar Roll – Firm Density Low Back Support

*I don't understand why this lumbar support pillow is categorized as a toy but let's continue on nonetheless* I purchased this lumbar support pillow about 3 weeks ago. I work in education and sit in very hard (student) chairs from 7:30am to 3:45pm. Needless to say that by the end of the day, my back is completely out of commission. To make matters worse, I was recently diagnosed by my Orthopedic with Degenerative Disc Disease or simply Black Disc Disease which means in the shortest amount of words as possible....MY BACK HUUURTS...always...all day, every day. I had to do or find something that would give my back some sort of relief while sitting in these horrid chairs all day long. This pillow fit the bill perfectly. It is FIRM density(as it says in the title of the product)...which for me is exactly what I needed and wanted, nice and firm so that it wouldn't fold over or flatten out whenever I used it to support my lower back. I bring it with me every day, class to class. It has a strap that hugs the back rest to keep it in place which is something I find very useful. It has definitely improved my back pain. I've noticed that when I sit for 1 or 2 hours in the same chair helping students, when I get up I'm not limping around for a few minutes trying to acclimate myself to the standing position. Instead, I get up and go. That alone tells me that it is working and I'm grateful to have it. I definitely recommend.

OMG! I LOVE this thing! I have bought several high end chairs (the mid-end was best support and using that one now) and at least a hundred lumbar or back support items over the years. None worked well for me except one. And Ive tried every version. One I bought at a swap meet and wore out, I could never find again or anything like it. It was vertical and not horizontal like this one, and was great for office chairs at work but it wore out over some years and I couldn't fasten it anymore. Since then I have not been comfortable. I bought this one on a whim after I took a recent remote job with really long hours at my desk which had my back screaming all over again. I got the "firm" one and let me tell you, it is a game changer. Its exactly what I needed and fits my chair perfectly (rare). It doesn't budge and it gives me firm support and feels sooooooooooooooooo good!! I finally tossed my rolled-up towel that kept unraveling each time I stood up! I will definitely buy it again whenever I travel or go back in the office. Great investment! Back feels GREAT!

Finally a cushion of substance. So many cushions are "memory foam" that just goes flat almost instantly they are useless. This is a solid core of firm foam. leaning my (5'10" 200lb) back into feel great. The one minor downside: The strap would be so much easier if it was hook and lock ('velcro') then a cinch tight or instead of one end being sewn into the cushion it should be hooks on both end to allow easy replacement.

First, to address the 3 main concerns I saw in the bad reviews before deciding to purchase: 1. Yes, it IS difficult to stuff the foam back into its cover after removing the plastic. That said, I also struggle to get the foam back in my dog's orthopedic bed after washing the cover. That's just how it is if you want foam that fills the cover. 2. The cover IS NOT a heavy high quality material. This probably isn't something you would want a thick cover for, though - it would diminish the benefits of the foam. Do you encase your memory foam mattress in heavy canvas? Probably not, because it wouldn't feel as nice or be as effective. However, the cover WILL likely tear with frequent removal/washing. 3. Foam breakdown. This I can't speak on because I haven't had it long enough. I will say that you shouldn't leave it in your car because heat breaks foam down pretty fast. It also breaks down with heavy daily use, which is one of the reasons running shoes don't last forever. Those are valid concerns, but I feel they would be the same for any roll made with this type of foam. Now for the PROS: 1. This is the first time I've been able to sit down, without lower back pain, in a while. This thing is perfect. If the cover rips, I will repair it. 2. See #1 above. I went back and forth trying to decide between standard and firm. Ultimately, I decided on firm because at 5'7 and 200lb I'm on the heavier side. I can see how some would find it too hard, but it's just right for me. I can use it in chairs, and even lay on it on the squishy couch (but I think it would be too hard to try that on a less forgiving surface).

I have had chronic lower back pain for over 40 years, and countless surgeries have not alleviated my pain. I have to actively and continually manage my pain levels anyway I am able. That includes the use of lumbar cushions. The one spot that has been most aggravating for me is the sofa. Every lumbar pillow I have tried there has been a fail, that is, until I found this one. First of all, the strap is a huge help - the pillow stays precisely where I need the relief. The support is amazing - not too much, and not too little, but just right. I love this thing.

A little background for this review: I am a 28 y/o physical therapist approx 5'10", 150 lbs. I've had two episodes of low back pain, the first one while I was a college athlete in 2011, and the second currently taking place with onset about a week ago. For my first episode of low back pain I experienced good outcomes with physical therapy treatment that was heavily utilizing the McKenzie MDT approach. Because the insurance I have through my new job is not effective until March, I've been self-managing and treating my symptoms, which definitely fall into the classification of lumbar derangement- I most likely have a herniated disc. My new job is in home health so it involves A LOT of driving, which has been terrible for my back... So to Amazon I went in search of a seating modification tool that would at least help me maintain adequate lumbar lordosis in my car seat. I'm already a huge fan of the McKenzie approach so the roll was a no brainer in my decision making process. Upon reading the reviews of people complaining that the roll flattened with use, I decided to order the firm. Big mistake. After two days of use I had to give up as it provided too much corrective force and actually made my symptoms worse. The roll is still a good concept for preventing poor seated posture, BUT: I recommend that if you're not a heavier person, or don't have a lot of range of motion for lumbar extension, and especially if your symptoms are more acute, get the softer roll. Also, the roll is merely a postural intervention meant for use adjunctly with other interventions depending on the presentation of your symptoms. If you are ordering this as a solo, magic fix for your back pain, you may not experience success. *THIS REVIEW IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. NOT ALL BACK PAIN IS THE SAME. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING BACK PAIN, VISIT A QUALIFIED AND LICENSED HEALTH PRACTITIONER FOR SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT!*

My pt recommends this and it works well on our long hours on the road. It takes a little while to get used to but helps my sciatica too!

Works as advertised. I’d advise getting the firmer option. Firm is not all that firm; anything less would be mushy & offer inadequate support/resistance.

This lumbar support is extremely good for your back. I have placed it in my chair and it does a great job of supporting my lower back .. it is firm as described and would recommend this to anyone who wants a firm lower back support .. since this is imported it is quite pricey but worth it ...

Always shifting

Propaganda enganosa! O produto nao e original e nao tem a densidade firme.

Simply excellent. It's not soft nor firmly stiff. After using it for more than 2 weeks, my back pain during long hours driving is gone.

A mí me a funcionado muy bien, tuve una cirugía de columna lumbar y está la uso en mi oficina y me proporciona la postura recomendada x el fisiterapeuta es de un material lavable y no más bien rígido no es blando