Back in 1956, the late Robin McKenzie, OBE CNZM, made a chance discovery in his clinic in Wellington that changed the nature of back pain treatment and knowledge worldwide. This accidental treatment success, with a patient suffering from severe low-back pain and sciatica, led Robin McKenzie to develop what is now known globally as the ‘McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and therapy’. It was viewed as radical at the time, and even derided by the established medical wisdom, but the McKenzie Method, developed over decades, has since received international recognition and acclaim. It is taught at postgraduate level by the prestigious McKenzie Institute International in some 40 countries worldwide.
Patient education and empowerment is central to the method, especially education about postural maintenance.
Just how significant this work was is best illustrated by the breakthrough he made while still crusading to have his methods understood and acknowledged: McKenzie developed the world’s first lumbar roll — now a key technology in both car seat design and back treatment! He had realized that correct spinal supports were vital for his patients if they were to remain pain free. Robin’s wife, Joy, made the first ones on their kitchen table. He then set about designing and developing a specialized range of portable spinal supports for different needs.
Since then, the Original McKenzie range of rolls have been used by millions of people worldwide in the treatment and prevention of back pain. Toyota was the first car company to pick up on this, carrying out two years of research which led to the world’s first in-seat lumbar support in a production car, the Toyota Corona, in 1995. McKenzie Global has now re-engineered its range of lumbar rolls, launched as its new Signature Range. They are made with durable injection-moulded foam, which retains its supportive qualities. They are covered with a warm suede-type fabric, complete with embroidery detail and removable, adjustable straps. These rolls are certified and proudly New Zealand–made. McKenzie says the rolls are suitable for use anywhere — office, home, or car.
As road trips look likely to be one of the few options for getting away this summer, an ‘Original McKenzie Signature Roll’ or two might deal to the threat of the aching back which hangs over every long-distance traveller. While you are on holiday, maybe treat your own back to a holiday by getting an Original McKenzie Signature Roll or two. To order, or see more on ‘the method’, see mckenziemethod.com.
