TheraPAQ Extra Large Lumbar Ice Pack Review

As someone who deals with chronic back pain, I am always interested in a good extra large lumbar ice pack. This model from TheraPAQ is highly rated and deserves a look if you are in the market for a big cold pack. Oh yeah, it has a hidden little secret too, so be sure to stay tuned!

What do I know about back pain and icing?

I have chronic back pain, and it is no fun at all. This all started back in 1999 when I had back surgery, something I regret to this day. There have been many setbacks along the way the most crushing one in late 2015.

I was working out at the gym doing things I should not have been doing. I got sloppy and I admit that. My form had deteriorated and I was lifting in ways a guy with a bad back should not be.

Anyway, I ended up with a sprained pelvis and a blown disc. I was dealing with spinal stenosis, which basically forced me to be bent over about 30 degrees or so at the waist. I figured I was doomed and surgery would be my only option. But alas, I went to see a chiropractor and there was hope for me.

The first step for me was to ice my lower back and ice it a lot. I was icing 5-8 times per day, morning, noon, and night as they say. About 15 minutes per session, and this would help to reduce swelling so that adjustments could be made.

TheraPAQ Extra Large Lumbar Ice Pack

13,451 Reviews

TheraPAQ Reusable Ice Packs - 14x11 Hot/Cold Gel for Hip, Shoulder, Knee, Back - Sports Therapy

HEAT OR FREEZE - Some like it hot, some prefer it cool. Luckily you don't have to choose with this ice pack! Stick it in the microwave for instant cramp relief or freeze it to soothe any soreness.
REUSABLE - We all know Earth doesn't need any more detritus laying around. Skip the guilt by using our reusable ice packs for back, torso, and shoulder soreness instead!
ADJUSTABLE STRAP - Soothe even the most hard-to-reach areas with this knee and shoulder ice pack. The straps can be adjusted to provide relief to where it hurts.
FLEXIBLE - Heated or frozen, this cold pack bends and folds with ease. Perfect as a compress for a sports injury, postpartum discomfort, or sore muscles.
DURABLE - Reusable, durable fabric surrounding the gel ensures no leakage from this large ice pack. Take it with you to hike, practice a sport, or while you recover from surgery.

I figured out the best way for me to apply ice was to lay on the floor with a bag of ice under my lower back. This way I could prop my legs up on a stool, or some pillows, and maintain sort of a bent over, stenosis position and do all that icing.

I started out with ice in a Ziploc bag full of ice and quickly realized that the ice cubes poking me in the lower back was not comfortable at all. I started looking for an ice pack instead.

TheraPAQ reusable ice pack

Now that we know what to look for in an ice pack, I want to introduce this model from TheraPaq. First off, I think you will love the straps that come with this pack. This is super handy when you are on the go and want to ice. Or if you just don’t want to be tied down while you are at home. Sure, it’s nice to take a 15-minute break and lay down to ice, when you can, but that isn’t always the case.

The elastic straps will allow you to wrap the ice pack around your lower back for the ride home from the gym for instance. After a good workout, if you want to ice your lower back, just strap the ice pack on and you are good to go.

When I was recovering from spinal stenosis, I was icing a lot, and I would use a gel pack with straps while I was working. The pack stays in place with the straps, and you can even put it on under your clothing.

A multiple use ice pack

This extra large lumbar ice pack isn’t just for your lower back, you can strap it to your shoulder, your knee, your hip, just about anywhere you need to ice. That is the beauty of this ice pack, you can use it so many different ways.

Can be hot or cold

I haven’t touched on this perk, but this TheraPAQ unit can be used as a hot or cold pack. You can simply microwave or freeze the pack as needed. This model comes with one hot/cold pack and one wrap.

Pros

Extra large size covers a lot of areas
Elastic straps allow you to wrap the ice pack around your body
Can be used as a hot or cold pack
You can use it while you are on the go

Cons

Some people say it’s not cold enough (this, of course, is subjective)

Conclusion: Extra large lumbar ice pack

What makes a good ice pack?

Pliable – You definitely want an ice pack that will form to the area you need to ice down. Plus you may end up using the ice pack on other parts of your body, so the ice pack needs to be malleable.
Durable – Another key factor is to buy an ice pack that is durable and will withstand being frozen and thawed over and over again. I have experience with some ice packs that started leaking after a few uses from being used too much I guess.
Freezes fast – If you plan on using an ice pack several times during the day, like for an injury, you will want a pack that freezes fast so you can use it again in a few hours. I can certainly assure you that not all ice packs are created equal when it comes to freezing times.
Long lasting – Not just from how long the life of the ice pack is, but will it stay cold for a long time. You don’t want an ice pack that will start to warm up after just a few minutes.

With that criteria in mind, TheraPAQ has a winner in this ice pack. Their Extra Large Lumbar Ice Pack is a great option whether you are recovering from an injury or icing down after a tough workout. You can use the elastic straps to wrap the pack around your lower back, or wherever you need to really.

You will like the size and versatility of this ice pack and there are a lot of positive customer reviews. The ice pack is portable, pliable, and is offered at a fair price.