The McKenzie Method for Neck and Back Pain


The McKenzie Method is a well-known approach to treating neck and back pain. It consists of two main components:

  1. Assessment, treatment, and prevention strategies by a trained physical therapist
  2. Home exercises done by the patient

The McKenzie Method was designed to extend the spine and move the pain away from the leg or arm to the back, allowing the therapist to treat the source of pain instead of the symptoms.

The long-term goal of the McKenzie Method is training patients to use the exercises to manage their neck and back pain. The treatment does not require any sort of cold therapy, heat therapy, ultrasound, needles, or medicine (but these can all be used alongside the McKenzie Method if desired).

Instead the McKenzie Method allows patients an opportunity to learn to manage their own pain. Another goal is to reduce pain quickly so patients can return to their daily activities.

Patients interested in the McKenzie Method should seek the advice of a trained physical therapist to identify the source of the problem, determine if it is an appropriate treatment for them, and show them the proper techniques for the exercises. Patients can end up hurting themselves and causing more pain without proper guidance, and doing these exercises correctly is crucial for positive outcomes.

Most people will experience back or neck pain at some point in their lives, but the good news is that you don’t have to just suffer through it! Our skilled physical therapists can develop a program to address the source of your pain, enabling you to get back to doing all of the things you love. Give us a call today. We’d love to help!

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