Nearly 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point in their life. It’s a condition that can affect people of all ages for a variety of reasons.
Spinal conditions are the third leading cause of doctors visits. It’s clear that the problem exists, but what’s the proper way to treat it?
A chiropractor is a great resource when you’re experiencing musculoskeletal pain, whether it’s back pain or neck pain. He or she is trained to help adjust your spine and alleviate the discomfort.
Back pain can be caused by many things, including injuries, accidents, poor posture, arthritis, and obesity. No matter the cause, relief is likely your main goal.
With that in mind, it’s time to learn about the McKenzie Method. This is a treatment that many people have found effective, and that could be what you’re looking for too.
What is the McKenzie Method? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
What is the McKenzie Method?
The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy was designed by Robin McKenzie and has been used for more than 60 years. It was created to assess and manage spinal and other musculoskeletal disorders.
The method is most often used when a patient has pain in the extremities or the spine. That includes pain in the joints, tendons, and muscles. The goal of the treatment is to teach patients to self-manage their pain.
There are four steps in the method, the first being the assessment. This involves talking over the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your chiropractor will also watch you perform several movements.
The next step is classification, which is how your chiropractor will determine your treatment plan. This will include specific exercises and other procedures to help you manage your condition and the pain that comes with it.
The third step is treatment. During treatment, you will receive simple instructions that allow you to engage in the prescribed exercises and postures. By using these on your own, you facilitate faster and more effective treatment.
Finally, your last step is prevention. It’s during this step that you self-treat your current pain and condition to help prevent them in the future. Self-maintenance is a vital part of treatment, so be sure to follow instructions.
The McKenzie Method is a valuable tool for treating many conditions. Read more about them below.
Back Pain
Back pain can interfere with your day-to-day function and performance. It can be caused by many factors, but the McKenzie Method works to treat it, no matter the cause.
There are three main types of back pain. It might occur in your soft tissues due to posture issues. It could result from a joint problem or may be caused by impairment in your spine or extremities. There might also be structural issues.
Seeing a chiropractor can help with back pain, including spinal decompression, but combining that with self-treatment improves your condition and symptoms much more effectively.
As mentioned above, the exercises prescribed will depend on the results of your assessment. That might include a combination of stretching, rotational moves, and flexibility exercises.
Neck Pain
Another condition that the McKenzie Method treats is neck pain. This often occurs as a result of poor posture. It’s common among people who sit a lot. It might also be due to improper sleeping positions.
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to treat pain and discomfort in the neck. A few simple neck exercises, done several times each day, are effective and easy to fit into your self-treatment routine.
Tilting and rotating your head are common moves prescribed to treat neck pain. However, your chiropractor will help you determine which ones are best for your needs.
Making the McKenzie Method Work For You
Just like with any prescribed treatment, the only way to make sure the McKenzie method is working for you is to follow the directions provided by your chiropractor.
Because it’s an individualized approach to your pain, it’s important to engage in the exercises prescribed several times each day, up to five or six sessions spread out during your waking hours.
Provided you adhere to your regimen, you could experience relief in as little as a few days or weeks. The main reason is that you engage in self-treatment outside the chiropractor’s office, enhancing your results.
Often, the McKenzie method is combined with other treatment methods. That might include regular office visits, massage therapy, or medication to treat the pain.
Getting Started
After learning more about the McKenzie Method, the chances are that you are interested in finding out how it might benefit you. Your first step is finding a chiropractor who is trained in the treatment.
You should also be prepared to commit to the time involved in the self-treatment portion of the method. Sticking to the routine is the best way to get as much benefit from it as you can.
If you’re ready to take the first step, get in touch with us and set up a free consultation. Once you take the first step, the rest gets easier. We’re here to help.