The McKenzie Method for Treating Back Pain.

I'm sure that many people reading this will be aware of, and know all about The McKenzie Method for treating back pain. Some of you may even be using it, or have used it. I'd be keen to hear about that.

Equally there will be others who have not heard of this method, so here's a little information.

Robin McKenzie, now in his 80's, was a young physiotherapist in Wellington, New Zealand in the 1950's when he unwittingly left a back pain patient he was treating on a bed with his back arched in extension. The bed had been adjusted for a previous patient.

Upon returning and seeing the situation McKenzie rushed to move the man, as this position was thought to be very damaging for the back. However, the patient said that his pain was much improved, and in fact the next day the patient reported he was symptom free.

This was the start of many years of research, resulting in The McKenzie Institute having branches in some 26 countries helping back pain sufferers to effectively treat themselves.

The method is relatively inexpensive, can be done pretty much anywhere, home or work. It takes only a minute or so to do a set of exercises, which are designed not to strengthen, but to reverse any distortion within the joints.

Like all therapies, this method will not suit everyone, which is why it is wise to find a clinic near you for an initial assessment where "a systematic progression of applied mechanical forces utilizes pain response to monitor changes in motion and/or function. The underlying disorder can then be quickly identified through objective findings for each individual patient".

Sounds a bit brutal, but is not as bad as it sounds and clinic practitioners can then identify those cases where the method will be appropriate.

Once taught the techniques most patients can go on to successfully treat themselves safely and effectively.

I have not tried this myself yet, but it is something I may well look at in the future. There are about 70 clinics qualified to offer The McKenzie Method in the UK alone at present. For more details of the method and where the clinics are go here.

If you'd like to read the full background story of Robin McKenzie, and it is fascinating, click here.