Effective McKenzie Exercises for Acute Low Back Pain

By Ehren Allen, DPT/Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist

Effective McKenzie Exercises

If you’re grappling with back pain, McKenzie back exercises may be your ticket to comfort. These unique exercises, integral to the McKenzie Method for back pain, are crafted to combat discomfort and reduce pain. In this piece, we delve into the benefits of McKenzie exercises and their role in relieving back pain.

The McKenzie Method

Developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, the McKenzie Method back is a globally acknowledged strategy for diagnosing and treating back pain. It zeros in on specific McKenzie method exercises that can alleviate pain and restore spinal function.

The McKenzie Method believes in targeting the pain source instead of merely tackling the symptoms. It involves a series of McKenzie therapy exercises and evaluations to help individuals manage their pain and prevent a relapse. The roots of the McKenzie Method trace back to the 1950s when Robin McKenzie explored the impact of specific McKenzie physical therapy exercises on back pain.

At JOI Online, we appreciate the McKenzie Method’s efficacy in treating back pain. Our therapists can guide you through personalized McKenzie exercises for back pain, tailored to your unique condition. By incorporating this method into your treatment regimen, you can play a proactive role in your healing process and enjoy enduring results.  Our goal is to help you get back to the activities you love without back pain.   If you have any questions, please give us a call.

Understanding McKenzie Exercises

The McKenzie Method is renowned for treating musculoskeletal conditions, especially back and neck pain. It encourages active patient participation and self-treatment to alleviate pain and restore functionality. Comprehending the fundamentals of McKenzie exercises for low back pain can aid individuals in better managing their conditions and achieving long-term relief.

Centralization of pain is pivotal in McKenzie exercises. It denotes the transition of pain from peripheral areas, like arms or legs, towards the spine’s center. Centralization is important because it signifies that the specific McKenzie physical therapy exercises being performed are positively impacting the pain’s root cause.

Directional preference is another essential element of McKenzie therapy exercises. It involves identifying the specific movement or position that provides maximum relief for an individual. The McKenzie method exercises, including extension and flexion exercises, play a crucial role in optimizing pain reduction and functional improvement.

The McKenzie Method provides a structured framework for assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. This systematic approach ensures personalized treatment, offering optimal results.

 

4 Common McKenzie Exercises

McKenzie back exercises are a series of exercises to help reduce pain in the spine.  These exercises are based on putting the back into extension.

1. Repeated Extension in Lying
2. Repeated Extension in Lying (on elbows)
3. Repeated Extension in Standing
4. Neck Retraction

McKenzie’s exercises for the lower back often involves extension of the spine. This was a novel concept when it was first used.  Before this, patients with back pain avoided extension movements for fear of aggravating the symptoms.

This treatment model is now widely used and accepted as the first line of defense when treating back and neck issues.

To Learn How to do Some Basic Back and Neck Exercises, Read On.

What is the McKenzie Approach?

The McKenzie Approach help spine problems for many people. It involves exercises that are aimed at making radiating symptoms return to the source of the problem in the back or neck. This is called “Centralization” of symptoms. When symptoms are located at the source of the problem, it is a typically sign of improvement and can be a way to help Sciatica.

A skilled Physical Therapist or Physician can do a thorough evaluation to determine what type of issues a patient is experiencing.  Patients may have a “derangement” in a disk that can cause symptoms to radiate into the arm or leg.

Does McKenzie Mean Extension Exercises?

The quick answer is that sometimes they are used synonymously. While many now think of extension exercises when they think of McKenzie exercises, it’s not all about extension. McKenzie’s concepts were based on centralizing symptoms to the source and reducing them. This often involves extension exercises, but not always.

Robin McKenzie, a physical therapist, discovered that patients with low back pain often improved with extension exercises with repeated movements.  He also noticed the radiating symptoms often improved.

McKenzie Exercises for Herniated Disc

McKenzie Exercises can help encourage proper positioning of the fluid in the discs in the lumbar spine. There is a disc between each vertebra that provides space and cushion between the bones.  The disc is kind of like a jelly donut.  The outer part is thick and tough, the inner part is like a thick jelly. When we bend forward or sit a lot, the lumbar spine flexes forward and squishes the front of the discs.  This can force the fluid toward the back of the disc.  Over time, this can wear out the back of the disc and the outer portion can become inflamed or even bulge or herniate.

By extending the spine, it is believed that this encourages disc fluid to move away from the inflamed area, back toward the front of the disc.  This allows for less stress on the injured part of the disc which allows it to heal and hopefully stop causing symptoms.

To learn more about Herniated Discs, watch this VIDEO.

Effective Technique and Progression in McKenzie Exercises

Proper technique and gradual progression are paramount when performing McKenzie back exercises to ensure effectiveness and prevent injuries. Here are some tips for three common exercises:

Always consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist before starting any McKenzie method exercises, particularly if you have underlying health conditions. With the correct technique and gradual progression, McKenzie exercises for low back pain can effectively alleviate discomfort and enhance spinal health.

Here are some examples of basic extension exercises for the lower back.

Repeat these 10 to 15 times.  Stomach lying: Aimed at enhancing spinal extension and relieving pain, this McKenzie technique requires you to lie face down on a flat surface with hands under your shoulders. Gently push up with your arms, arching your back while keeping your hips grounded. Start with a small motion range and increase gradually as comfort allows. To add variation, rest your elbows on the ground instead of your hands.

Prone on Elbows: Repeat 10 to 15 times. Start face down and press up on to the elbows.

Repeat 10 to 15 times. Start by standing erect with hands just below the lower back.  Extend backwards as far as tolerated.

Standing extension: This McKenzie exercise targets your lower back and promotes flexibility. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hands on your lower back for support. Lean backward slowly, keeping your knees straight. Go only as far as comfort permits. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. As strength and flexibility improve, increase the exercise’s duration.

Neck Retraction or Chin Tuck

Here is an exercise that can help to improve neck symptoms in some people. Retract the neck like you are making a “double chin.”  Hold 5 seconds, 10 times.

If you have increased symptoms with any of these exercises, stop immediately.

 

Bonus Exercise

Sitting flexion: Beneficial for lower back pain, this McKenzie technique focuses on spinal flexion. Sit on a chair with feet flat on the ground and hands resting on your thighs. Bend forward slowly towards your feet, maintaining a straight back. Stop when you feel a gentle stretch in your lower back and hold for a few seconds. If sitting is uncomfortable, modify the exercise by lying on your back, bringing your knees towards your chest.

Effectiveness of McKenzie Exercises

McKenzie exercises have a proven track record in treating various common back pain conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, and general lower back pain. The McKenzie method for back pain offers a variety of exercises that can reduce discomfort and promote healing.

A significant advantage of McKenzie exercises for back pain is their ability to provide targeted relief by identifying and addressing the mechanical cause of the pain. Using a series of movements and positions, these exercises aim to centralize and reduce pain, enabling natural healing.

The McKenzie Method’s success rate is impressive. Many studies show positive outcomes for patients who incorporate these exercises into their treatment plans. Research suggests that up to 80% of patients experience significant improvement or complete resolution of their back pain symptoms with the McKenzie Method for back pain.

Moreover, the effectiveness of McKenzie exercises is not just clinically proven but also supported by numerous patient testimonials. Many individuals have shared success stories, highlighting how these exercises have helped regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their overall life quality.

McKenzie Exercises Summary

McKenzie Exercises are used by physical therapists to treat many issues. It is one of several effective approaches to treating spine issues. This article is a brief summary and clinical interpretation of the basics of the McKenzie Method. To learn more about the McKenzie Method and the research associated with this approach, click this LINK.  To schedule a physical therapy appointment at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.

If you have back or neck pain that is not improving, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help!  The JOI Physicians are Northeast Florida’s Most Respected Orthopedic Practice.  Our spine experts work closely with our therapist to assure you the best possible outcome.  To schedule an appointment, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.