Sufferers of neck and back pain might be wondering if Mckenzie exercises can help reduce their pain. Those who have heard of this program often have the misunderstanding of thinking it is simply a set of self-managed exercises.
Mckenzie exercises are a part of a well-structured program that includes a complete assessment, along with prevention and treatment strategies. It is best to learn the exercises from a physical therapist which gives instructions and guidance that trains patients the proper way of performing them.
What Are The Goals For Reducing Pain Caused By Back Problems?
This method first began in the 1960’s. It’s founder Mr. Mckenzie was a physical therapist. The core of this method is to centralize the pain by working at the source of that pain instead of just trying to reduce symptoms.
Unlike many other methods, things like needles, pharmaceutical medication, ultrasound, cold packs, or heat are not used. Instead, patients are taught to treat the pain themselves with the use of strategies and exercise. With the use of these exercises and other strategies, patients are able to effectively reduce the number or visits necessary to their spine specialist, lower the risk of pain recurring, and when pain does appear, to reduce it quickly.
This method is most commonly used for patients where extending the spine helps decrease pain. Practitioners will point out that this is not just a set of exercises, but includes a specific approach to issues of the spine.
Classification Of Disorders Related To The Spine
- Dysfunction – When scar tissue is present it can limit movement and cause intermittent back pain.
- Postural – When the patient exhibits poor posture it can lead to chronic stress caused by back pain.
- Derangement – When the fluid nucleus repositions, it leads to back pain.
This method is not for everyone who suffers neck and back pain. As an example, those who suffer from joint osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis may actually experience increased pain with this method. It is used most effectively in patients where the pain is largely centralized. This method is designed for patients that want to learn to treat themselves with the specific types of exercises taught and with other strategies.
Some patients simply want to pop a pill and have the pain disappear in seconds afterward. It is unlikely that those not wanting to take responsibility for managing their own pain will benefit nearly as much from this program as those who do. As the patient begins to learn to perform the exercises precisely and their body learns to understand what to expect, results will be faster. But until that time, pain reduction may not come instantly.
Becoming A Practitioner
The Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy organization produces courses for those wanting to become practitioners of the Mckenzie method. The Institue can certify participants upon completing their diploma program.
The management of chronic pain requires a firm determination to learn about the body and its pain. Pain is there for a reason, but can become a problem all its own without proper management.
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