The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is both an approach to assess and treat conditions of the spine and extremities. The method is named after Robert McKenzie, who developed this technique many decades ago in New Zealand. 

This method is particularly useful for chiropractic patients who experience chronic low back pain. The ultimate goal of the McKenzie method is to give individuals the ability to better manage pain in their lower back, which in turn will increase overall flexibility and mobility. This is achieved by following a series of four steps. 

#1 – Assessment 

During this phase, a chiropractic specialist at Veeva Chiropractic will sit with you individually to discuss what sort of symptoms you are experiencing. They will also likely ask several questions pertaining to your medical history, or the medical history of your family, as this helps to identify potential triggers or causes of the patient’s discomfort. 

At this point, your physician will assess what sort of movements you currently are or are not able to perform. These help to identify potential areas of improvement, and to categorize your unique issue. 

#2 – Classification 

In order to properly treat any condition, it must first be accurately diagnosed. By taking a look at each specific problem, the physician is better able to treat the patient as a whole. In total, there are three broad classifications that may apply to a patient and their mobility issues: 

  • Postural syndrome 
  • Derangement syndrome 
  • Dysfunction syndrome 

Each of these details a different type of disablement whether it is related to positioning, abnormalities of the tissue itself, or the location of a patient’s pain. 

#3 – Treatment 

After your chiropractor has fully assessed a patient’s condition, they will be able to begin treatment that will primarily consist of behaviors to adopt and/or avoid. For instance, if the person’s difficulties stem from poor repetitive postures, then they will likely be instructed to avoid certain positions in favor of others that promote a healthy musculoskeletal system. 

This stage generally involves a combination of manual manipulation by your physician and some at-home exercises. Using both of these methods in tandem helps to speed up the treatment process and alleviate the patient’s pain without the need for so many visits to Veeva Chiropractic. 

#4 – Prevention 

Once the patient’s issues have been completely addressed, they should always follow your chiropractor’s guidelines on how to reduce their risk of recurrence. While the McKenzie method is an excellent solution to conditions of the extremities and spine, the best course of action is to avoid the potential for discomfort by maintaining best practices from the beginning. 

Contact Veeva Chiropractic Today for Treatment 

The McKenzie method has been utilized by clinicians all over the globe for more than 30 years. To learn more about this approach to treating painful symptoms of the spine and extremities, please schedule an appointment with Veeva Chiropractic today by calling our office at (503) 506-5028. 

Sources: 

https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/mckenzie-therapy-classifications 

https://mckenzieinstituteusa.org/method.cfm http://www.mckenzieinstitute.org/patients/what-is-the-mckenzie-method/ 

http://www.mckenzieinstitute.org/patients/what-does-it-involve/