Can the Right Movement Reduce Your Back Pain?

Understanding the McKenzie Method for Low Back Pain

Low back pain can make everyday movements—bending, sitting, standing, walking, or even getting out of bed—feel difficult. But not all back pain responds to the same treatment. The goal is to understand how your back responds to movement and identify an approach that is right for you.

One approach physical therapist may use is the McKenzie Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). This approach uses specific repeated movements and positions to evaluate how your symptoms respond and whether a particular direction of movement helps reduce or change your pain.

What Is a “Directional Preference”?

One of the key concepts of the McKenzie approach is directional preference.

In simple terms, certain movements may make your symptoms feel better, while others may make them worse. A physical therapist evaluates these responses to determine whether a particular movement direction may be beneficial for you.

For some patients, repeated movements can help reduce or centralize symptoms, improve movement, and make everyday activities more comfortable.

More Than Just an Exercise

The McKenzie Method isn’t simply about giving you a few back exercises.

Your physical therapist evaluates your symptoms, movement patterns, posture, functional limitations, and response to repeated movements. Treatment may then include:

• Individualized repeated-movement exercises
• Education about posture and movement
• Strategies for managing symptoms during daily activities
• Core and hip strengthening
• Mobility exercises
• Manual therapy when appropriate
• Functional and movement retraining
• A personalized home exercise program

Why Patient Participation Matters?

A major component of this approach is self-management. Rather than relying entirely on passive treatments, patients learn how to understand their symptoms and use appropriate movements and exercises as part of their recovery.

The goal is not simply to make you feel better during a therapy session—it is to help you move better and become more confident managing your back pain.

Is McKenzie Right for Everyone?

Not necessarily.

Low back pain can have many different causes, and treatment should be individualized. A physical therapist can determine whether a McKenzie-based approach is appropriate for your symptoms or whether another treatment strategy may be more suitable.

References

• McKenzie R, May S. The Lumbar Spine: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy.
• Machado LAC et al. The McKenzie method for chronic low back pain: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
• Delitto A. et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain.
• Kisner C, Colby LA. Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques.