Question
What does the treatment consist of?  My daughter has 2 buldging discs from a car accident.  The orthopedic surgeon wants to try the McKinzie Therapy first before surgery, but I didn't know what it was and neither does my daughter (age 28).

Answer
Hi Sharon,
Thanks so much for your question.

To be honest, I had never heard of this treatment before. I did a little research and this is what I found:?br>
The McKenzie Treatment Approach is a unique method to assess and treat the spine.

This treatment approach:

Is based on a thorough evaluation, which examines the effect of spinal movement and positioning on the pain

Promotes the body's potential to heal itself without medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, surgery or a force dependent on the practitioner

The McKenzie treatment program consists of a series of individualized exercises. The emphasis is on active patient involvement with a trained McKenzie physical therapist providing advanced hands-on techniques until the patient can self-administer.

The McKenzie Method also incorporates a strong preventive strategy by teaching the patients how to minimize the risk of recurrence and how to rapidly deal with recurrence if it occurs.

Patients treated with the McKenzie Approach:

Can often experience a rapid response and improvement during the first treatment
Are usually able to determine how effective this approach will be within the first few treatments:

Are taught methods of self treatment for current and future episodes of pain

Are provided education on factors which cause pain, including posture and body mechanics.

I sincerely hope this helps you.

Again thank you very much for your question and feel free to ask me more anytime.

John McKinzie