Tadeusz Guranowski, Włodzimierz Kuliński, Zbigniew Lipiec

Tadeusz Guranowski, Włodzimierz Kuliński, Zbigniew Lipiec – Local experience in the treatment of low back pain using the McKenzie method. Fizjoterapia Polska 2002; 2(3); 185-193

Abstract
Background. The goal of our study was to evaluate the value of the McKenzie program in reducing pain symptoms in patients with low back pain. Material and methods. The research involved a group of 25 patients (12 men and 13 women) ranging in age from 23 to 74 years. The patients were referred for treatment on the basis of subjective complaints, neurological and functional physical examinations, additional tests, and a test sheet developed by McKenzie, according to which the so-called „functional degree of damage” to the intervertebral disk was assessed on a scale from 1 to 7. The group included both inpatients in neurological and neurosurgical departments and outpatients. After preliminary examination all these patients were included in the group of persons with structural disturbances. The patients were treated under the McKenzie program for 10 days in the Rehabilitation Department (second examination). For the next three weeks the patients continued the program at home. In addition, they were instructed as to the proper manner of performing activities of daily living. A follow-up test was performed after 30 days (third examination). The effectiveness of the program was evaluated on the basis of the clinical status of the patients, evaluated both subjectively and objectively.Results. An analysis of the results indicates that the McKenzie Method we used had a favorable impact on reducing pain complaints and improving the patients’ functioning. In the experimental group 23 patients reported subjective improvement; Lasseque’s sign disappeared in 9 of 15 patients; pain complaints were reduced and nerve root pain radiation was eliminated in 13 patients; in 2 cases the application of the program did not lead to improvement. Conclusions. The McKenzie Method used in the conservative treatment of low back pain deserves particular attention. The transparent and rapid diagnostic methods and high effectiveness confirm the advisability of its application in the therapy of patients with low back pain.

Key words:
McKenzie method, lumbar spine, rehabilitation

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