The McKenzie Institute InternationalReview 1

In 1981 Robin McKenzie, a New Zealand physiotherapist, developed a series of exercises and movements that helped treat back and neck pain.

He published two books "Treat Your Own Back" and "Treat Your Own Neck." They became worldwide best sellers among doctors, physiotherapists, sport injury specialists and sufferers of back and neck pain. (Both are available on Amazon.)

What became known as McKenzie techniques or 'MDT' – Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy – was disseminated around the world. The McKenzie Institute was established to propagate his theories and train specialists.

This site is health professionals wanting to undertake MDT training AND sufferers seeking a local practitioner – follow the drop down menus.

Quoting from Wikipedia: "According to a meta-analysis of clinical trials in 2006, treatment according to McKenzie method somewhat effective for acute low back pain, but the evidence suggests that it is not effective for chronic low-back pain" Practitioners claim 80% success for the treatment system. I guess there are few 100% certainties in life apart from death and taxes.

However, the McKenzie approach seems to have evolved into the first line methodology for modern physios – and from personal and family experience the system is extremely helpful, especially for neck and lower back pain problems.

I am certainly NOT advising that a sufferer should not seek medical advice – accurate initial diagnosis of the problem is vital – it might be that some exercises are actually causing harm to a particular condition. Be careful.

Long term awareness of McKenzie techniques can provide additional support and treatment for most back pain sufferers and strengthen the core back muscles to help prevent future attacks.

Once you have seen a health professional and read the theories there are also plenty of short videos on youtube (search McKenzie Back Exercise) Hope this helps!