When I was in physical therapy school, I traveled out to Boise, ID for one of my clinical rotations, and it was there that I was first introduced to the Mckenzie Method for evaluating and treating spine and extremity pain. As I learned more about the evaluation process and witnessed many patients improve with a specifically prescribed exercise, I knew I wanted to learn more and someday get credentialed in this treatment approach. I loved how the system was geared toward self-management of symptoms and how the evaluation process was so objective and systematic. This system of assessment and treatment, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) has been a game changer not only in my ability to successfully treat patients, but in my ability to treat my own pain. Although evaluating yourself is not as easy as it sounds, I have been able to find a reductive movement for my low back symptoms over the years that has helped me to resolve episodes of low back pain as well as minimize recurrences. Did you know that once you have had an episode of low back pain, there is a 50% chance you will have another episode in your lifetime? That’s why it’s so important to have an examination done to see if you have a specific movement that reduces your symptoms, and if you do, to use that movement as part of a prevention program to minimize future episodes of low back pain.
The second thing I strive to do both when treating myself for an acute episode of low back pain and to help prevent re-occurrences is to minimize the amount of time I spend sitting. I have a standing desk at work which has been a life saver. If I have to sit for a prolonged period of time, I try to get up every 15-20 minutes and either walk around or do a set of my specific low back exercises to keep symptoms away. Traveling is tough. One tip for driving/flying is to use a lumbar roll behind your back, which can keep your back in a better position during periods of prolonged sitting. Low back pain is treatable no matter how long you have had it! There is hope, you just need to take the first step and get scheduled for an evaluation today!
