McKenzie Method
The McKenzie Method consists of a comprehensive mechanical evaluation, which assesses the effect of repetitive movements and/or static positioning on the patient's symptoms. This mechanical diagnosis used mostly by physiotherapists and enables to develop a mechanical treatment strategy aimed not only at resolving the patient's current symptoms, but also at long-term prevention of recurrence.

Recent research has shown the McKenzie assessment process to reliably differentiate discogenic from non-discogenic pain. Furthermore, the McKenzie assessment process was more accurate than MRI in distinguishing painful from non-painful discs.

Patient self-management skills are integral to the McKenzie Method. Health professionals teach patients how to perform the specific exercise, positions, and static/dynamic posture corrections shown in the mechanical evaluation to have a direct therapeutic benefit. Patients are also taught to avoid specific movements, postures and activities that clearly increase and worsen their condition. Manual therapy techniques, such as mobilization and manipulation, are introduced if the self-treatment strategies fail to fully resolve the problem.