There are many levels of knowledge in the medical sciences. When it comes to spinal pain, there are multiple causes and multiple treatments available with a wide range of scientific evidence for effectiveness. Assuming the spinal pain is not from psychological issues, tissue other than neuro-musculoskeletal (mechanical), and is not the result of an acute, recent injury, my experience dealing with such patients as a physical therapist informed me that the most effective management has at its "core" (pun intended) the McKenzie Method. This includes a detailed appropriate history and physical evaluation followed by appropriate instruction in lifestyle, movement, posture, and proper active exercise. The use of any passive treatment is not warranted and tends to reinforce the "treatment by others" mindset that is opposite to the patient taking the ACTIVE and responsible role for success (heads-up, chiropractic fans).
Because of the highly individual nature of spinal pain, placing patients in neat experimental and control groups for research studies has produced contradictory results. However, when patients are appropriately chosen, research supports the hypothesis that the McKenzie method was better than manual treatment methods at improving long-term patient pain and disability (link)(link).
This video presents the treatment concepts, with links to more details, including a * Back Pain Self-Assessment Tool
* Disclaimer: Any exercise program addressing spinal pain should only be carried out under qualified individuals with experience using the McKenzie Method.
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| https://www.amazon.com/Treat-Your-Back-Robin-McKenzie/dp/0987650408/ |
