McGill Method Back Pain Specialist

Step 1: Assessment

The McGill Method Assessment begins by gathering a detailed history of your back pain or sciatica. This allows us to survey patterns in behaviour, sports, exercise, work habits, and lifestyle, to gain an understanding of your injury history. 

A specialized physical examination follows to determine your pain triggers and the root cause of your back pain and/or sciatica pain and/or femoral pain.  These triggers are unique to every person and we will find yours.  Movements, postures, and loads are analyzed, as well as muscular and anatomical features that may also play a role in your injury.

Upon completion, you will have a clear understanding of the root cause of your back pain.  You will be shown the features of your MRI that relate to the root cause (if available) and we will have a  precise plan for your recovery.  If your back pain is not of a mechanical nature, you will be provided with appropriate recommendations.  

Step 2: Eliminate the Cause

Following the McGill Method assessment, you will be trained to eliminate the root cause of your back pain by replacing your pain triggers with pain-free movements, postures and loading patterns.  

Eliminating the root cause is the first and most critical step in rehabilitating back pain.  This allows traumatized tissues to rest, heal and for pain to desensitize.  For the first time, you will be in control of your back pain. You will know exactly what to do and what not to do.  Mysterious, repeated back pain flare-ups will become a thing of the past.

Step 3: Build Spine Resilience

Once you know how to remove the cause of your back pain, you are ready for custom therapeutic exercises designed to build spine resilience.​  Selection, dosage and timing of exercises are skillfully administered based on your injury and your spine’s tolerance and capacity. You will be provided with expert coaching to ensure perfect form with attention to detail to ensure zero increase in your back pain. 

The McGill Method is not a cookie-cutter approach that prescribes general exercise, general stretches, yoga, pilates, etc.  These are non-specific interventions that have most likely already failed you. The McGill Method prescribes highly specific exercises that target your deficits.  If appropriate, additional interventions for neural (nerve) components of your pain are introduced based on your specific dysfunction. 

You can expect to spend 3-4 hours with your McGill Method Practitioner. You will receive:

✓receive an expert biomechanical assessment including analysis of motions, posture and loads

✓learn about the root cause of your pain

✓learn about the relationship between your symptoms and your spinal imaging (if available)

​✓learn how to eliminate the root cause of your pain

✓learn what to do and what not to do

✓receive expert coaching on pain-free postures, positions of respite and pain-free movement

✓receive expert coaching on pain-free exercises customized for you and your specific injury 

✓receive a written report detailing your treatment plan including access to customized videos

✓receive general programming guidance on the return to activities that you enjoy

✓receive discounts on ergonomic supports if recommended