Effects of the Mckenzie Method on the functional rehabilitation of patients with lumbar disc herniation: integrative review

Abstract

Disc herniation is a condition caused by injury to the vertebral discs and currently has a high prevalence. Among conservative treatments, the McKenzie method is widely used, focusing on reducing mechanical compression and centralizing pain. This study aims to analyze the evidence described in the literature on the effects of the McKenzie method in the functional rehabilitation of patients with lumbar disc herniation. This is an integrative literature review, searching for articles published between 2020 and 2026 in the PubMed and SciELO databases, using descriptors in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Clinical trials, experimental and quasi-experimental studies, and observational articles were included. Duplicate articles, theses, dissertations, incomplete articles, or articles outside the topic were excluded. Eight articles were selected for this review. The protocols presented variations in terms of duration, frequency, and intensity of exercises. The main outcomes evaluated were pain intensity (frequently measured by the Visual Analogue Scale), functional disability (using the Oswestry Disability Index), lumbar spine mobility, and return to daily activities. It is concluded that the method presents consistent results in the conservative management of lumbar disc herniation, mainly in pain reduction and improvement of functional capacity. However, the need for studies with greater methodological rigor and long-term follow-up analyses is reinforced for a better understanding of its effects.