Tried Everything for Back Pain and Still No Relief?

Have you tried every exercise, stretch, and device for back pain—but your pain keeps coming back? You’re not alone. Many of our patients at MUV Therapy in Mississauga have spent years strengthening their core, stretching their backs, and even using traction machines, only to find little or no lasting improvement.

The truth is: doing all the exercises is not the same as doing the right exercise for your back.

Why the Right Exercise Matters for Back Pain

Not all exercises are created equal when it comes to back pain. In fact, the wrong movements can actually make your symptoms worse. That’s why so many people feel stuck in a cycle of temporary relief but no long-term change.

At MUV Therapy, we use the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)—a research-backed approach designed to identify the exact movement your spine responds to best. This method helps us zero in on your directional preference and build a customized treatment plan that goes far beyond generic exercises.

What Is “Directional Preference”?

Research shows that about 85% of patients with lower back pain have something called a directional preference.

This means that your back will improve most with specific movements in one direction—such as bending forward, arching backward, or moving side-to-side.

• ✅ The right exercises reduce pain and improve mobility.

• ❌ The wrong exercises keep you stuck—or even aggravate your pain.

So, if you’re trying “everything,” you may be mixing in movements that actually cancel out your progress.

How Often Should You Do Back Pain Exercises?

It’s not just the type of movement that matters—the frequency and number of repetitions are just as important.

• A few reps may do little.

• Regular, consistent exercise in the correct direction can lead to major improvements.

This is exactly where a physiotherapist can help you create a personalized plan.

Understanding the Basics of the Spine

Your lumbar spine (lower back) is made up of five vertebrae, discs, ligaments, and nerves. These nerves travel down into the legs, which is why back issues can cause symptoms anywhere from the lower back to the toes.

You might notice your pain worsens or improves depending on positions like sitting, bending, or getting up from a chair. These patterns are key signs that your pain may have a directional preference.

Learn more about our Back Pain Program Here

What the Research Says

One of the best studies on this topic is by Audrey Long et al. (2004):

• 312 patients with low back pain and sciatica were assessed for directional preference.

• Group 1: received exercises in their directional preference.

• Group 2: received the opposite exercises.

• Group 3: received non-specific exercises.

👉 The results? Patients who followed their directional preference improved significantly more than those in the other groups.

This confirms what we see in clinic every day: the right exercise makes all the difference.

Ready to Find the Right Exercise for Your Back Pain?

If your symptoms change depending on certain movements, you may have a directional preference—and the key to long-lasting relief is finding it.

📞 Call us today at (365) 655-8225 for a free phone consultation with one of our physiotherapists. We’ll help you figure out your next steps and whether the McKenzie Method could finally give you relief.

📥 Or, click below to request your FREE Back Pain Guide and start learning how to take control of your symptoms.