Less than 1% of chiropractors worldwide hold a McKenzie Certification. Both our doctors do — making SSC of Chicago one of the rarest clinics in Illinois.
The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is the most evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating back pain, neck pain, and extremity conditions. Unlike standard chiropractic care, McKenzie MDT begins with a systematic assessment to classify your condition into one of several mechanical syndromes. This classification determines the most effective treatment — often a specific direction of movement that provides rapid, lasting relief. The McKenzie Method is so effective that it's used by elite sports teams, military units, and hospitals worldwide. At SSC, both Dr. George and Dr. Cheyanne hold full McKenzie Certification — a credential that requires extensive post-graduate training and examination that less than 1% of practitioners complete.
Your initial McKenzie assessment takes 45–60 minutes. The doctor will ask detailed questions about your pain behavior — what makes it better, worse, and how it moves.
You'll perform a series of repeated movements while the doctor observes how your pain responds. This 'directional preference' is the key to your treatment.
Based on the assessment, you'll be classified into a specific syndrome and given a targeted exercise — often a simple movement you can do 10 times per hour.
Most patients experience significant centralization (pain moving from the extremity toward the spine) within the first session — a powerful indicator of recovery.
Follow-up visits reinforce your self-treatment program. The goal is to make you independent, not dependent on ongoing care.
Same-day appointments available. Most patients see improvement after their first visit.
Book Appointment(312) 846-6647New patients: Schedule your first visit and get a comprehensive exam + treatment plan. Same-day appointments available.