McKenzie Exercises for Back Pain - Spine Info. What are McKenzie exercises? McKenzie exercises are a set of specific physical therapy exercises designed to manage and treat low back pain. They were developed by New Zealand physical therapist Robin McKenzie in the 1950s and are still very popular today. The McKenzie exercises are designed to help alleviate pain and improve function by: Improving posture and body mechanics Strengthening the muscles that support the back Stretching tight muscles Reducing pressure on the spine These exercises are typically classified into three categories: extension exercises, flexion exercises, and lateral bending exercises. Try these exercises Lumbar Extension Lie on your stomach with your arms by your sides and your forehead resting on the ground Slowly lift your upper body by arching your back and pushing through your hands Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax back down to the starting position Repeat the exercise 10 to 15 times Lumbar Flexion Lumbar Rotation Lumbar Side Bending Pelvic Tilt Dr.