It is achieved through repeated motions that involve bending the spine backward (extension) or forward (flexion). Through centralization, McKenzie therapy aims to immediately alleviate the most intense and painful symptoms, as nerve pain radiating down the arm or leg is typically more severe than pain in the low back or neck.

McKenzie therapy for lower back pain and leg pain (sciatica) includes a set of backward and forward-bending therapeutic exercises formulated to relieve acute leg pain and restore motion in the spine. The exercises are meant to be continued even after the pain subsides or goes away – in order to treat the underlying cause and prevent recurrences.