Abstract: A back exercising device has structure enabling a patient to restrain a lower region of his spine and/or pelvis, while the upper portion of the spine is extended. The use of the equipment for the McKenzie exercise in the extension of the upper lumbar segments is described, together with the use of one form of the apparatus for exercises involving extension of the thoracic spine. The device includes a support for supporting at least a part of a patient's body substantially horizontally. The support includes pressure portions at opposite sides of the support at or adjacent one end thereof, and a strap for restraining an intermediate portion of the patient's body, so that a prone patient can push on the pressure portions to extend the upper lumbar segments at the same time that movement of the intermediate portion of the body is restrained. The pressure portions are elongated members or portions which extend lengthwise of the device on opposite sides of the device.