Lumbar Kinesiology

Question 1

Lumbar Flexion Degrees

Answer 1

• ~50° Lumbar flex
• IV foramina +20%
• central canal+10%
• Sagittal Plane
• Facet Joints slide up in flexion; Puts more pressure on the discs and pull on posterior ligaments

Question 2

Lumbar Extension Degrees

Answer 2

• ~15° Lumbar
• IV foramina -10%, central canal -15%
• Sagittal plane
• Pull on the anterior longitudional ligament
• Facets slide down and close

Question 3

Why is pelvic tilt important in relation to lumbar?

Answer 3

• Anterior pelvic tilt causes lumbar extension
• Posterior pelvic tilt causes lumbar flexion

Question 4

Lumbar Rotation Degrees

Answer 4

• ~5 degrees
• Transverse Plane
• Rotation to the right, closes the left

Question 5

Lumbar Side Bending Degrees

Answer 5

• Frontal plane
• ~20°
• SBR: Facets close on the Right, open on the left, closing right intervertebral foramen, opening left intervertebral foramen
• SBL: Facets close on the left, open on the right

Question 6

Does coupling motion exist in the lumbar spine?

Answer 6

No. Movement is variable by individual.

Question 7

Do we use all of our lumbar spine ROM during functional activities?

Answer 7

• No only 3-60%
• Consider the ROM needed for ADL’s in other aspects for patients