Kinematical Evaluation of Lumbar Rotation in Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is considered one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in modern society, resulting in substantial costs to society. Factors associated with the development of low back pain include poor posture, strenuous work with the body, inadequate non ergonomic work and traumas.

Rotation movement pattern of the lumbar spine in different positions is essential aspect in understanding the LBP Pathophysiology. Rotation coupled with forward bending (flexion) is a dominant factor which could increase the risk LBP and disc prolapse. There is also a decline in range of motion (ROM) of rotation in forward bending (flexion) compared to neutral position during sitting and standing.

In addition,lumbar rotation movement patterns differ in population with LBP compared to asymptomatic individuals. Healthy individuals exhibit rotation accompanied by consistent coupled movement patterns of lateral bending in the opposite direction at thr upper levels, and by lateral bending in tge same direction at the lower levels . while Chronic LBP patients exhibit non consistent patterns altered from those of the normal population.