What is the ROM for lumbar extension?

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Multiple Choice

What is the ROM for lumbar extension?

Lumbar extension is relatively limited because the facet joints and the natural lumbar lordosis constrain backward bending. The normal, isolated lumbar spine extension range is about 25–35 degrees. When testing, you stabilize the pelvis to isolate the lumbar contribution; if the hips or thoracic spine help, the measured angle can be larger, but pure lumbar extension generally falls in the mid-20s to mid-30s. Values like 60–80 degrees would indicate flexion or combined trunk movement, not isolated lumbar extension; 0–10 degrees is too small for normal extension, and 40–60 degrees exceeds typical isolated lumbar ROM. So the 25–35 degree range best fits lumbar extension.

Lumbar extension is relatively limited because the facet joints and the natural lumbar lordosis constrain backward bending. The normal, isolated lumbar spine extension range is about 25–35 degrees. When testing, you stabilize the pelvis to isolate the lumbar contribution; if the hips or thoracic spine help, the measured angle can be larger, but pure lumbar extension generally falls in the mid-20s to mid-30s. Values like 60–80 degrees would indicate flexion or combined trunk movement, not isolated lumbar extension; 0–10 degrees is too small for normal extension, and 40–60 degrees exceeds typical isolated lumbar ROM. So the 25–35 degree range best fits lumbar extension.

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