Which statement about the relationship between flexion and extension ROM in the lumbar spine is true?

• A. Flexion ROM (60-80°) is greater than extension ROM (25-35°).
• B. Extension ROM is greater than flexion ROM.
• C. Flexion and extension ROM are both 60-80°.
• D. Extension ROM is 60-80° and flexion 25-35°.

Answer: (A)

Flexion ROM is greater than extension ROM in the lumbar spine. Typically, flexion allows about 60–80 degrees, while extension is roughly 25–35 degrees. This pattern comes from how the lumbar facet joints and surrounding ligaments limit movement: extension brings joint surfaces together and the spinous processes can contact each other, quickly capping how far you can bend backward. In flexion, the posterior elements stretch and spaces between vertebrae open, permitting a larger range before the end feels reached. So the statement describing flexion as the larger range reflects the actual biomechanics. The other options either swap the amounts or claim the ranges are equal, which doesn’t align with lumbar joint mechanics.