Skip to main content
OrthoVellum
Knowledge Hub

Study

  • Topics
  • MCQs
  • ISAWE
  • Operative Surgery
  • Flashcards

Company

  • About Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Blog

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Copyright & DMCA
  • Refund Policy

Support

  • Help Center
  • Accessibility
  • Report an Issue
OrthoVellum

© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Joint Biomechanics - Spine

Joint Biomechanics

A 42-year-old office worker presents with chronic low back pain exacerbated by prolonged sitting. His spine surgeon discusses the biomechanics of disc loading and how different postures affect intradiscal pressure. The patient asks about ergonomic modifications to reduce disc stress. Regarding intervertebral disc pressures and loading:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Nachemson's classic studies demonstrated that intradiscal pressure varies significantly with posture...

B

Sitting produces higher disc pressure than standing because the lumbar lordosis is reduced or revers...

C

Intradiscal pressure is highest when lying supine and lowest during flexion-lifting activities; sitt...

D

The healthy intervertebral disc distributes load through hydrostatic pressurization of the nucleus p...

E

Ergonomic recommendations to reduce disc pressure include maintaining lumbar lordosis (lumbar suppor...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option