Disc prolapse: evidence of reversal with repeated extension.

Study Design: A basic science study that used a porcine cervical spine model to produce disc prolapse subsequently exposed to an extension protocol.

Objective: This study investigated whether extension or combined extension and side flexion could move the displaced portion of nucleus from the anulus towards the nucleus.

Summary Of Background Data: Previous research has established that repeated flexion can create disc prolapse, the question here is whether repeated extension can reverse the process.

Lumbar posture--should it, and can it, be modified? A study of passive tissue stiffness and lumbar position during activities of daily living.

Background And Purpose: Physical therapists commonly attempt to reduce and prevent low back pain by "improving" individuals' lumbar posture. To investigate the physical therapy clinical practice of attempting to "improve" lumbar posture, measures of passive tissue stiffness and angular deformation during activities of daily living were used.

Participants: The lumbar spine posture of 150 university students was measured as the inclinometer angle difference between L1 and S1.