Illustration of spinal motion in low back pain.

Unlocking the Mystery of Low Back Pain: Is Your Spine's Movement the Key?

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Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals how spinal motion differs in people with discogenic low back pain, offering potential clues for future treatments."


Low back pain is a widespread issue, and one potential source of pain lies within the intervertebral discs. When these discs degenerate, it can lead to discogenic low back pain, significantly impacting quality of life. But what's really happening with the spine's movement when this occurs?

While the role of disc degeneration in low back pain is recognized, less is understood about the specific changes in how the vertebrae move, particularly during everyday activities. Is there more movement, less movement, or simply different patterns of movement that contribute to the pain?

Recent research investigated the intricate movements of the lumbar spine in individuals with discogenic low back pain, compared to those without the condition. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aimed to pinpoint areas of abnormal motion that could provide valuable insights into the cause and potential treatment of this debilitating condition. This article will break down these findings, explain what they mean for those suffering from low back pain, and explore potential future directions for treatment.

Decoding Spinal Motion: What the Research Reveals

Illustration of spinal motion in low back pain.

The study focused on patients diagnosed with discogenic low back pain at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 spinal levels. Researchers used a combination of dual fluoroscopic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to precisely measure vertebral motion during various movements, including flexion-extension (bending forward and backward), left-to-right bending, and twisting.

Here's what the research uncovered about spinal motion in people with discogenic low back pain:

  • Greatest motion at L3-L4: The most significant range of motion was consistently observed at the L3-L4 level, which is directly adjacent to the problematic areas. This suggests the area is trying to compensate for the problems in the areas below it.
  • Least motion at L5-S1: Conversely, the least amount of motion was found at the L5-S1 level, where disc degeneration was present. This indicates a stiffening or hypomobility in the area where the pain originates.
  • Hypermobility in Adjacent Segments: Compared to individuals without discogenic pain, those with the condition exhibited significantly greater motion during bending and twisting.
These findings suggest that in discogenic low back pain, the spine doesn't simply move 'less' overall. Instead, there's a complex pattern of increased motion in segments above the degeneration (hypermobility) coupled with decreased motion at the site of the degeneration (hypomobility). This uneven distribution of movement may contribute to pain and instability.

The Implications for Treatment and Prevention

This research sheds light on the complex biomechanics of discogenic low back pain, providing a more detailed understanding of how spinal motion is affected. This knowledge could be valuable in developing targeted therapies.

For example, treatments might focus on:<ul><li><b>Restoring proper motion:</b> Physical therapy and exercises could be designed to address the hypomobility at the L5-S1 level and reduce the hypermobility at L3-L4.</li><li><b>Strengthening supporting muscles:</b> Improving core strength and stability can help distribute the load on the spine more evenly, reducing stress on the affected segments.</li></ul>

Ultimately, a deeper understanding of spinal motion in low back pain can pave the way for more effective, personalized treatments aimed at restoring function and alleviating pain. Further research is needed to fully explore these avenues and translate these findings into clinical practice.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2106/jbjs.i.01348, Alternate LINK

Title: Segmental Lumbar Rotation In Patients With Discogenic Low Back Pain During Functional Weight-Bearing Activities

Subject: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Journal: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Authors: Peter G. Passias, Shaobai Wang, Michal Kozanek, Qun Xia, Weishi Li, Brian Grottkau, Kirkham B. Wood, Guoan Li

Published: 2011-01-05

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is discogenic low back pain?

Discogenic low back pain is a type of lower back pain that originates from the intervertebral discs, which are the cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. When these discs degenerate, they can cause pain and significantly impact your quality of life. This condition is a widespread issue and a potential source of discomfort.

2

How did the study investigate spinal motion?

The research compared spinal motion in individuals with discogenic low back pain to those without. It used advanced imaging techniques to measure vertebral motion during various movements, including flexion-extension, left-to-right bending, and twisting. This helps researchers understand how spinal movement differs in those with and without the condition.

3

What were the main findings regarding spinal motion in those with discogenic low back pain?

The research found that individuals with discogenic low back pain displayed a complex pattern of spinal movement. There was the greatest range of motion at the L3-L4 level, adjacent to the problematic areas, while the least motion was at the L5-S1 level, where disc degeneration was present. Moreover, those with discogenic pain exhibited significantly greater motion in bending and twisting compared to those without the condition.

4

What are the implications of the research for treatment and prevention?

The implications of these findings are significant for treatment. Understanding the complex biomechanics of discogenic low back pain, particularly the uneven distribution of movement, could lead to targeted therapies. The research suggests that therapies should focus on stabilizing areas with hypermobility and restoring motion where there is hypomobility to alleviate pain and improve spinal stability.

5

Why did the study focus on the L4-L5 and L5-S1 spinal levels?

The study focused on the lumbar spine levels L4-L5 and L5-S1 because these areas are particularly susceptible to disc degeneration, a key factor in discogenic low back pain. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques like dual fluoroscopic and MRI to measure the movement of the vertebrae in these specific regions during various activities, providing a detailed understanding of the mechanics involved and potential areas for therapeutic intervention.

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