In: Physics
Question 2. Please explain
A simple model of the forces ON the spine when a person bends over, includes forces downward BY the upper body, and forces BY the muscles in the lower back. Which one of the following statements is correct?
Option A: Damage to the spine when bending forward is simply due to overall bending of the spine.
Option B: When a person bends forward, large forces are applied to the spine by the muscles of the lower back in order to balance the torque due to the downward force on the spine resulting from gravitational forces on the upper body.
Option C: When a person is bending forward, a relatively small force is applied to the lower end of the spine by the pelvis, which acts to balance the two forces mentioned above at the start of the question.
Option D: A person who performs lifting with the spine close to horizontal, will minimise the downward forces on the spine by the muscles of the lower back.