Tag Archives: what is spinal flexion and extension

Flexion comes from the word “flex” which means to bend forward, like when flexing the elbow in order for the hand to touch the shoulder. The opposite of flexion is extension or the straightening the body parts. Spinal flexion is the term which characterizes the bending forward of the spine. It can be caused by a lot of factors, like old age, and the everyday movements of a certain person. To concretely describe spinal flexion, just think of the pressure it brings to the back as a person pulls up and carries a child, or working intently everyday in front of a computer in a slouching position. Those mentioned actions occur regularly in most of the people’s lives, which, in due time, causes spinal flexion.