The posture associated with the greatest lumbar intradiscal pressure is
Nachemson's studies showed the lowest intradiskal pressure occurred with the patient supine, followed by the lateral decubitus position. Sitting produced higher intradiskal pressures than standing, and pressures were increased in both positions by flexion of the trunk. The highest pressures encountered were with the patient sitting with the trunk flexed.
Sitting, trunk flexed
Sitting, trunk erect
Standing, trunk flexed
Standing, trunk erect