What are the three main forces that affect the spine when lifting? Select all that apply.

Answer

When lifting, the three main mechanical forces that act upon and affect the spine are Torque, Compression, and Shear. Torque acts as a rotational force created by the weight of the load acting at a distance from the spine's pivot points. Compression involves the squeezing or axial loading force pressing down along the length of the spine, primarily absorbed by the intervertebral discs. Shear is the sliding force that acts parallel to the vertebrae, causing one vertebra to slip horizontally over another. Therefore, the correct choices to select are Torque, Compression, and Shear.