What is the normative ROM for thoracolumbar sidebend in degrees?

• A. 0-20 degrees
• B. 0-35 degrees
• C. 0-50 degrees
• D. 0-15 degrees

Answer: (B)

Thoracolumbar lateral flexion reflects how far you can bend the torso sideways around the thoracic-to-lumbar region, with the pelvis helping to stabilize the movement. In adults, the normal range is about 30 to 35 degrees when measured in a standard standing test. That makes 0-35 degrees the typical normative reference, capturing the upper limit you’d expect in a healthy spine. Values up to 50 degrees would be unusually large for this region, while ranges like 0-20 or 0-15 degrees fall below what is commonly considered normal. Remember that exact numbers can vary a bit with measurement technique and landmarks used.