The analysis of dose-response relationships with respect to possible biomechanics overload of the lumbar spine due to materials handling and intensive-load postures calls for knowledge on both exposure and diseases. For the biomechanical analyses within a population-based multicentre case-control study - the "German Spine Study (EPI-LIFT)" -, comprehensive interviews were primarily performed by the technical inspectors of the institutions for statutory accident insurance and prevention regarding external-load parameters. The corresponding results were used for determining the "situational spinal load", represented by the compressive force on the lumbosacral disc, for all relevant-loading activities during the occupational life of 1.200 persons. Quantification was based on biomechanical-model calculations applying the formerly developed 3-D dynamic simulation tool "The Dortmunder". Describing the "cumulative lumbar load" quantitatively, 10 dose models were applied - inclusive of the frequently used "Mainz-Dortmund Dose Model (MDD)" - comprising various thresholds for the lumbosacral compressive force, the trunk inclination or the shift dose. Different modes of materials handling and different compressive-force weightings (e.g., linear, squared) in relation to loading time were considered. Comparison of models shows a particular influence of applying a shift-dose threshold, as a relevant partition of lumbar exposure remains thereby disregarded at determining the lifetime dose. It is concluded from the lifetimedose results that high values are valid more frequent for men than for women and that, on average, the cumulative load dose is higher for men.