In a population-based multi-centre case-control study on 351 cases with lumbar chondrosis with disc narrowing and 901 control subjects, the dose-response relationship was investigated between occupational exposure to manual load handling and/or working postures with trunk inclination with 10 different dose models including the Mainz-Dortmund Dose Model (MDD). The results of the study reveal a positive dose-response relationship between, on the one hand, cumulative lumbar dose caused by load handling and working postures with trunk inclination and, on the other hand, the development of lumbar chondrosis in men as well as in women. The dose models with the best goodness of fit are characterised by reduced thresholds for lumbar disc compression regarding load handling and working postures with trunk inclination in comparison to the MDD, a missing shift-dose threshold, the consideration of other types of load handling besides lifting and carrying such as pulling, pushing, catching or throwing and the application of specific biomechanical simulation calculations for the relevant loading activities. In the highest dose class a significantly increased odds ratio of 3.6 for lumbar chondrosis in men and 1.9 in women was found. The MDD does not belong to the most appropriate dose models for describing a dose-response relationship between occupational exposure and lumbar chondrosis.