To predict changes in biomechanical parameters such as intradiscal pressure, and the shock absorbing mechanism in the spinal motion segment under different impact duration/loading rates, a three dimensional L3/L4 motion segment finite element model was modified to incorporate the poroelastic properties of the motion segment. The results were analyzed under variable impact duration for normal and degenerated discs. For short impact duration and a given maximum compressive force, relatively high cancellous pore pressure was generated as compared with a case of long impact duration, although the amount of impulse was increased. In contrast relatively constant pore pressure was generated in the nucleus. Disc degeneration increased pore pressure in the disc and decreased pore pressure in the cancellous core, which is more vulnerable to compressive fracture compared with intact case.