The importance of follower loads in maintaining spine biomechanics was described, and the various methods and means of follower load simulations of human spine specimens in vitro in recent years were summarized. By comparison with the real data of range of motion (ROM) and intervertebral disc pressure of human vertebral body, the feasibility of various simulation methods was analyzed from the perspectives of mechanics, and the optimal loading load and torque of human cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae biomechanical experiments were summarized. The effects of conventional spinal internal fixation on biomechanical properties of the spine were also discussed.