neutral spine (describe neutral spine alignment and common deviations)

Question 1

Proper standing alignment: posture when the body is aligned in such a way that it minimizes ___ on muscles, joints, and ligaments while promoting ___ and proper function

Answer 1

posture when the body is aligned in such a way that it minimizes strain on muscles, joints, and ligaments while promoting balance and proper function

Question 2

7 structures to consider for neutral spine

Answer 2

head
shoulders
spine
hips
knees
feet
pelvis

Question 3

Head in neutral spine

Answer 3

Head: aligned with spine, ears directly over the shoulders.

Question 4

head: deviation from neutral spine and resulting discomfort

Answer 4

head (neck strain) aka text neck
Headaches, shoulder tension, upper back discomfort

Question 5

Shoulders in neutral spine

Answer 5

Shoulders: release and pulled slightly back, resting gently on the back

Question 6

Shoulders deviation from neutral spine

Answer 6

Deviation: rounded forward (kyphosis), sticking out, pinched together

Question 7

kyphosis

Answer 7

shoulders / back rounded forward

Question 8

Spine sections and alignment in neutral spine

Answer 8

Spine:
cervical curve (neck) should have a slight forward curve
Thoracic curve (upper back should curve slightly outwards
Lumbar curve (lower back) should curve slightly inwards
Ensure the pelvis is not tilted too far forward (anterior pelvis tilt) or too far back (posterior pelvic tilt)

Question 9

Neutral spine:
cervical curve (neck) should have a

Answer 9

slight forward curve

Question 10

Neutral spine:
Thoracic curve: upper back should

Answer 10

curve slightly outwards

Question 11

Neutral spine:
Lumbar curve (lower back) should

Answer 11

curve slightly inwards

Question 12

Neutral spine:
pelvis is not

Answer 12

tilted too far forward (anterior pelvis tilt) or too far back (posterior pelvic tilt)

Question 13

Neutral spine hips:

Answer 13

Hips: level, with pelvis neutral

Question 14

Neutral spine hips deviation

Answer 14

Deviation: excessive tilting (anterior or posterior tilt)

Question 15

neutral spine knees

Answer 15

Knees: slightly bent, not locked; they should align with the hips and ankles to prevent unnecessary stress on the joints

Question 16

neutral spine feet

Answer 16

Feet: approximately hip-width apart, weight distributed evenly across the soles. Toes should point forward or slightly outwards

Question 17

neutral spine feet deviation

Answer 17

Deviation: rolling inwards (pronation) or outward (supination)

Question 18

neutral spine pelvis

Answer 18

Pelvis: neutral meaning the top of the pelvis is aligned with the rib cage and the lower back is not overly arched

Question 19

neutral spine deviation anterior pelvic tilt, cause and effects

Answer 19

pelvis tilts forward, causing an exaggerated curve in the lower back
Common causes include tight hip flexors and weak glutes and core muscles
Can lead to lower back pain, hip discomfort, and posture problems

Question 20

Neutral spine Deviation: posterior pelvic tilt:

Answer 20

pelvic tilts backward, flattening the natural curve of the lower back
Result from weak hip flexors, tight hamstrings, or over-correction of posture
Can lead to stiffness in the lower back, tight hips, and poor posture

Question 21

Neutral spine Deviation: swayback posture

Answer 21

hips shifting forward, causing the lower back to flatten while the upper back shifts backward
Often caused by weak core muscles and tight hamstrings
Can lead to lower back and neck pain, muscle imbalances

Question 22

neutral spine: Deviation: Flat back:

Answer 22

the natural curves of the spine, particularly the lumbar curve, are reduced or absent
Can cause stiffness in the back, difficulting standing for long periods, and pain in the lower pack

Question 23

neutral spine Deviation: uneven shoulders:

Answer 23

one shoulder appearing higher than the other
Caused by: muscle imbalances, scoliosis, or poor posture habits
Can lead to muscle strain, neck pain, an imbalance in the body

Question 24

neutral spine Deviation: scoliosis:

Answer 24

a lateral (side to side) curvature of the spine, which can cause uneven shoulders, hips, and ribcage
Depending on severity, scoliosis can cause discomfort, difficulting with movement, and increased risk of join degeneration

Question 25

neutral spine Deviation: exaggerated thoracic kyphosis

Answer 25

an excessive curve of the upper spine, often referred to as “hunchback” Can cause pain in the upper bac, shoulders, and neck and is often due to poor posture, aging, or osteoporosis

Question 26

neutral spine Deviation: leg length discrepancy:

Answer 26

one leg being longer than the other can cause a tilt in the pelvis, affecting spinal alignment May lead to competition in the spine, hip, and knee joints, resulting in pain and discomfort

Question 27

addressing neutral spine deviations (3)

Answer 27

Addressing deviants: involves 1) strengthening and stretching specific muscle groups, 2) practicing proper posture, and 3) sometimes seeking professional guidance from physical therapist or other healthcare providers