Neutral Spine/Pelvic Neutral

Question 1

Intention of neutral spine

Answer 1

Is imperative in order to maintain the integrity of the curves of the spine and to allow the musculature to provide the best proprioception

Question 2

What muscles fire in neutral

Answer 2

Paraspinals/Multifidus muscles

Question 3

Landmarks for finding neutral

Answer 3

12: 00 T-Point
6: 00/Coccyx/“tail” (or tailbone posteriorly) and pubis or pubic bone anteriorly

Question 4

Finding neutral in supine

Answer 4

Pelvic positioning to achieve neutral - hook lying ASIS and pubic bone should be horizontally level - triangle shape

Thoracic/lumbar positioning to achieve neutral - T-Point/anchor point - 12:00 and 6:00 should be down with soft natural arch between - think ladybugs crawling thru

Question 5

Finding neutral side lying

Answer 5

Stack hips and reach long with the top leg (pulling hip away from armpit) to create a small space under the waistline of the down side called “mouse house”

Question 6

Finding neutral prone

Answer 6

Pubic bone and ASIS align anteriorly with 10th rib - reach out thru crown of head to avoid hypertension,

cue reaching out of spine and engaging abs up into spine, pillow under pelvis if needed

Question 7

Finding neutral in plank

Answer 7

Pubic bone and ASIS align or at a slight angle to floor, coccyx tucked under, shoulder blades anchored flat on ribs, pelvis level, abs pulled up into the spine

Cue the image of a “Japanese bridge” or rainbow l

Cue pushing back up into hand

Question 8

Finding neutral Seated

Answer 8

Pelvis visualized as a Pelvic Bowl that must remain upright

Seated on hard surface, rock the pelvis, and when sits bones are felt to be their most prominent or boney the pelvic bowl should be upright

Question 9

Finding neutral standing, kneeling

Answer 9

Align upper core with lower core as if thorax and pelvis were columns and need to be stacked or pubic bone and ASIS align with the lower rib points, shoulders down, head over shoulders

Question 10

Cueing for neutral spine

Answer 10

Anchor tail/6:00 to mat
Drop weight into bra strap or 12:00
Balance cup of water on ribs or lower abs
Imagine ladybugs crawling under low back
Align ASIS with pubic bone