Neutral Spine is the ideal “natural” position of the spine in a relaxed position in “good posture”. I’m using a lot of quotes because everyone is slightly different, however, the general population will find that this fits them.
This concept of a neutral spine is not just for structural posture – but also to optimize the mechanics of breathing aligning the diaphragm & pelvic floor. (see diaphragmatic breathing).
To find this neutral position if you hold a dowel on your back you should maintain 3 POINTS OF CONTACT: BACK OF THE HEAD/MID BACK/TAILBONE WHILE MAINTAINING A HAND SPACE CURVATURE IN LOW BACK then using a to maintain the posture through movement.
When not maintaining a neutral position, the spine/core moves in five main directions plus the combinations of those directions which include:
- EXTENSION / FLEXION
- ROTATION
- LATERAL FLEXION