Finding a neutral pelvis | ProSport Physio | Glenelg East

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Finding your neutral pelvis and spine

Finding your neutral pelvis and spine

Finding a neutral pelvis and spine position is absolutely critical in performing exercises and even everyday activities safely. A neutral pelvis and spine will generally mean your spine is set in a natural S-curve position (not too curved but not too flat) and the pelvis is set in a neutral position (not too rotated forward or backward). See the pictures below as an example.

When the spine and pelvis is set in neutral, loads are more evenly distributed amongst all the joints and muscles, making it a much more injury resistant posture. For example, if your pelvis is too far rotated forward (anteriorly tilted- see middle picture below), this usually results in an increased curve or arch in your lower back. When exercising in this position, it means increased stress on the joints in lower back and hips, increasing your risk of injury.

Exercises to help you find your neutral pelvis

The Modified Cat-Camel exercise is great for improving your awareness of where your pelvis and spine are in space, and improving your ability to find a neutral pelvis and spine. The Modified Cat-Camel should be performed by doing the following:

  • Get into an all 4's position with your knees under your hips and wrists under your shoulders
  • You should have a slight bend in your elbows and shoulder blades should be slightly spread by pushing the ground away from you
  • Start by tucking your tailbone under and rounding your lower back as much as possible (top picture below)
  • From this position, think about poking your bottom out, dropping your bellybutton to the floor and arching your back as much as possible (middle picture below)
  • Repeat this rounding and arching 4-5 times before finding a middle point between the two (bottom picture below). This should be roughly your neutral position
  • The same process can then be repeated in a standing position
    •
    Image 1. The top picture shows a posteriorly tilted pelvis and rounded lower back, the middle picture shows an anteriorly tilted pelvis and arched lower back, the bottom picture shows a neutral pelvis and lower back.

    Practical implications

    You should always find and maintain your neutral position when setting up for any major compound gym exercises (Squatting, Deadlifting, Overhead Pressing, Bent-Over Rowing). Maintaining this position is also important in many sports specific movements such as running and sprinting. Doing so will reduce your risk of injury and potentially even improve performance.

    There are many different exercises to help build strength and control in this position for sports and gym specific activity, some of which we will touch on in future articles, so stay tuned!



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