1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Back & Neck Pain

Ideal Alignment

By Anne Asher, About.com

Updated April 13, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Ideal alignment is a balanced posture in which positioning is centered and relaxed for all the joints of the body. With joints in non-awkward positions, muscles relax, and unnecessary tension can be released.

Ideal alignment is the most mechanically efficient positioning for the body.

Ideal alignment uses a plumb line to compare the relative positions of the:

  • ears
  • shoulders
  • spine
  • hips
  • knees
  • ankles
  • feet

If these structures are not lined up with the plumb line, there are likely to be muscular imbalances that can be addressed by stretching, strengthening, physical therapy, and other treatments.

Also Known As: standard posture
Explore Back & Neck Pain
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Back & Neck Pain
  4. Posture
  5. Ideal Alignment - Glossary Definition for Standard Posture>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.