In sidelying, which placement helps maintain neutral cervical spine?

• A. Between knees: prevent hip adduction
• B. Under head: fill space between head/mattress, maintain neutral cervical spine
• C. Under top arm: prevent shoulder protraction
• D. Behind back: prevents rolling backward

Answer: (B)

Keeping the neck in a straight line with the rest of the spine in sidelying requires supporting the head so the cervical spine isn’t flexed or extended. Placing a pillow under the head fills the space between the head and the mattress, allowing the neck to remain in its natural curve and aligned with the thoracic spine. This prevents the head from tipping toward the bed or tilting upward, which helps maintain neutral cervical alignment and reduces neck strain. A properly chosen pillow height is key—too tall or too short can push the head out of alignment. The other supports serve different purposes—between the knees helps pelvis alignment, under the top arm aids shoulder position, and behind the back enhances trunk stability—without specifically ensuring neutral neck alignment the way a head pillow does.