Common Symptoms of Back and Neck Pain
the most common complaints we hear in the office are:
- stiffness
- muscle tightness
- headaches
- pain with sitting
- pain with movement
- numbness or tingling
- pain into the shoulders or legs
- reduced mobility
- tension between the shoulder blades
Common Conditions We Treat:
- Low back pain
- Neck stiffness
- Sciatica
- Disc herniations
- Whiplash
- Pinched nerves
- Muscle strains
- Tension headaches
- Postural pain
- Chronic spinal pain
What causes back and neck pain?
Back and neck pain can develop from many different factors, including:
- prolonged sitting
- repetitive strain
- poor posture
- sports injuries
- lifting injuries
- muscle imbalances
- muscle spasms
- stress and tension
- mobility restrictions
- disc irritation
- workplace demands
In many cases, symptoms are influenced by a combination of movement, lifestyle, and physical stress factors rather than a single isolated cause.
How we can help
Chiropractic care can improve spinal mobility, reduce stiffness, and restore movement quality
Treatment may include:
- spinal adjustments
- joint mobilization
- soft-tissue therapy (ART, Graston, Cupping, etc)
- dry needling or acupuncture
- movement assessment
- exercise & rehab prescription
- shockwave therapy
Why People Trust Reform
our team ensures the best possible care by providing:
- evidence-informed care
- collaborative care approach
- individualized treatment plans
- longer treatment times
- rehab/exercise emphasis
- patient education
Ready to get started? Start your recovery today!
Reviewed by Dr. Courtney Means, Chiropractor
Frequently Asked Questions
Recurring flare-ups are very common, especially when the underlying contributors such as weakness, posture habits, mobility restrictions, or repetitive strain are not fully addressed.
Yes. Prolonged sitting, desk work, driving, and repetitive positions can place stress on the spine and surrounding muscles, contributing to stiffness, tension, headaches, and movement-related discomfort.
Yes. Stress can increase muscle tension, affect sleep quality, and contribute to increased pain sensitivity. Many people carry tension through the neck, shoulders, and lower back during stressful periods.
Yes. Chiropractic treatment may help improve spinal mobility, reduce stiffness, and restore movement quality. At Reform Health & Wellness, our team provides modern, evidence-based care to get to the root of the problem and provide lasting results.
You should consider assessment if:
- pain keeps returning
- symptoms are worsening
- movement becomes limited
- headaches become frequent
- numbness or tingling develops
- pain radiates into the arm or leg
- symptoms affect work, sleep, or exercise
No. Many cases of back and neck pain improve with conservative treatment and do not require imaging. Imaging is usually recommended when specific clinical findings or more serious symptoms are present. Our chiropractors a Reform Health & Wellness will determine if your condition requires further imaging and can order them if necessary.
For most individuals, chiropractic adjustments are considered safe when performed by a properly trained and licensed chiropractor. Chiropractic care is considered a commonly used conservative treatment option for many types of back and neck pain. Like any healthcare treatment, safety depends on several factors, including the individual’s condition, medical history, symptoms, and the type of treatment being performed.
At Reform Health & Wellness, treatment begins with a thorough assessment to help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate and which techniques may be most suitable for the patient.
No. Modern chiropractic care often includes:
- soft tissue therapy
- dry needling/IMS
- flexion-distraction therapy
- movement assessment
- rehabilitation exercises
- mobility work
- posture and ergonomic guidance
- exercise recommendations
- shockwave therapy
- education about recovery and activity
At Reform Health & Wellness, treatment plans are designed around the individual patient rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Most episodes of back pain are not dangerous and often improve with conservative treatment. However, some symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying issue and should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional.
Seek medical attention if your back pain is accompanied by:
- Significant weakness in the legs
- Numbness in the groin or saddle area
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Severe pain following a fall, accident, or trauma
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats
- Persistent pain that is worsening or not improving
- Pain that wakes you consistently at night
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Back pain can also sometimes be related to disc injuries, nerve irritation, joint dysfunction, muscle strain, or postural stress. A proper assessment can help determine the cause and whether conservative treatment such as chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, or exercise rehabilitation may be appropriate.
