Neck & Back Pain
Whether your pain started suddenly or has been building over time, you don't have to simply live with it.
Neck and back pain can make everyday activities—from working at your desk and driving to exercising, hiking, or simply getting a good night’s sleep—more difficult than they should be. Neck and back pain can have many different causes. Sometimes there is an obvious injury, while other times pain develops gradually without a single identifiable cause.
Neck pain can range from a mild ache or feeling of tightness to sharper or more persistent pain. You may notice stiffness when turning your head, tension through your neck and shoulders, discomfort between your shoulder blades, or headaches associated with neck tension. In some cases, symptoms can extend into the shoulder, arm, or hand and may include sensations such as tingling or numbness.
Back pain can feel similarly varied. You might experience an aching or sharp pain in your lower or upper back, stiffness after sitting or sleeping, muscle tightness or spasms, or discomfort when bending, lifting, standing, or walking. Sometimes pain can extend from the lower back into the hip, buttock, or leg.
Everyone experiences pain differently, and the intensity of your symptoms doesn't necessarily tell you how serious the underlying issue is. Our goal is to understand how your symptoms are affecting you and help you feel more comfortable and confident in your movement.
Symptoms can be temporary, recurrent, or persistent. The location and intensity of your pain don't always indicate how serious the underlying problem is. Your healthcare provider may send you for imaging, however this is not always necessary or beneficial.
What causes neck and back pain?
There isn't always one obvious cause of neck or back pain. Sometimes symptoms develop following an injury, such as a sports injury, motor vehicle accident, or awkward lift. Other times, pain gradually develops as a result of repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, changes in activity, or a combination of different factors. Muscle tension and stiffness can contribute to discomfort, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Reduced mobility, changes in strength or conditioning, and the demands of work, exercise, or everyday activities can also play a role. Stress and poor sleep may further influence how your body experiences and responds to pain.
Importantly, pain doesn't always mean that something is damaged or that there is a serious problem with your spine. The relationship between pain, movement, muscles, joints, lifestyle, and the nervous system can be complicated. That's why an individualized assessment can be helpful in understanding your symptoms and figuring out what approach is right for you.
Treatment for neck and back pain
Sometimes one type of treatment is all you need. Other times, a combination of approaches can be helpful.
For example, physiotherapy may help you improve strength and movement while massage therapy addresses muscle tension. Osteopathy may be used to work on mobility and whole-body movement, while acupuncture may be incorporated to help manage pain and down-regulate the nervous system.
Because Fix Physio brings these services together under one roof, you don't have to figure out which treatment is right for you on your own. Our practitioners can work together and help you find an approach that makes sense for your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
If you're experiencing significant weakness, progressive numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin/saddle area, severe pain following significant trauma, or other concerning symptoms, seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.