Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain are two of the most common musculoskeletal issues, and they affect millions of Americans each year. At Northwest Wellness in Federal Way, Washington, the team offers advanced treatments for back and neck pain, including cold laser treatment or low–level laser therapy (LLLT). Call Northwest Wellness today to request a new patient consultation or request an appointment online.

When should I worry about back and neck pain?

Back and neck pain includes aching, stiffness, or discomfort that affects any part of your spine. Everyone has back and neck pain occasionally, but if your symptoms last for more than a day or two or impact your mobility, it’s vital to seek treatment.

Do back and neck pain present symptoms?

The symptoms of back and neck pain include:

• Pain when bending, twisting, or lifting
• Headaches
• Difficulty turning your head
• Stiffness
• Pain that worsens after sitting or standing
• Muscle tightness and spasms

Depending on the underlying cause, back and neck pain may keep you up at night.

Should I see a chiropractor about back and neck pain?

Make an appointment with the team at Northwest Wellness if you have back and neck pain that doesn’t improve with at-home care, like taking anti-inflammatory medicine or improving your posture. That’s particularly true if the pain starts after an accident or injury, like a car crash or a slip and fall.

How is back and neck pain diagnosed?

Your Northwest Wellness provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, where it occurs, and if certain movements cause it to extend into other areas of your body.

Next, your provider examines your neck and back, looking for bruising, redness, or swelling. They gently press on your spine, identifying sensitive areas, and test your ability to bend over, twist, and move your head.

If an exam doesn’t provide enough insight, your provider may order X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These procedures capture photos of your bones, joints, intervertebral discs, and surrounding tissues.

How is back and neck pain treated?

At Northwest Wellness, the primary modality used to treat back and neck pain is spinal manipulation.

Additional modalities available to patients include:

• Cold laser
• Graston®
• Therapeutic exercise
• Soft tissue mobilization

If your symptoms continue after a series of gentle and effective spinal manipulation treatments, your provider may suggest additional measures, including:

• Massage therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Physical rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Naturopathy

Call Northwest Wellness today to learn more about the treatment of back and neck pain, or request your appointment online.