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I went to see a chiropractor for neck and shoulder pain. The treatment was done to the middle of my back and I felt much better. What's the connection?

Muscular or skeletal pain often comes from a mechanical source. This means something in the alignment of the bones and soft tissues is out of position or pinching a nerve. The way the head, ribs, arms and legs connect to the spine is very complex and quite connected so to speak.

Adjusting the spine to correct other problems is the center of chiropractic care. Studies show that the thoracic spine (middle of the back) is a pain generator. This middle area of the spine has quite a bit of influence on the rest of the spine, including the neck. The position of the thoracic spine has also been shown to affect the shoulders.

Treating the thoracic spine helps patients with a wide range of problems. Patients with complex regional pain syndrome, neck and shoulder pain, and pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves have all benefitted from this type of treatment. The same is true for anyone with rib problems.

If you've ever had a car accident or whiplash injury, the middle of the spine is often the fulcrum for the injury. As the head whips forward and back, the thoracic spine acts as the point of leverage for the rest of the vertebrae. Often the neck problems get addressed but the thoracic spine is ignored.

You were fortunate to have someone who understands the anatomical connections and treated the source rather than the effects of the problem.

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