Neck leads to lower back stiffness?

[louii.21]

I just found this forum today.. I need some help. For a few weeks now, I've had this annoying neck pain, mostly on the left side. It feels like it's starting to spread or at least lead to some new lower back stiffness. I'm wondering if anyone has seen a link between problems in the upper neck and lower back issues that happen as a result. Have any of you found specific ways to check for this or techniques that work well for this kind of problem? I'm feeling a bit stuck and I don't know how to fully describe what's going on when I see a chiropractor. Any advice on how to explain this connection to them would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Averagejoe80]

There could be a connection and it could be the result of countless things. Bad sitting posture on your desk, the AC blowing on that side, anything can be the cause. When you go to see the chiropractor make sure you explain everything in as much detail as possible. Try to remember when it started if something in your life changed around that time, things like that. The chiropractor will have some follow up questions, so make sure to answer in as much details as possible.

 

[New Yorker]

@Averagejoe80 makes a good point about posture and details. I'd also mention any habits like how you sleep or if you favor one side, since that can really help the chiropractor spot patterns.

 

[ReinField]

I'd mention that the pain started in the neck and now your lower back feels tight or stiff, especially if it showed up after, a good chiro should check alignment from top to bottom, not just the spot that hurts.

 

[hawkinspierce]

I agree with everyone here! Also, everyday habits can cause pain too like holding your phone between your shoulder and ear, sitting with a bent back while using your phone, or sleeping with too many pillows. These small things can slowly create neck and back problems.

 

[its_daniee.c]

I just found this forum today.. I need some help. For a few weeks now, I've had this annoying neck pain, mostly on the left side. It feels like it's starting to spread or at least lead to some new lower back stiffness. I'm wondering if anyone has seen a link between problems in the upper neck and lower back issues that happen as a result. Have any of you found specific ways to check for this or techniques that work well for this kind of problem? I'm feeling a bit stuck and I don't know how to fully describe what's going on when I see a chiropractor. Any advice on how to explain this connection to them would be greatly appreciated!

I've seen this exact pattern a number of times in my practice.
The connection between the cervical and lumbar spine is an example of the kinetic chain in action.
Consider the spine a single unit so a problem in one area, especially a foundational one like the upper neck, can cause compensatory issues and muscle guarding down the line.
When you're talking to your chiropractor, just be direct, and they'll know exactly what you mean.
They will likely want to assess your entire spine and posture.
A good chiropractor will not just focus on the area of pain, but on the root cause.
They should perform a comprehensive exam to identify the source of the problem, and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.