BACK PAIN

Walking upright places significant stress on the spine, which is compounded by poor sitting habits, improper lifting, and everyday wear and tear. As a result, back pain is the second most common reason for doctor visits, and up to 80% of people will experience a back problem at some point in their lives.

Back injuries may cause sharp or dull pain and can include tingling, numbness, burning, weakness, or leg pain such as sciatica. While many minor injuries resolve quickly, some pain persists. Stress, mood changes, and fear of movement may contribute to prolonged symptoms.

Chiropractic care is a well-established option for back pain. Millions of Americans seek chiropractic treatment each year, with high patient satisfaction. Through careful evaluation, Dr. Wehrspan uses spinal adjustments and other natural approaches to restore function and reduce pain. Spinal manipulation is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for back pain and has been shown to provide better short-term relief than medication in many cases.

Certain occupations place exceptional strain on the back, including auto mechanics, nursing home workers, delivery drivers, firefighters and EMTs, roofers, farmers, police officers, and landscapers. These jobs often involve heavy lifting, awkward positions, prolonged sitting, or sudden physical demands, all of which increase the risk of back injury.

NECK PAIN

The neck, or cervical spine, is made up of seven small vertebrae that support the weight of the head and allow a wide range of motion. This mobility also makes the neck vulnerable to pain and injury. Common contributors include poor posture, prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, accidents, falls, aging, and everyday wear and tear.

Neck pain is most often caused by injury, degeneration, or daily stress. Whiplash from auto accidents can damage muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, and nerves, leading to pain and stiffness. Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease can reduce joint motion, narrow nerve pathways, and cause pain, numbness, or tingling into the shoulders and arms. Poor posture, excess weight, muscle weakness, and emotional stress can further strain the neck and contribute to chronic symptoms.

During an evaluation, Dr. Wehrspan will review your symptoms and perform a physical and neurological examination to identify the source of your pain. Chiropractic care focuses on conservative, non-surgical treatment. When appropriate, neck adjustments are used to restore joint mobility, improve range of motion, and reduce pain and stiffness. Treatment plans may also include mobilization, massage, exercises, and activity modification.

Research supports chiropractic care for neck pain, with studies showing significant improvement in patients with chronic neck pain following spinal manipulation.

HEADACHES

Headaches are extremely common, affecting nearly nine out of ten Americans. They vary in frequency and severity, from mild tension to debilitating pain with nausea. While many rely on rest or medication, research shows there may be a more effective option.

Studies have found that spinal manipulation, the primary treatment used by chiropractors, can provide significant relief for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. Research from Duke University and published clinical trials have shown faster improvement, fewer side effects, and longer-lasting relief compared to commonly prescribed medications.

Most headaches are primary headaches, such as tension or migraine, and are not caused by disease. The majority are linked to muscle tension and joint irritation in the neck and upper back, often worsened by prolonged sitting, poor posture, and sedentary habits.

Dr. Wehrspan evaluates the spine and surrounding muscles to identify contributing factors. Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, posture and ergonomic guidance, exercises, and relaxation strategies to reduce tension and prevent recurrence. Chiropractic care focuses on addressing the underlying causes of headaches, not just masking symptoms, helping patients achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.