Question
Hey,
I have been having these pain in my neck and lower back. I try to crack my neck or lower back and it feels a lot better after I do this, but it comes back pretty soon. I don't know what's the problem is. I also lift weights, but I am trying to work out my back but it doesn't seem to help as much. What possible problems do you think it is?

Answer
The most common problem is an asymmetrical muscle condition causing instability. Getting a thorough work-up, including x-rays, by a recommended Chiropractor is the best option. You might be aggravating the condition by working out. Many good intentions result in creating more problems than they solve, unless you know what the lumbar and cervical curves look like, weight lifting can cause an imbalance putting unhealthy loads on articular surfaces in the spine.

Also, depending on your age and past history, arthritis should be ruled out. Getting a base line x-ray will also identify problems that would be missed if future biomechanical anomalies creep up. These enable the doctor to compare possible changes in the spine that otherwise go unnoticed.

Starting here should give you a good start preventing problems down the road.

Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin