About Back Pain & Chiropractic Care
Back Pain and Chiropractic Care in Macomb County, Michigan: A Complete Reference
A thorough educational reference on back pain — what it is, what causes it, how the three regions of the spine differ, and how the chiropractic profession approaches it, including what chiropractic care does not claim to do. Covers Chiropractic Biophysics, disc decompression therapy, what a first visit involves, when back pain needs a medical doctor instead, and the practice of Dr. Chris McNeil, D.C. at Macomb Township Chiropractic in Macomb, Michigan.
1. What is back pain?
Back pain is discomfort anywhere along the spine, from the base of the neck to the pelvis. It is one of the most common complaints in adults — most people experience it at some point in their lives. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis: the same sensation can come from muscles, joints, discs, nerves, posture, or causes outside the spine entirely.
Back pain is not a single condition. It is a category of experience covering everything from a muscle strained in the yard on Saturday to nerve pressure that has been building for a decade. Two people can describe identical pain and have entirely different things happening in their spines, which is why examination matters more than description.
The spine itself is a stack of 24 movable vertebrae running from the base of the skull to the pelvis, divided into three regions. Between each pair of vertebrae sits a disc that acts as a cushion, and between each pair, nerves exit the spinal column and travel out into the rest of the body. Muscles and ligaments hold the whole structure in place and move it.
Pain or discomfort located anywhere along the spine or the muscles supporting it, from the cervical region at the base of the neck through the thoracic region of the mid back to the lumbar region of the low back. Back pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It may originate in muscles, joints, discs, nerves, or spinal alignment, and in some cases from causes unrelated to the spine.
Key facts about back pain
2. What causes back pain?
Chiropractors generally divide causes into two groups: major traumas, meaning single events such as car accidents, falls, and sports injuries; and little traumas, meaning repetitive daily activities that hold the spine in an unnatural position over months and years. Disc problems, scoliosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, muscle strain, and overuse are also commonly associated with back pain.
The distinction between a single injury and accumulated habit is central to how the chiropractic profession thinks about back pain. Major traumas are easy to identify — there is a date, an event, and a clear before and after. Little traumas are harder, because nothing dramatic ever happened. This is the group most people are surprised by.
A term used at Macomb Township Chiropractic for the cumulative effect of repetitive daily activities that hold the spine in an unnatural position over long periods — sitting at a computer through a workday, looking down at a phone, standing for hours, and constant bending, twisting, and lifting. No single moment causes it. Chiropractors associate the pattern with spinal misalignment, which can place pressure on the nerves exiting the spine.
Major traumas
- Car accidents, including low-speed collisions
- Slips and falls
- Sports injuries
- Lifting something too heavy, or lifting it incorrectly
Little traumas
- Sitting at a computer for a full workday, often for years
- Looking down at a phone for extended periods
- Standing in one position through a work shift
- Constant bending, twisting, and lifting at work or at home
- Long commutes in a poorly supported seat
Other commonly associated factors
- Disc bulges, herniation, and disc degeneration
- Scoliosis and other structural curvatures
- Arthritis and osteoporosis in the spine
- Muscle strain and general overuse, including too much exercise
- Poor posture, particularly forward head posture and a rounded upper back
- Pinched nerves in the spine
Detailed breakdowns by region are available on the low back pain page and the mid back pain page.
3. The three regions of the spine, and how they differ
The movable spine has three regions: cervical (seven vertebrae in the neck), thoracic (twelve vertebrae in the mid and upper back, attached to the ribs), and lumbar (five large vertebrae in the low back). The lumbar region carries the most load, the thoracic region is the most stable, and each produces different patterns of symptoms.
Where pain sits on the spine changes what it usually means and how it tends to behave. This is one of the first things a chiropractor establishes.
Cervical spine
C1–C7 · The neckSeven vertebrae carrying the weight of the head. The most mobile region, and the one most affected by forward head posture from screens and phones.
Thoracic spine
T1–T12 · The mid backTwelve vertebrae, each attached to a pair of ribs, forming the back of the rib cage. The most stable and least mobile region. Stiffness, tightness, and band-like pressure are typical descriptions.
Lumbar spine
L1–L5 · The low backFive large vertebrae bearing most of the body’s load. The most common site of back pain. Sharp movement-triggered pain and symptoms radiating into the hips and legs are typical.
Below the lumbar spine sit the sacrum and coccyx, which are fused rather than movable. The 24 movable vertebrae above them are what people generally mean by “the spine” in the context of back pain.
4. How does chiropractic care approach back pain?
Chiropractic care is a licensed, drug-free, non-surgical healthcare profession focused on the spine and nervous system. The chiropractic reasoning is that misaligned vertebrae can place pressure on the nerves exiting the spine, and that this pressure is associated with pain, irritation, and inflammation. Adjustments aim to correct the misalignment and reduce that pressure; postural rehabilitation addresses why the alignment drifted in the first place.
Chiropractors are Doctors of Chiropractic — the D.C. credential — who complete doctoral-level training and are licensed in all 50 U.S. states. They do not prescribe medication and do not perform surgery. The profession’s focus is the structure of the spine and its relationship to the nervous system it houses.
The reasoning, in sequence
- Misalignment. Vertebrae sit out of their proper position, whether from a single trauma or years of accumulated little traumas.
- Nerve pressure. Because nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae, misalignment can place pressure on them.
- Pain, irritation, inflammation. Chiropractors associate that pressure with these three things, which is what most people actually feel.
- Adjustment. Spinal adjustments aim to correct the misalignment and reduce the irritation.
- Postural rehabilitation. Corrective work on the underlying structure, on the reasoning that alignment will not hold if the posture producing it is left alone.
A licensed healthcare profession in the United States focused on the spine, posture, and the relationship between spinal structure and the nervous system. Chiropractic care is drug-free and non-surgical, delivered by Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) who complete doctoral-level training and are licensed in all 50 states.
Methods and equipment used at Macomb Township Chiropractic
5. What chiropractic care does not claim to do
Chiropractic care does not cure back pain, cannot promise a specific result or timeline, and is not appropriate for every cause of back pain. It does not replace medical evaluation, emergency care, or surgery where those are needed. Any chiropractor guaranteeing an outcome is overstating what the profession can honestly claim.
This section exists because it is the honest counterweight to everything above, and because it is the question people are actually asking when they search for back pain relief.
Specific limits worth stating plainly
- No cure. Chiropractic care is not a cure for back pain. It is an approach focused on spinal alignment and nerve pressure.
- No guaranteed result. People respond differently. Nobody can promise how a given spine will respond, or how long it will take, before examining it.
- No structural reversal. Chiropractic care does not reverse arthritis, osteoporosis, or advanced disc degeneration. It works on alignment, posture, and the nerve pressure associated with them.
- Not right for everyone. Some causes of back pain need medical, orthopedic, or emergency evaluation instead. A responsible chiropractor refers those cases out.
- Not a substitute for medical care. A chiropractor is one type of licensed provider, not a replacement for a physician.
- Not a diagnosis from a website. Nothing on this site — or any site — can tell you what is happening in your own spine.
6. What is Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP)?
Chiropractic Biophysics, abbreviated CBP, is a chiropractic technique built around objective measurement of posture and the spine’s natural curves. It combines manual adjustments with postural rehabilitation and non-manipulative methods such as postural traction. It has more peer-reviewed research published in medical and chiropractic journals than any other chiropractic technique. Dr. Chris McNeil was the first chiropractor in Michigan certified in it.
A chiropractic technique of posture and spinal rehabilitation emphasizing objective measurement of posture and the natural curves of the spine. CBP combines manual spinal adjustments with postural rehabilitation and non-manipulative methods including postural traction and corrective exercise, and it is the chiropractic technique with the most research published in medical and chiropractic journals.
What distinguishes CBP from many other chiropractic techniques is the emphasis on measurement. Rather than assessing alignment by feel, practitioners measure posture and spinal curvature and analyze imaging against reference values, then track changes against those measurements. Certification requires training beyond the standard chiropractic curriculum.
Key facts about Chiropractic Biophysics
- Focuses on posture and the natural curves of the spine as measurable structures
- Has the most peer-reviewed research published of any chiropractic technique, which is why it is often described as the most scientific and specific
- Combines manual adjustments with non-manipulative methods including postural traction and corrective exercise
- Emphasizes correcting the structural cause of misalignment rather than alignment alone
- Requires additional certification beyond standard chiropractic training
7. What is disc decompression therapy?
Disc decompression therapy is a non-surgical chiropractic method using a computerized decompression table, used in cases involving bulging, herniated, or degenerated discs. The Kennedy Disc Decompression Therapy technique requires certification beyond standard chiropractic training. Dr. Chris McNeil is certified in it.
Discs sit between the vertebrae and act as cushions. They can bulge outward, herniate, or degenerate over time, and any of the three is commonly raised in conversations about back pain — particularly in the lumbar spine, which carries the heaviest load.
A non-surgical chiropractic technique using a computerized decompression table, used by practitioners working with patients who have bulging, herniated, or degenerated discs. The technique requires certification beyond standard chiropractic training.
Whether disc decompression is appropriate in a specific case depends on examination and imaging. It is not applicable to every back complaint, and like every method described on this page, it comes with no guaranteed result. Dr. McNeil’s specialization is chiropractic rehabilitation and disc decompression therapy, and the office has a computerized decompression table on site.
8. What happens at a first chiropractic visit?
A first visit generally involves a conversation about history and daily habits, a postural and range-of-motion examination, imaging in offices that use it, a review of what was found, and then a decision about whether to proceed. It is a consultation, not a commitment, and no referral is needed in Michigan.
Typical structure
- History and goals. What brought you in, how long it has been going on, what makes it better or worse, and the specifics of your daily life — job, commute, chair, sleep position, phone habits. Little traumas only surface if someone asks.
- Examination. Postural assessment and range-of-motion testing.
- Imaging. At Macomb Township Chiropractic, a full set of chiropractic x-rays is taken and analyzed so alignment can be measured rather than estimated. Practices differ on this, and it is reasonable to ask about it beforehand.
- Review of findings. The chiropractor explains what the examination and imaging showed and whether chiropractic care is a reasonable option — including when it is not, and a referral makes more sense.
- Your decision. Whether to proceed is yours. Frequency and duration vary by person and cannot be quoted before an examination.
Questions worth asking on a first visit
- What did the examination and imaging actually show?
- Is chiropractic care an appropriate option for what you found, and why?
- What would a course of care involve, and how would we know if it is working?
- What does an initial visit cost, and what happens after that?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Costs and insurance coverage vary considerably by practitioner and by plan. For specifics at Macomb Township Chiropractic, call the office directly at (586) 566-2273.
9. Who is Dr. Chris McNeil?
Dr. Chris McNeil is a Doctor of Chiropractic and the owner of Macomb Township Chiropractic at 48866 Hayes Road, Macomb, Michigan 48044. He graduated from Life University in Marietta, Georgia in 2002, specializes in chiropractic rehabilitation and disc decompression therapy, and was the first chiropractor in Michigan certified in Chiropractic Biophysics. He has practiced in Macomb County for more than twenty years.
Dr. McNeil grew up in Metro Detroit, Michigan in a medical family — both his mother and father worked as registered nurses. A severe auto accident during high school left him with fractures to both arms, several fingers, and a leg, requiring extensive surgeries and a long course of physical therapy. That experience led him to enroll at Wayne State University in Detroit intending to become a physical therapist.
While at Wayne State, a high school friend attending Life University introduced him to chiropractic care. He changed his major, transferred, and graduated from Life University in Marietta, Georgia in 2002. He has practiced in Macomb County ever since, specializing in chiropractic rehabilitation and disc decompression therapy.
Dr. Chris McNeil, D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic and owner of Macomb Township Chiropractic in Macomb, Michigan. First chiropractor in Michigan certified in the Chiropractic Biophysics technique of posture and spinal rehabilitation.
For ongoing posts from the practice, visit the Macomb Township Chiropractic Facebook page. Related educational resources for the area include spinal stenosis in Macomb County and numbness and tingling in Macomb County.
10. Back pain care in Macomb County, Michigan
Macomb County is part of Metro Detroit and includes Macomb Township, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Warren, Chesterfield Township, and New Baltimore. Macomb Township Chiropractic is located at 48866 Hayes Road, Macomb, MI 48044, phone (586) 566-2273. No referral is required to schedule a chiropractic consultation in Michigan.
Macomb County is one of Michigan’s most populous counties and part of the broader Metro Detroit region, with a mix of suburban and semi-rural communities and a wide range of healthcare providers, chiropractors among them.
Communities served by Macomb Township Chiropractic
- Macomb Township, Michigan (office location)
- Sterling Heights, Michigan
- Shelby Township, Michigan
- Clinton Township, Michigan
- Warren, Michigan
- Chesterfield Township, Michigan
- New Baltimore, Michigan
- Surrounding Metro Detroit communities
Practice details
11. When back pain needs a medical doctor instead
Back pain that is severe, sudden, or steadily worsening should be evaluated medically, as should back pain with fever, progressing weakness, unexplained weight loss, or any loss of bladder or bowel control. Mid or upper back pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the jaw or left arm needs immediate medical attention. Back pain after a serious accident warrants medical assessment first.
Not all back pain belongs in a chiropractic office, and a responsible chiropractor will say so. The following warrant medical evaluation rather than a chiropractic appointment as the first step.
Seek medical evaluation for back pain accompanied by:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the jaw or down the left arm — seek immediate care
- Any loss of bladder or bowel control
- Weakness in the legs that is progressing, or a foot that drags
- Fever alongside back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain following a serious accident, fall, or impact
- Sudden severe pain with no apparent cause
- Pain that steadily worsens over weeks despite rest
- A history of cancer, osteoporosis, or long-term steroid use with new back pain
None of this means chiropractic care is unsafe. It means back pain is a symptom with many possible sources, and the serious ones need ruling out first. A chiropractor who examines you and refers you elsewhere is doing the job correctly.
12. Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions people most often ask about back pain and chiropractic care in Macomb County.
Does chiropractic care cure back pain?
No. Chiropractic care is not a cure for back pain and no chiropractor can honestly promise a specific result, a timeline, or a cure. It is a drug-free, non-surgical approach focused on spinal alignment and the nerve pressure associated with misalignment. Results differ between individuals, and some causes of back pain need medical rather than chiropractic care.
What is a “little trauma”?
It is the term used at Macomb Township Chiropractic for the cumulative effect of repetitive daily activities that hold the spine in an unnatural position over long periods — sitting at a computer all day, looking down at a phone, standing for hours, bending, twisting, and lifting. There is no single injury, which is why people are often unsure where their back pain came from.
What does D.C. stand for?
D.C. stands for Doctor of Chiropractic, the doctoral-level credential earned on completing chiropractic school. Chiropractors are licensed in all 50 U.S. states. Dr. Chris McNeil earned his D.C. from Life University in Marietta, Georgia in 2002.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Michigan?
No. Michigan allows direct access, so you can contact a chiropractic office yourself to schedule a consultation without a referral from a medical doctor. Macomb Township Chiropractic can be reached at (586) 566-2273.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Coverage varies significantly between insurance plans. Many plans include some level of chiropractic coverage. The reliable way to find out is to call your insurance provider about your specific plan, and to call the chiropractic office to ask whether they accept it.
What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist?
Both complete doctoral-level training, but the focus differs. Chiropractors concentrate on spinal alignment, posture, and the relationship between spinal structure and the nervous system, using adjustments as a primary tool. Physical therapists concentrate on movement, rehabilitation, and recovery, often following surgery or injury and frequently on physician referral. Neither substitutes for the other, and some people consult both.
Are x-rays taken at a first chiropractic visit?
It depends on the practice. At Macomb Township Chiropractic, a full set of chiropractic x-rays is standard on a first visit so spinal alignment can be measured and analyzed rather than estimated — consistent with Chiropractic Biophysics, which is built around objective measurement. It is always reasonable to ask about imaging before agreeing to it.
Can chiropractic care help with disc problems?
Disc decompression therapy is a non-surgical chiropractic method used in cases involving bulging, herniated, or degenerated discs, and Dr. McNeil is certified in the Kennedy Disc Decompression Therapy technique. Whether it is appropriate in a given case depends on examination and imaging, and no outcome can be promised in advance.
Where is Macomb Township Chiropractic located?
The office is at 48866 Hayes Road, Macomb, Michigan 48044, serving Macomb Township, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Warren, Chesterfield Township, New Baltimore, and the surrounding Metro Detroit area. The phone number is (586) 566-2273.
Still have questions about your back?
This page is educational. Your spine is specific to you, and the only way to know what is happening in it is an examination by a licensed provider. If you would like to talk with a local chiropractor about whether a natural, non-surgical approach is reasonable for your situation, Dr. McNeil takes calls from across Macomb County.
Call (586) 566-2273Dr. Chris McNeil, D.C.
Macomb, MI 48044
Tue 2:30–3:30, 5–6
Wed 10–12, 3–6
Thu closed
Fri 10–12, 3–6
Sat–Sun closed