Is That a Pulled Muscle or a Misalignment?
We’ve all felt it—a sudden twinge in your back, a sharp pain in your neck, or tightness between the shoulder blades. Most people assume it’s just a pulled muscle, and while that’s sometimes true, it could also be something deeper: a spinal misalignment.
At Aspire Family Chiropractic, we see many patients who thought they had a “muscle problem,” when in reality, their symptoms were being caused by nerve interference from misaligned joints. So how can you tell the difference?
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Pulled Muscle?
A pulled or strained muscle occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn due to sudden movement, overuse, or poor flexibility. It often presents as:
- Localized soreness or tightness
- Swelling or tenderness
- Pain during movement
- Possible bruising
Minor strains usually resolve within a few days with rest, ice, and stretching.
But what if the pain lingers? Or keeps coming back in the same spot? That’s when it’s time to consider a structural cause.
What Is a Misalignment?
A misalignment, or subluxation, happens when a joint in the spine shifts out of its ideal position, putting pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues. This not only affects spinal mobility but also disrupts the communication between your brain and body.
Symptoms of misalignment can mimic muscle pain and include:
- Persistent tightness or spasms in one area
- “Knot-like” tension that doesn’t resolve with massage
- Pain that returns after temporary relief
- Numbness, tingling, or radiating pain
- Feeling “off” or misbalanced in your movement
Misalignments often cause secondary muscle tightness as your body tries to compensate or protect the area.
How to Tell the Difference
Here’s a quick guide:
Symptoms- Pulled Muscle or Misalignment??
If you’ve tried stretching, massage, or even rest—and your pain keeps coming back or doesn’t fully resolve—it’s likely not just a muscle issue.
Why Chiropractic Care Addresses the Root Cause
Chiropractic doesn’t just treat the pain—it restores structure, alignment, and nervous system balance.
At Aspire Family Chiropractic, we:
- Analyze posture, spinal movement, and nerve flow
- Pinpoint areas of subluxation
- Use gentle adjustments to restore alignment
- Relieve pressure on nerves and reduce muscular compensation
- Help your body heal and regulate naturally
Many patients are surprised to find that the “tight muscle” they’ve had for months disappears once the underlying spinal issue is corrected.
Real Talk From Patients
"I thought it was just a sore shoulder from lifting, but Dr. Alexa found a misalignment in my upper back as well as my shoulder! After a few adjustments, the pain and tightness were completely gone and I was able to work out like I used to years ago. I have been continuing care and have felt amazing since!"
Don’t Settle for Temporary Relief
If you're dealing with ongoing pain or tension, your body might be trying to tell you something deeper is going on.
📞 Schedule an evaluation at Aspire Family Chiropractic—we’ll help you find the root of the problem and get you back to feeling like yourself again.
References
Kent, C. (1996). Models of Vertebral Subluxation: A Review. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1(1), 1–7. Herzog, W. (2000). Biomechanical considerations of spinal manipulative therapy. European Spine Journal, 9(2), 77–83. Green, B. N., & Johnson, C. D. (2000). Chiropractic treatment of chronic myofascial pain syndrome: A case study. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 44(4), 251.
