Subluxations (misalignments of the spinal vertebrae) are one of the most common causes of neck and low back pain. When vertebrae are misaligned, they put pressure directly on spinal nerves, causing pain. Muscle spasms may set in which can increase the pressure further. This extra pressure can cause even more inflammation and irritation, which leads to more pain. And the cycle continues. Often times stretching and massage may only temporarily relieve the pain because the cause (subluxation) has not been addressed. A chiropractic adjustment focuses on correcting the cause.