Back & Neck Pain Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
Non-surgical, root-cause care for chronic back and neck pain — targeting the disc, joint, nerve, or alignment issues that medication can't fix.
Chronic back and neck pain is usually caused by a combination of disc problems, joint misalignment, nerve irritation, and muscle imbalance rather than any single injury. The Disc Doctor in Murfreesboro, TN corrects the underlying mechanics — not just the symptoms — using spinal adjustments and decompression therapy for lasting, non-surgical relief.
Or call us directly: (615) 617-5550


Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Matthew T. Jacobs, DC
Doctor of Chiropractic · Practicing since 2018 · The Disc Doctor, Murfreesboro, TN
What Causes Chronic Back & Neck Pain?
Back and neck pain isn't a single condition — it's a symptom of an underlying mechanical, neurological, or structural issue. Most chronic pain comes from one or more of: disc problems (herniation, degeneration, or bulging), joint misalignment in the spine, nerve compression or irritation, or muscle and ligament imbalance. The reason chronic back and neck pain often doesn't resolve with rest, medication, or generic exercises is that those approaches don't address what's actually wrong. Identifying and treating the specific cause is the only path to lasting relief.
Sources: World Health Organization, Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org), American Chiropractic Association, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (niams.nih.gov)
Symptoms of Chronic Back & Neck Pain
Chronic back and neck pain shows up differently depending on what's causing it. Knowing which symptoms you have helps identify the underlying problem.
Stiff, aching pain — constant background pain, especially on waking or after long sitting
Sharp or stabbing pain — sudden pain with certain movements, often signaling a disc or nerve issue
Pain that worsens with sitting — characteristic of disc-related back pain
Pain that radiates — into the arm (cervical) or leg (lumbar), indicating nerve involvement
Limited range of motion — difficulty bending, twisting, or turning the head
Recurring headaches — especially "tension headaches" from the base of the skull
Muscle tightness — chronic tightness in the lower back, upper back, or neck/shoulders
Pain after rest — pain that gets worse, not better, after a night's sleep
If your pain has lasted more than 6 weeks, it qualifies as chronic — and waiting longer rarely improves the outcome. A consultation can identify exactly what's driving your pain.

The Most Common Root Causes
Most chronic back and neck pain comes from one of three mechanical issues — sometimes occurring together. Identifying which is critical because each requires a different treatment approach.
Disc Issues
Herniated, bulging, or degenerated discs can press on nerves or destabilize the spine, causing both localized and radiating pain. Disc-related pain often worsens with sitting and improves with movement.
Joint Dysfunction & Misalignment
The small facet joints between vertebrae can become misaligned or inflamed, causing localized pain and stiffness. Years of poor posture, repetitive movement, or compensating for an injury often lead to this.
Muscle & Soft Tissue Imbalance
Chronic muscle tightness, weakness, or imbalance — often from prolonged sitting or compensating for another issue — places abnormal stress on the spine and contributes to most chronic back and neck pain.
Our Non-Surgical Approach
The Disc Doctor doesn't use a single approach for every patient. After identifying what's actually causing your pain, we build a treatment plan that addresses the specific mechanical issue — using the combination of therapies that will work best for your case.
Spinal Adjustments
Precision chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment in the spine, reducing stress on discs, joints, and nerves. Our primary tool for joint-related back and neck pain.
Spinal Decompression
For pain driven by disc issues, decompression relieves pressure on damaged discs and the nerves around them — often producing dramatic relief within weeks.
Laser Therapy
ActivPro LaserStim reduces inflammation, accelerates soft tissue healing, and supports the rest of the treatment plan across all causes of chronic pain.
What to Expect at The Disc Doctor
Every patient is different — but the process for finding lasting relief is consistent. Here is what to expect when you book a consultation for chronic back and neck pain.
Root-Cause Diagnosis
A thorough evaluation with Dr. Jacobs to identify what's actually driving your back and neck pain — and rule out anything else.
Personalized Treatment Plan
A personalized treatment plan combining adjustments, decompression, laser therapy, and supportive care — matched to the specific cause of your pain.
Lasting Recovery
Most patients feel meaningful relief within 4-8 weeks and continue improving with a recovery plan designed to keep you pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back & Neck Pain
The questions patients most often ask before scheduling.
End the Cycle of Chronic Pain
Let us help you take back your life from chronic back and neck pain.
Chronic back and neck pain doesn't have to be your normal. The Disc Doctor's root-cause approach has helped hundreds of patients across Murfreesboro find lasting relief after years of trying everything else. A consultation will identify what's actually causing your pain and build a plan to fix it.
Or call us directly: (615) 617-5550 · Murfreesboro, TN
Serving Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Christiana, Eagleville & all of Rutherford County.
