It is important to realize that a spine problem is seldom the result of any one single incident. Occasionally falls, fractures or other traumatic injuries do result in spine problems, however these are less common. Low back and neck pain are more likely due to cumulative trauma resulting from years of poor postural habits, compensatory movement patterns developed after an injury, lack of proper exercise etc. Frequently there is a final incident which leads to back or neck pain, but this incident is rarely the primary cause.

Just as the "final incident" is not necessarily the cause of the pain, the location of pain is not necessarily the cause of the problem. Our bodies are amazing compensators; if one part of the system is not functioning properly then another part of the system will take over. This leads to imbalances in the system and, just like any piece of machinery, an imbalance may lead to wear and tear, eventually damaging the parts of the system. The areas which undergo the wear and tear are typically the painful, injured areas, while the areas that are the source of the "breakdown" may be far removed from the area of pain.