Question
Approx 4 years ago I suffered "ligament damage" in my upper back which caused a painful muscle spasm. This now seems to be a weak spot and every few months I will get what starts off as a pain near my left shoulder blade which spreads as an ache up the back of my neck to my head, across my shoulder blades and into the top of my arms. Is this something a chiropractor could help with or would I be better seeing a physiotherapist?


Answer
Based on your brief description it is likely that you have what chiropractors call the "subluxation complex" which starts with restriction/stiffness of one or more of the small joints between the vertebrae of the spine.  Spinal joint restrictions are common and often not painful, but can cause episodes of pain, muscle spasm, and other symptoms.  If this is the case, chiropractic adjustments are likely to be very helpful.  A good chiropractor will also teach you exercises to strengthen the area.

Chiropractic treatment may require visits as often as two or even 3 times weekly for several weeks (at least a month)--you should feel improvement within the first 2-6 visits.  If after a month of treatment you and the doctor definitely feel significant progress has occurred, further treatment with diminishing frequency may be needed for lasting results.

If your age and overall physical condition (over 40, maybe overweight) warrants any possibility of a heart condition, I would definitely suggest you also have a good medical exam to rule out any possibility your symptoms stem from a cardiac-related problem.