What Are Waddell Signs?

Waddell signs are a group of physical and behavioral indicators we sometimes use to help understand a patient’s back pain. They’re not meant to say your pain isn’t real, they help us determine whether part of the pain response might be influenced by stress, fear, or muscle guarding. When I perform an exam, I’m looking for patterns. For example, if a light touch causes severe pain or if pain appears inconsistent during different movements, that can suggest the nervous system is hypersensitive. It tells me that we might need to approach your care with both physical and neurological treatment, addressing muscle tension, posture, and even how your brain interprets pain. The goal isn’t to label you, it’s to guide us toward the most effective treatment plan. By understanding whether the pain is structural, functional, or both, we can tailor your chiropractic and rehabilitation care for faster, lasting relief.