Your spine must be looked at as a whole working unit, a unit that is affected by gravity and balance on a continuous basis. Where there are problems with the mechanics of the joints and the musculature of the area, there will be problems with how the spine reacts to normal activity and posture.
Additionally, every step we take affects the joints of our spine. If they are not freely movable, then the transfer of stresses doesn't occur as it should, and there will be an area that receives more stress than which it was designed to handle. With that area no longer able to effectively allow the stresses of mechanical action to pass through the joint(s), that area will produce a "catch" or a stabbing pain.
Of course, as a complete unit, when one area no longer functions properly, other areas of your spine begin to become affected as well. Usually the area most affected will eventually produce the pain and discomfort. Secondary areas of involvement will often show up during treatment for the original problems. Once you take the stress off the primarily affected area, there is a transfer of balance and stress to the next area of involvement. That is why, after the initial pain seems as if it has been relieved, things can occasionally seem like they are getting "worse".

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