New Research from Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.: Exercise Helps Spinal Stenosis Patients, Regardless of Severity
Hearing a diagnosis of spinal stenosis or a disc protrusion often makes exercise feel intimidating — what if the wrong movement makes things worse? A pair of studies published in early 2026 offer real reassurance, and they're well worth bringing up with your doctor of chiropractic at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. as you work toward feeling better.
A "SEVERE" SCAN DOESN'T MEAN EXERCISE WON'T HELP
Published in Physical Therapy, a large retrospective study of 1,806 patients with mild, moderate, and severe lumbar spinal stenosis tracked outcomes from an exercise-based rehabilitation program, and the findings challenge a common assumption. (1) Researchers found that participants improved significantly in pain, disability, strength, medication use, and function — and there was no meaningful difference in how well patients responded to exercise based on how severe the stenosis appeared radiographically, with over 11% of participants able to stop using narcotic pain medication altogether. In simple terms: even a "severe" stenosis diagnosis doesn't rule out benefiting from exercise.
FOR DISC PROTRUSION, TARGETED STABILIZATION WORK PAYS OFF
A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Health Science Reports followed sixty patients with a single-sided lumbar disc protrusion for an eight-week period, comparing routine physiotherapy by itself to standard physiotherapy paired with supervised stabilization exercises targeting the deep trunk muscles. Both groups improved in pain, disability, and lumbar range of motion, but the stabilization group improved significantly more — and imaging confirmed better engagement of the deep abdominal muscles and multifidus that help stabilize the lower spine. Just as promising: across eight weeks of supervised training, not a single participant had a worsening of symptoms or a injury tied to the program, only some mild, short-lived muscle soreness early on. (2)
ASK US ABOUT YOUR EXERCISE PLAN
Neither study is a green light for jumping into just any workout, and the correct exercise plan is shaped by your particular imaging, symptoms, and goals — so prior to starting or modifying your exercise routine, talk with your treating chiropractor at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. in Auburn, who can help you move confidently, not fearfully, toward relief.
Check out this podcast with Dr. Kurt Olding on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he shares the advantage of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for spinal stenosis.
