New Research from Chiropractic Solutions: Exercise Helps Spinal Stenosis Patients, Regardless of Severity
If you've been told you have spinal stenosis or a disc protrusion, it's natural to feel wary of exercise — what if the wrong movement makes things worse? Two studies published in 2026 offer real reassurance, and they're definitely worth sharing with your chiropractor at Chiropractic Solutions as you plan your recovery.
YES, YOU CAN EXERCISE WITH SEVERE STENOSIS
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) Investigators reported that patients improved significantly in pain levels, functional disability, strength, and medication use — and there was no meaningful difference in how well people responded to exercise based on how advanced their stenosis appeared on scans, with more than 1 in 10 participants able to stop using narcotic pain medication altogether. In plain terms: a "severe" scan does not mean exercise won't help you.
DISC PROTRUSION PATIENTS SEE REAL GAINS FROM STABILIZATION EXERCISE
A randomized clinical trial published in Health Science Reports followed 60 patients with a unilateral lumbar disc protrusion for an eight-week period, comparing routine physiotherapy by itself to routine physiotherapy plus supervised stabilization exercises targeting the deep stabilizing muscles of the trunk. While both groups got better across pain, disability, and range of motion, the stabilization group's improvement was significantly larger — and imaging confirmed better activation of the deep abdominal and multifidus muscles that help support the low back. Just as promising: across eight weeks of guided sessions, not a single participant had a worsening of symptoms or a exercise-related injury, only a bit of early, temporary muscle soreness. (2)
LET’S TALK AT YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT
This research isn't permission to skip professional guidance, and the correct exercise plan is shaped by your particular imaging, symptoms, and goals — so before starting or changing an exercise routine, talk with your doctor of chiropractic at Chiropractic Solutions in San Jose, who can help you approach relief with confidence rather than fear.
Check out this podcast with Dr. Kurt Olding on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he details the benefit of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for spinal stenosis.
