New Research from Aaron Chiropractic Clinic: 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? Two studies published in early 2026 offer genuine peace of mind, and they're worth discussing with your doctor of chiropractic at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic as you work toward feeling better.
YES, YOU CAN EXERCISE WITH SEVERE STENOSIS
A sizable retrospective study following 1,806 patients with mild, moderate, and severe lumbar spinal stenosis through an exercise-based rehabilitation program was published in Physical Therapy, and its findings push back on a common assumption. (1) Researchers found that study participants improved significantly in pain, function, strength, disability, and medication use — and no meaningful difference emerged in how well people responded to exercise based on how severe their stenosis looked on imaging, with over 11% of participants able to discontinue narcotic pain medication entirely. In simple terms: even a "severe" stenosis diagnosis doesn't rule out benefiting from exercise.
DISC PROTRUSION: STABILIZATION EXERCISE ADDS MEASURABLE BENEFIT
A controlled clinical trial published in Health Science Reports followed a group of 60 patients with a one-sided lumbar disc protrusion for an eight-week period, comparing routine physiotherapy alone to routine physiotherapy plus supervised stabilization exercises targeting the deep stabilizing muscles of the trunk. Pain, disability, and lumbar range of motion improved in both groups, though the stabilization group saw significantly greater gains — and ultrasound scans revealed stronger engagement of the deep core and multifidus muscles that help support the low back. Just as reassuring: across eight weeks of supervised training, no participant experienced a worsening of symptoms or a treatment-related injury, only some mild, short-lived muscle soreness early on. (2)
TALK TO US AT YOUR NEXT VISIT
This research isn't permission to skip professional guidance, and the appropriate routine is tailored to your own imaging, symptoms, and goals — so prior to starting or modifying your exercise routine, talk with your chiropractor at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic in Fort Wayne, 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 benefit of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for spinal stenosis.
