Case Study: Chiropractic Care for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Background

Patient: Patient JS, 60 year old male*
Condition: Lumbar spinal stenosis with nerve compression

JS came to Swann Medical Chiropractic with a one-year history of tingling and numbness in his hands and feet, along with episodes of neuropathy in both legs. By late August 2025, his condition had worsened significantly.

After gym workouts on August 27–28, JS’s legs went numb after standing briefly. On August 29, while touring Florida Atlantic University with his daughter, he was unable to complete the tour due to weakness and numbness in both legs. Interestingly, JS reported little to no pain while seated—but standing and walking became almost impossible.

*Case details have been modified to protect patient privacy. Any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental, and all identifying information has been removed in compliance with HIPAA

Diagnostic Findings

On September 11, 2025, an MRI and X-rays were performed at Tampa General Hospital. Results showed:

• Multilevel lumbar spondylosis (degenerative changes of the spine)
• Disc desiccation and bulging at multiple levels (L1–S1)
• Congenitally small spinal canal
• High-grade bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis at L4–5 and L5–S1
• Acquired high-grade central canal stenosis at L3–4 and L4–5

These findings confirmed severe nerve compression in the lower spine, explaining the numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking.

Initial Treatment at Swann Medical Chiropractic (Lutz Office)

On September 16, 2025, JS began his first treatment session with Dr. Etienne Muñoz, DC. His personalized care plan included a combination of chiropractic adjustments, muscle therapy, and spinal traction to relieve nerve pressure and restore mobility.

Chiropractic Adjustment

Dr. Muñoz performed a targeted adjustment to restore mobility in the lumbar spine.

• Why it matters: Adjustments help reduce nerve irritation, improve spinal alignment, and support long-term healing.

Vibration Therapy / Percussion Management

A handheld vibration tool was applied to relax muscles around the spine.

• Why it matters: Reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, and supports the effects of the adjustment.

Shockwave Therapy

Acoustic waves were applied to the lumbar region to stimulate soft tissue repair.

• Why it matters: Breaks down scar tissue, reduces inflammation, and promotes regeneration of supportive tissues.

Fascial Release (IASTM)

A stainless steel tool was used to perform instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (scraping).

• Why it matters: Breaks down adhesions, improves mobility, enhances circulation, and reduces nerve compression from tight fascia.

Lumbar Decompression Therapy

The session concluded with lumbar traction, gently stretching the spine to create space between the vertebrae.

• Why it matters: Reduces nerve compression, hydrates discs, and helps patients stand and walk with less discomfort.

Treatment Plan & Outlook

JS’s journey with spinal stenosis is just beginning, and this first round of treatment at Swann Medical Chiropractic is already laying the foundation for improved mobility and nerve health. While decompression therapy, adjustments, shockwave treatment, fascial release, and percussion manipulation are helping relieve pressure and restore function, the next phase of his care will introduce a specialized face-down decompression protocol—particularly effective for patients with spondylolisthesis, which JS has also been diagnosed with.

In addition, Swann Medical has referred JS to Florida Pain Medicine for collaborative care to ensure the most comprehensive treatment approach possible. Be sure to follow along—our next update will dive deeper into how this face-down decompression works and why it’s especially powerful for stabilizing and supporting patients with spondylolisthesis.

Key Takeaway

This case highlights how multimodal chiropractic care—combining adjustments, muscle therapy, and traction—can play a vital role in managing spinal stenosis and improving quality of life for patients with nerve compression.