At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Olathe, we frequently see patients struggling with severe low back pain that makes simple activities—like sitting, standing, or climbing stairs—nearly impossible. Today we’re sharing a recent case (with all personal information removed) that highlights how a targeted treatment plan using chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, and hydromassage can get patients back on their feet.

Patient Case Summary

This patient first experienced sudden, severe low back spasms in July 2024 after sneezing. The episode required an ER visit and an MRI, which showed no disc herniation. The pain resolved within a week, but nearly a year later (08/23/2025), the spasms returned, this time while walking upstairs. The pain was so intense that the patient could not sit, needed crutches to walk, and had to lie down or stand supported.

Examination & Diagnosis

On exam, we noted:

Severe muscle spasm across the left lumbar paraspinals.
Joint fixation and misalignment at L3, L4, and L5, with sacral and pelvic imbalance.
Aggravating factors: Sitting upright, standing, lying face-down, or bearing weight on the left leg.
Alleviating factors: Lying flat on the back with knees bent, lying on the right side, and gentle compression on the painful area.

Our working diagnosis was lumbar disc irritation (internal disc disruption/annular tear) with severe left lumbar paraspinal muscle spasm. This was likely producing intense pain and protective muscle guarding, even though prior imaging showed no visible disc bulge.

Treatment Plan

We designed a comprehensive plan to address both the disc irritation and the muscle spasm:

Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments: To restore mobility to the lumbar spine and relieve joint fixation.
Spinal Decompression Therapy: Daily sessions initially, targeting the lumbar disc to reduce intradiscal pressure and promote healing.
Hydromassage Therapy: To calm the paraspinal muscles and reduce spasm.
Home Care: Ice and heat therapy, gentle positional guidance, and a progressive exercise routine.

The plan called for daily visits during the first two weeks, then gradually tapering to 2–3 visits per week as symptoms improved.

Progress & Results

Over the course of 10 visits (08/27/2025 – 09/10/2025), the patient experienced dramatic improvement:

Visit 1: Pain level 7/10 – unable to sit or bear weight comfortably.
Visit 3: Pain level decreased to 3/10 – improved standing tolerance.
Visit 5: Pain level 2/10 – only mild tenderness on palpation.
Visit 6: Pain level 1/10 – nearly pain-free during activity.
Visit 9: Pain level 1/10 – transitioned to weekly maintenance care.

By the final visit, the patient had regained the ability to sit, stand, and walk without major difficulty. The lumbar spine motion was improved, and muscle spasms had nearly resolved.

Why This Matters for Olathe Back Pain Sufferers

Low back pain caused by disc irritation or muscle spasm can feel overwhelming, but this case shows how a carefully structured chiropractic care plan can help patients avoid surgery and return to normal life.

If you live in Olathe and are experiencing severe back pain, our clinic offers chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, and hydromassage to help relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life. Early treatment is key—don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable.