Clinical Disclaimer: These cases represent real patient outcomes but are presented with patient consent and identifying details modified for privacy. Individual results vary based on diagnosis, health history, and adherence to the treatment plan. Chiropractic care is not guaranteed to produce specific outcomes.
James R., 42
L4–L5 Lumbar Disc Herniation
6-month care program
Before
- Constant dull ache in the lower back rated 7/10 on the pain scale.
- Radiating pain and tingling running down the left leg to the knee (L4 dermatomal distribution).
- Unable to sit for more than 20 minutes without significant pain increase.
- MRI confirmed a 7mm left paracentral disc herniation at L4–L5.
- Referred by his PCP after failing two courses of NSAIDs and one epidural steroid injection.
After
- Pain reduced from 7/10 to 1/10 at end of active care.
- Left-leg tingling fully resolved by week 10.
- Can sit for 90+ minutes without pain. Returned to 18 holes of golf at week 20.
- Repeat MRI at 6 months showed 4mm reduction in herniation size.
- Discharged to independent self-care with quarterly maintenance check-ins.
Treatment Protocol
- Initial phase (weeks 1–6): Spinal decompression traction + adjustments 3x/week to reduce disc pressure and nerve irritation. Lay-down positional ice/heat protocol for home.
- Middle phase (weeks 7–16): Frequency reduced to 2x/week. Added corrective exercise focusing on lumbar stabilization, piriformis release, and hip extension strength.
- Maintenance phase (weeks 17–24): Monthly adjustment. Graduated to independent home exercise. Graduated return to golf.
“I went in expecting to be told I needed surgery. Dr. Webb looked at my MRI, explained exactly what was causing the leg pain, and gave me a realistic timeline. Six months later I'm playing golf again. I can't say enough about the care I got here.”
James R., 42
Maria S., 35
Chronic Neck Pain & Cervicogenic Headaches
12-week care program
Before
- Daily cervical tension headaches, typically beginning mid-morning, rated 5–6/10.
- Restricted rotation to the right — could turn only 55° versus normal 80°.
- Anterior head translation of 3.5 inches measured on postural analysis (severe forward head posture).
- Work-from-home setup with laptop on kitchen table, no external monitor.
- Previous treatment: monthly massage (provided temporary relief only), OTC pain relievers daily.
After
- Headache frequency reduced from daily to 1–2 per month by week 8.
- Cervical rotation right improved to 75° — near full normal.
- Forward head translation reduced to 1.8 inches at 12-week reassessment.
- Discontinued daily OTC pain relievers by week 6.
- Implemented standing desk setup — reports sustained improvement without ongoing care.
Treatment Protocol
- Weeks 1–4: Cervical adjustments 2x/week addressing C2–C5 restrictions. Soft-tissue work on suboccipitals and upper traps. Dry needling at upper trapezius trigger points in sessions 2 and 4.
- Weeks 5–8: Added corrective exercise — deep cervical flexor strengthening (chin tucks), thoracic extension over foam roller, shoulder blade retraction. Frequency reduced to 1x/week adjustment.
- Weeks 9–12: Workstation assessment provided; recommended standing desk converter and 27" monitor at eye level. Frequency reduced to every 2 weeks. Reassessment at week 12.
“I had given up on the idea of getting rid of my headaches. I thought it was just part of my life. Dr. Hollis figured out in the first appointment that my neck posture was the source. The combination of adjustments, the needling, and fixing my workspace actually worked. I wish I'd come sooner.”
Maria S., 35
