Real Patient Success Stories
The case studies below are drawn from real patient examples shared by Dr. Jamie Mahtaban, DC and Dr. Yuliya Gruppina, DC during their interviews.
Each story highlights personalized, conservative chiropractic care tailored to the individual. Outcomes depend on the specific condition, its severity, and how long symptoms have been present.
Case Study: 20-Year Chronic Low Back Pain Finally Resolved
Patient Information
Age: 48
Gender: Male
Occupation: Corporate professional (primarily desk-based)
Symptoms
Ongoing lower back discomfort for nearly 20 years
Daily tightness with periodic flare-ups
Pain aggravated by extended sitting
Reduced tolerance for physical activity
Previous short-term improvements from other providers, followed by recurrence
The patient expressed frustration after years of temporary relief without lasting change.
Root Cause Analysis
An in-depth consultation and examination were completed during the initial visit.
Clinical observations revealed:
Restricted motion in the lumbar spine
Long-standing muscular tension and tissue tightness
Indicators of disc-related strain
Habitual postural patterns contributing to repeated stress
Instead of applying a routine adjustment approach, care decisions were guided by these individualized findings.
Treatment Plan
The care strategy centered on restoring healthy movement and addressing underlying contributors:
Precise spinal adjustments to improve lumbar mobility
Targeted soft tissue therapy to reduce chronic muscle restriction
Spinal decompression therapy when appropriate to reduce disc stress
Gradual introduction of corrective exercises once joint function improved
Initial frequency of 2 to 3 visits per week, adjusted based on response
Strengthening exercises were introduced only after mobility improved to avoid reinforcing dysfunctional movement patterns.
Outcomes
Within approximately three weeks, the patient reported a significant reduction in symptoms that had persisted for two decades.
Reported improvements included:
Noticeably less daily discomfort
Better tolerance for sitting
Increased ease with movement
Greater confidence returning to regular activities
Care later transitioned toward stability and long-term maintenance rather than symptom-driven visits.
Patient Feedback
“I’ve had this pain for almost 20 years. Over the last three weeks, it’s finally gone. This is the first time I feel like someone addressed the real problem instead of just temporarily relieving it.”
Case Study: Management of Chronic Neck Pain with Spinal Misalignment
Patient Information
Age: 38
Gender: Female
Occupation: Marketing executive (computer-based role)
Symptoms
Ongoing one-sided neck discomfort
End-of-day stiffness and tightness
Habitual head tilt while working
Temporary improvement from prior care
Recurring episodes every few weeks
The patient felt that the discomfort repeatedly returned despite previous treatment.
Root Cause Analysis
A comprehensive history and physical assessment were conducted to determine whether the issue was acute or long-standing.
Evaluation findings included:
Reduced mobility in the cervical spine
Muscular imbalance pulling the head into asymmetrical positioning
Workplace posture contributing to uneven loading
Soft tissue tension reinforcing joint restriction
Rather than repeatedly adjusting the same area, care focused on identifying why the symptoms persisted.
Treatment Plan
The approach emphasized restoring motion and correcting mechanical contributors:
Specific cervical adjustments to improve joint mobility
Focused muscle release techniques to ease tension
Ergonomic guidance and posture correction strategies
Gradual strengthening once normal movement patterns improved
Initial frequency of twice weekly visits, modified as progress occurred
Corrective exercises were introduced after improving mobility to avoid reinforcing improper patterns.
Outcomes
Over several visits, the patient experienced:
Reduced daily stiffness
Improved neck range of motion
Less fatigue at the end of the workday
Fewer symptom flare-ups
Care eventually shifted toward maintaining spinal balance and preventing recurrence.
Patient Feedback
“I didn’t realize my posture was part of the problem. Once they addressed the muscles and my work setup, the pain stopped coming back the way it used to. This felt different from just getting adjusted.”
Case Study: Herniated Disc with Significant Functional Limitation
Patient Information
Age: 45
Gender: Female
Occupation: Accountant (sedentary work environment)
Symptoms
Intense lower back pain with sharp episodes
Difficulty tolerating prolonged sitting
Limited forward bending
Discomfort affecting work performance
Previous short-lived relief from basic spinal adjustments
The patient described feeling trapped in repeated cycles of pain.
Root Cause Analysis
A detailed evaluation was performed to determine the chronicity and mechanical drivers of the condition.
Findings included:
Lumbar joint restriction
Marked muscular tightness around the affected area
Indicators consistent with disc-related stress
Movement limitations contributing to ongoing irritation
Care was structured around reducing pressure and restoring joint mechanics.
Treatment Plan
Management included:
Targeted spinal adjustments to improve segmental motion
Focused soft tissue therapy to relieve surrounding tension
Spinal decompression therapy to reduce disc stress
Progressive rehabilitation after restoring movement
Initial care frequency of 2 to 3 visits weekly
Exercises were introduced once proper joint function improved.
Outcomes
Within 1 to 2 weeks, the patient reported:
Decreased pain intensity
Improved sitting tolerance
Increased lumbar flexibility
Greater ease performing daily tasks
Care transitioned to stabilization and ongoing support.
Patient Feedback
“I was worried surgery would be my next step. After a couple of weeks, I felt real progress. This was the first time someone explained what was happening with my disc and addressed it properly.”
Case Study: Pelvic & Low Back Instability During 3rd Trimester
Patient Information
Age: 30
Gender: Female
Occupation: Retail manager
Pregnancy Stage: Third trimester
Symptoms
Persistent pelvic heaviness
Generalized lower back soreness
Increased discomfort after standing
Sleep disruption due to positioning difficulty
Feeling off-balance while walking
Symptoms intensified as pregnancy progressed.
Root Cause Analysis
A pregnancy-modified physical assessment was completed.
Findings included:
Pelvic alignment changes
Reduced lumbar mobility
Muscle tension from shifting posture
Normal pregnancy-related structural stress
Imaging was not indicated.
Treatment Plan
Care included:
Modified, pregnancy-appropriate spinal adjustments
Gentle SOT block support for pelvic balance
Light soft tissue work to reduce muscular tension
2–3 visits per week initially, followed by supportive care
All care remained low-force and conservative.
Outcomes
The patient experienced:
Reduced pelvic pressure
Improved standing tolerance
Better sleep comfort
Increased overall stability
Periodic care supported comfort through the remainder of pregnancy.
Patient Feedback
“I felt like my body was constantly shifting and uncomfortable. The gentle adjustments helped me feel more balanced and stable. I was able to move and sleep more comfortably as my pregnancy progressed.”
Case Study: Pregnancy-Induced Low Back Pain Management
Patient Information
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Status: Second trimester of pregnancy
Symptoms
- Persistent low back discomfort
- Increased pain after long shifts standing
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
- Sensation of pelvic heaviness
- Stiffness when transitioning from sitting to standing
The patient reported that symptoms gradually intensified as her pregnancy progressed.
Root Cause Analysis
A standard physical examination and orthopedic testing were performed, modified appropriately for pregnancy .
Findings included:
- Lumbar joint restriction
- Pelvic misalignment
- Muscular tension due to postural adaptation
- Structural stress from normal pregnancy-related body changes
Imaging was not required, as typical pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions generally do not require X-rays .
Treatment Plan
Care focused on gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques:
- Modified diversified adjustments appropriate for pregnancy
- Gentle SOT (Sacro-Occipital Technique) blocks to support pelvic positioning
- Trigger point and soft tissue work to reduce muscular tension
- Visit frequency: 2 to 3 times per week initially, followed by maintenance care as pregnancy progressed
All techniques were conservative and non-aggressive .
Outcomes
Within several weeks, the patient reported:
- Reduced low back discomfort
- Improved standing tolerance
- Better sleep positioning
- Greater overall comfort during daily activities
Care continued periodically to maintain comfort through the remainder of pregnancy.
Patient Feedback
“As my pregnancy progressed, my back pain kept getting worse. The treatments were gentle and made me feel more balanced. I could get through my shifts and rest more comfortably at night.”
Case Study: Sciatic Nerve Irritation with Radiating Leg Pain
Patient Information
Age: 32
Gender: Female, 3 months pregnant
Occupation: Elementary school teacher
Symptoms
Pain traveling from the lower back into the leg
Increased discomfort with prolonged standing
Difficulty resting at night
Pelvic tightness and stiffness
Symptoms worsened with daily activity.
Root Cause Analysis
A standard orthopedic assessment was performed.
Findings included:
Pelvic alignment changes
Lumbar restriction
Muscle tension contributing to nerve irritation
Postural stress influencing symptoms
Treatment Plan
Care focused on:
Modified spinal adjustments
Gentle SOT block positioning
Soft tissue release
2 to 3 visits weekly initially
All techniques were performed conservatively.
Outcomes
Within several weeks:
Reduced radiating discomfort
Improved standing tolerance
Better sleep
Decreased pelvic tension
Ongoing care supported stability.
Patient Feedback
“I was nervous about getting adjusted while pregnant, but everything was so gentle. After a few visits, the shooting pain down my leg eased up, and I could get through my workday much more comfortably.”
Case Study: Infant Torticollis and Early Neck Correction
Patient Information
Age: 4 months
Gender: Female
Symptoms
Head consistently tilted to one side
Limited ability to rotate neck
Preference for one-sided positioning
Mild visible asymmetry
Parents observed persistent imbalance.
Root Cause Analysis
An infant-appropriate examination revealed:
Restricted cervical motion
Tight neck musculature
Subtle spinal imbalance
Altered movement patterns
Treatment Plan
Care included:
Extremely gentle spinal adjustments
Activator technique for low-force correction
Age-appropriate diversified techniques
Ongoing monitoring
No aggressive manipulation was used.
Outcomes
Parents noted:
Improved neck rotation
Reduced head tilt
Better feeding positioning
More symmetrical resting posture
Parent Feedback
“We noticed her head tilt early and wanted to address it gently. The adjustments were very light, and we saw steady improvement in how she moved and positioned her head.”
Case Study: Asymmetrical Arm and Leg Movement in a Child
Patient Information
Age: 6 years
Gender: Male
Occupation: Elementary school student
Symptoms
Favoring one arm during play
Reduced use of one leg while running
No recent injury
Pediatric evaluation ruled out pathology
Parent concern about uneven movement
Root Cause Analysis
A detailed physical assessment revealed:
Minor spinal restriction
Muscular imbalance
Uneven movement mechanics
Nervous system involvement affecting coordination
Treatment Plan
Management consisted of:
Gentle spinal adjustments
Activator-based correction
Pediatric-modified diversified techniques
Follow-up monitoring of symmetry
Outcomes
Over time, improvements included:
More balanced gait
Improved arm swing
Greater activity confidence
No treatment discomfort
Parent Feedback
“I noticed he wasn’t using his arm the same way as before. After a few visits, his movement looked balanced again. The adjustments were very gentle, and he was completely comfortable.”
Case Study: Chronic Low Back Pain with Disc Involvement
Patient Information
Age: 42
Gender: Male
Occupation: Office-based professional (desk job)
Symptoms
- Persistent low back pain for several years
- Episodes of sharp pain with bending and prolonged sitting
- Morning stiffness
- Prior treatments elsewhere with temporary relief
- Increasing difficulty exercising
The patient reported feeling frustrated after trying multiple providers without long-term improvement.
Root Cause Analysis
A detailed history and physical examination were performed on day one .
Findings included:
- Fixated lumbar joints
- Significant soft tissue restriction and fascial tightness
- Poor postural habits contributing to asymmetrical loading
- Signs consistent with disc-related stress
Rather than applying a generic adjustment approach, treatment was based on these specific findings .
Treatment Plan
Care was structured around restoring motion and correcting contributing factors:
- Lumbar spinal adjustments to restore joint mobility
- Myofascial and muscle release techniques to reduce soft tissue restriction
- Spinal decompression therapy to reduce disc pressure and improve joint space
- Postural education and corrective exercises introduced once mobility improved
- Frequency: 2 to 3 visits per week initially, reassessed based on response
Rehabilitation was introduced only after mobility improved to avoid reinforcing dysfunctional movement patterns .
Outcomes
- Noticeable reduction in pain within the first 1 to 2 weeks
- Improved sitting tolerance
- Decreased morning stiffness
- Returned to light workouts by week three
- Continued strengthening phase to reduce recurrence
The decompression component helped accelerate relief compared to traditional care alone, as discussed in the transcript .
Patient Feedback
“I’ve dealt with back pain for years and always felt like I was just getting adjusted and sent home. This was the first time someone explained what was actually happening and addressed the muscles and disc stress. I’m finally moving without that constant ache.”
Case Study: Restoring Wrist Function During Pregnancy
Patient Information
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Occupation: Graphic designer
Status: Second trimester of pregnancy
Symptoms
- Aching pain in both wrists
- Increased discomfort with typing and gripping objects
- Morning stiffness
- Mild swelling sensation
- Difficulty performing daily tasks such as lifting light items
Symptoms developed gradually as pregnancy progressed and daily wrist use became more uncomfortable.
Root Cause Analysis
A standard physical examination and orthopedic testing were performed, modified appropriately for pregnancy .
Findings suggested:
- Joint restriction affecting wrist mechanics
- Muscular tension in the forearm
- Structural stress related to pregnancy-related body changes
- Nervous system involvement contributing to discomfort
Imaging was not required, as typical pregnancy-related musculoskeletal presentations generally do not require X-rays .
Treatment Plan
Care focused on gentle, conservative techniques:
- Modified diversified adjustments appropriate for pregnancy
- Trigger point and soft tissue work to reduce muscular tension
- Gentle structural support using low-force methods
- Visit frequency: 2 to 3 times per week initially, followed by maintenance care as needed
All treatment was performed conservatively and without aggressive manipulation .
Outcomes
Within several weeks, the patient reported:
- Decreased wrist discomfort
- Improved grip tolerance
- Reduced morning stiffness
- Greater ease performing work-related tasks
Care continued periodically to support comfort through the remainder of pregnancy.
Patient Feedback
“I didn’t expect wrist pain to be part of pregnancy, but it was affecting my work. The treatment was gentle, and I noticed steady improvement. I was able to type and use my hands more comfortably again.”