Chiropractic first visit
$49
- Consultation
- Full exam and movement screen
- First chiropractic treatment
Spine
Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Oceanside & Carlsbad (Non-Surgical)
Updated October 11, 2026
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the spine that can press on nerves, most often in the lower back.
Quick answer
Can a chiropractor help spinal Stenosis?
Non-surgical spinal stenosis treatment in Oceanside and Carlsbad uses chiropractic care, rehab and corrective exercise to help you move and walk more comfortably. Care is built around movement, strength and comfort in daily activity. New patients start with the $49 special: consultation, exam and first treatment in Oceanside or Carlsbad.
New patient offer
$49
First visit
About 45 to 60 minutes
Offices
Oceanside + Carlsbad (Bressi Ranch)
Insurance
PI and MedPay accepted. Most health plans not accepted.
Spine
Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis usually develops slowly with age. It often causes back pain and leg pain, numbness or heaviness that gets worse with standing or walking and eases when you sit or bend forward.
Our care is conservative. We focus on movement, strength and posture habits that make daily activity easier, and we refer to a medical specialist when your exam calls for it.
Is this you?
Common signs of spinal stenosis
Symptoms vary from person to person and often change with position.
- Lower back pain that builds with standing or walking
- Leg pain, heaviness or cramping when walking
- Relief when sitting or leaning forward
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Needing to stop and rest during walks
- Stiffness in the lower back
New patient special
Your first visit.Just $49.
Pick your first visit at our Oceanside or Carlsbad office. Same-day appointments most weekdays.
Shockwave first visit
$75
- Consultation
- Exam
- First shockwave therapy treatment
New patients only. Same-day first treatment when appropriate. Personal injury and auto accident claims are billed on lien instead. Available at both offices. See details
Causes
What causes spinal stenosis
Stenosis is usually linked to age-related changes in the spine. Discs lose height, joints thicken and ligaments can stiffen, which narrows the space around the nerves.
Risk factors
Risk factors
- Age over 50
- Prior back injury
- Long-term back pain
- Low activity levels
- Posture habits that load the lower back
Diagnosis
How we evaluate spinal stenosis
Your exam includes a health history, movement testing and a neurological check of leg strength, reflexes and sensation.
If imaging or a medical opinion is needed, we refer you and coordinate the results with your plan.
Your first visit
What your first visitlooks like.
Consult
We review your history and goals before any hands-on work.
Exam
Posture, range of motion, joint mechanics and orthopedic or neurological tests.
First treatment
When the exam clears you, your first treatment happens the same visit.
Before you arrive
When to get seen
When to get seen right away
Most stenosis symptoms build slowly. Some symptoms need urgent medical care instead of a chiropractic visit.
Seek urgent evaluation if you have any of these:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Rapidly worsening leg weakness
- Back pain with fever or unexplained weight loss
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment options
Care is built around movement, strength and comfort in daily activity.
Prevention
Habits that help
Tips
- Stay active with regular walking breaks
- Build core and hip strength
- Change positions often during the day
- Keep a home exercise routine
Your doctors
Doctors ateach office.
Oceanside
- Dr. Derek PotvinDoctor of Chiropractic — Oceanside & CarlsbadView profile
- Dr. Aram ProudmanDoctor of Chiropractic — Oceanside & CarlsbadView profile
Carlsbad (Bressi Ranch)
- Dr. Evan HamiltonDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad / Bressi RanchView profile
- Dr. Derek PotvinDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad & OceansideView profile
- Dr. Anthony SalmonDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad / Bressi RanchView profile
- Dr. Aram ProudmanDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad & OceansideView profile
FAQ
Questions about spinal stenosis
Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?
Many people manage stenosis symptoms with conservative care such as exercise, movement strategies and hands-on treatment. Your exam tells us whether conservative care fits your case or whether you need a medical referral.
What does non-surgical stenosis care include here?
Our stenosis care uses chiropractic care, rehab therapy and corrective exercise, plus a home routine. We refer to a medical specialist when your exam calls for it.
Is walking good for spinal stenosis?
Often, yes, in short bouts with rest breaks. We help you find a walking plan and positions that keep symptoms manageable.
How much does a first visit cost?
New patients can start with the $49 New Patient Special: consultation, exam and first treatment.
What are common symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Common symptoms include: lower back pain that builds with standing or walking; leg pain, heaviness or cramping when walking; relief when sitting or leaning forward; numbness or tingling in the legs or feet; needing to stop and rest during walks, and stiffness in the lower back.
When should I get spinal stenosis checked urgently?
Seek urgent evaluation if you have: loss of bladder or bowel control; numbness in the groin or inner thighs; rapidly worsening leg weakness, and back pain with fever or unexplained weight loss.
How can I help prevent spinal stenosis?
These habits help: stay active with regular walking breaks; build core and hip strength; change positions often during the day, and keep a home exercise routine.
Can the doctor review imaging I already have?
Yes. Bring recent imaging on a disc, a portal link, or your phone. A photo of the report is also useful.
How much time should I allow?
Allow about 45 to 60 minutes for the first visit. Completing intake forms beforehand leaves more time for your history and exam.
Which payment information should I confirm?
Ask the office to check your specific MedPay or personal injury claim. Pacific Spine & Rehab does not participate with most health plans.
Keep reading
Relatedcare and conditions.
Spine
Get a clear plan for your spinal stenosis
New-patient visit includes exam, diagnosis, and a written treatment plan — same-day appointments most weekdays at our Oceanside and Carlsbad offices.