The Science Behind Disc Pain: Why Inflammation Matters and How Chiropractic Supports Recovery
If you're having leg pain that goes all the way down your extremity with numbness or tingling from a herniated disc, grasping what's going on in your body can be quite helpful. New research reveals that inflammation plays a central role in disc herniation pain—and the good news is that your body has some helpful healing mechanisms that Augusta chiropractic care at Lombardy Chiropractic Clinic can help.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, it is not just mechanical pressure triggering your symptoms. Your immune system kicks into gear by sending specialized cells called macrophages to the affected area. These cells are part of your body's inflammatory response, and research demonstrates demonstrate they substantially affect how much pain you experience and how quickly you recover.
A 2025 study published in Brain & Spine analyzed how different kinds of macrophages affect clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers discovered that macrophage activity, along with MRI-visible alterations known as Modic changes, matches up with how bad patients' symptoms are at the start. This inflammation is your body's way of trying to heal, but it can trigger significant discomfort in the process. (1)
YOUR PATH TO RECOVERY
The hopeful news? Most people with disc herniation improve over time. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research published a follow-up study showing that successful outcomes result from various factors, especially timely intervention and appropriate non-surgical treatment. (2)
HOW Augusta CHIROPRACTIC CARE SUPPORTS YOUR HEALING
Chiropractic care is a gentle, non-invasive option that helps your body heal. Through gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and targeted exercises, chiropractors can help:
- Reduce mechanical stress on irritated nerve roots
- Boost spinal biomechanics to assist healing
- Lower localized inflammation through better motion
- Support your body's natural recovery timeline
Every patient's journey is personal, but with proper care and understanding of the inflammatory process involved, many people experience significant relief from disc herniation symptoms through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Lombardy Chiropractic Clinic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Brandon Skiles on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates relieving, gentle treatment of a disc herniation with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management .
