Stronger Spine, Less Pain: The Power of Exercise for Plainville Disc Herniation
Struggling with a herniated disc in your spine? If yes, you probably know the pain all too well—stiffness, sharp twinges, maybe even shooting pain down your leg, something called "sciatica". But here’s the good news: recent research shows that exercise—done well—works as a really strong backup option to your general treatment plan to reduce pain, bring back movement, and help you feel like yourself again.
NEW STUDIES ON EXERCISE’S BENEFIT
Two big studies published in 2025—one from Acta Neurologica Belgica by Arslan and Ülger, and another from Frontiers in Medicine by Du and colleagues—looked into exercise benefits for lower back disc injuries. (1,2) What did they find?? Exercise works. And it works well.
The first study found that certain forms of movement—especially core stabilization, gentle flexibility, and low-impact aerobic exercises—can ease pressure on the discs and lessend inflammation. This produces both pain relief and enhanced movement ability. The follow-up research expanded on these findings. It analyzed multiple clinical trials and concluded that exercise is more successful than rest or passive treatments in helping people recover from disc herniation. For our Plainville chiropractic patients, this aligns perfectly with our whole-body, movement-focused approach which incorporates Cox® Technic treatment which is all about motion, too! When your spine is managed with chiropractic care and supported by the right kind of exercise, your body may well heal quicker and function better.
WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE IS BEST?
Not every form of exercise is equally effective. These researchers stress that the key is an individualized program—one made for your specific needs and directed by a healthcare professional. Push too hard or move the wrong way, and you might set yourself back. That’s why working with your Plainville chiropractor to build a safe, progressive plan is so important. The bottom line? If you’re dealing with a lumbar disc herniation, movement is help. Combined with Plainville chiropractic care, a focused exercise program can speed up healing, reduce pain, and help you get back to doing what you love—without surgery or long-term meds.
Move! Heal.
CONTACT Layden Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Jason Charkalis on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the effectiveness of the chiropractic treatment plan in The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for patients with back pain seeking to prevent spine surgery and feel better.
