The Science Behind Disc Pain: Why Inflammation Matters and How Chiropractic Supports Recovery
If you're experiencing radiating leg pain, numbness, or tingling from a herniated disc, grasping what's happening in your body can be extremely beneficial. Recent 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 Plainville chiropractic care at Layden Chiropractic can help.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, it is not just mechanical pressure causing your symptoms. Your immune system kicks into gear by sending unique cells called macrophages to the affected area. These cells are part of your body's inflammatory response, and research shows they significantly influence your pain levels and recovery trajectory.
A 2025 study published in Brain & Spine examined how various types 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 encouraging news? Most people with disc herniation get better 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 Plainville CHIROPRACTIC CARE SUPPORTS YOUR HEALING
Chiropractic care provides a non-invasive treatment that supports your body's healing abilities. Through gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and targeted exercises, chiropractors can help:
- Reduce mechanical stress on irritated nerve roots
- Improve spinal biomechanics to assist healing
- Lower localized inflammation through better motion
- Reinforce your body's natural recovery timeline
Every patient's journey is unique, but with proper care and understanding of the inflammatory process involved, many individuals experience significant relief from disc herniation symptoms through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Layden Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Brandon Skiles on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes relieving, gentle treatment of a disc herniation with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management .
It's a great time to reach out to your Plainville chiropractor for an appointment.
