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, sensing what's going on in your body can be empowering. Recent research reveals that inflammation plays a central role in disc herniation pain—and the good news is that your body has some key healing mechanisms that Williamson chiropractic care at Apple Country Chiropractic can help.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, mechanical pressure on a nerve may not be the only issue causing 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 shows they significantly influence your pain levels and recovery trajectory.
A 2025 study published in Brain & Spine analyzed how various types of macrophages affect clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers found that macrophage activity, along with changes visible on MRI scans called 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 create significant discomfort in the process. (1)
YOUR PATH TO RECOVERY
The hopeful news? Most people with disc herniation get better over time. Research published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research followed patients long-term and found that many factors contribute to successful outcomes, including early intervention and appropriate conservative care. (2)
HOW Williamson 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:
- Decrease mechanical stress on irritated nerve roots
- Improve spinal biomechanics to facilitate healing
- Lower localized inflammation through improved movement
- Support your body's natural recovery timeline
Every patient's journey is personal, but with proper care and knowledge of the inflammatory process involved, many individuals get real relief from their herniated disc pain through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Apple Country 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 good time to reach out to your Williamson chiropractor for an appointment.
