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 happening in your body can be empowering. New research reveals that inflammation plays a pivotal role in disc herniation pain—and the good news is that your body has some key healing mechanisms that Richmond chiropractic care at Johnson Chiropractic can support.
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 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 analyzed how various kinds of macrophages impact clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers discovered that macrophage activity, along with changes visible on MRI scans called Modic changes, has a direct connection to patients' symptom severity at the outset. 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 get better over time. A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research tracked patients over time and discovered that several factors lead to success—particularly getting treatment early and receiving the right conservative care. (2)
HOW Richmond 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
- Reinforce your body's natural recovery timeline
Every patient's journey is personal, but with proper care and understanding of the inflammatory process involved, many individuals get real relief from their herniated disc pain through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Johnson 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 Richmond chiropractor for an appointment.
