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 extremely beneficial. New research shows that inflammation plays a central role in disc herniation pain—and the good news is that your body has some key healing mechanisms that Auburn chiropractic care at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. can help.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, it's 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 have a major impact on both pain levels and recovery speed.
A 2025 study published in Brain & Spine analyzed how different types of macrophages impact clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers discovered that macrophage activity, along with MRI-visible alterations known as Modic changes, has a direct connection to patients' symptom severity at the outset. This inflammation is your body's attempt 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 Auburn 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
- Improve spinal biomechanics to assist healing
- Lower localized inflammation through better 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 Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.
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 .
