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, sensing what's happening in your body can be extremely beneficial. Recent 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 Juneau chiropractic care at Aurora Chiropractic Center can support.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, mechanical pressure on a nerve may not be the only issue triggering your symptoms. Your immune system responds 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 different types of macrophages impact clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers found that macrophage activity, along with MRI-visible alterations known as Modic changes, directly correlates with the severity of symptoms patients experience at baseline. 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 improve 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 Juneau 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 assist healing
- Lower localized inflammation through better movement
- Reinforce your body's natural recovery timeline
Every patient's journey is exceptional, but with proper care and knowledge of the inflammatory process involved, many people experience significant relief from disc herniation symptoms through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Aurora Chiropractic Center
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 .
It's a good time to reach out to your Juneau chiropractor for an appointment.
