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, understanding what's happening in your body can be empowering. New research shows that inflammation plays a pivotal role in disc herniation pain—and the good news is that your body has some key healing mechanisms that Baton Rouge chiropractic care at Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers can help.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, it is not just mechanical pressure 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 affect clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers discovered that macrophage activity, along with Modic changes detectable on MRI, 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 encouraging 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 Baton Rouge CHIROPRACTIC CARE SUPPORTS YOUR HEALING
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach that works with your body's natural healing processes. 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 motion
- 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 find significant relief from their disc herniation symptoms through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers
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 .
