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 going on in your body can be quite helpful. 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 Vancouver chiropractic care at Vancouver Disc Centers can support.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, it is not just mechanical pressure triggering 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 demonstrates demonstrate they substantially affect how much pain you experience and how quickly you recover.
A 2025 study published in Brain & Spine analyzed how various kinds of macrophages impact clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers found that macrophage activity, along with Modic changes detectable on MRI, demonstrates a positive correlation with baseline symptom severity. 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 encouraging 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 Vancouver 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 exceptional, but with proper care and knowledge of the inflammatory process involved, many people get real relief from their herniated disc pain through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Vancouver Disc 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 .
