Stronger Spine, Less Pain: The Power of Exercise for Manchester Disc Herniation
Struggling with a herniated disc in your spine? If yes, you probably know the pain all too well—stiffness, sharp twinges, maybe even shooting pain down your leg, something called "sciatica". The upside is that newer research shows that exercise—done well—makes for an excellent extra resource to your general treatment plan to decrease pain, restore movement, and help you feel like yourself again.
NEW STUDIES ON EXERCISE’S BENEFIT
Two big studies published in 2025—one from Acta Neurologica Belgica by Arslan and Ülger, and another from Frontiers in Medicine by Du and colleagues—studied how working out helps people with lower back disc problems. (1,2) What did they find?? Not surprising. Exercise works well..
The first study reported that specific forms of movement—particularly core stabilization, gentle flexibility, and low-impact aerobic exercises—can decrease pressure on the discs and lower inflammation. That means less pain and better mobility. The second study went even further. It evaluated multiple clinical trials and concluded that exercise is more effective than rest or passive treatments in helping people recover from disc herniation. For our Manchester chiropractic patients, this supports our whole-body, movement-focused approach which incorporates Cox® Technic treatment which is all about motion, too! When your spine is managed with chiropractic care and maintained by the right kind of exercise, your body can heal quicker and function better.
WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE IS BEST?
But not all exercise is created equal. These researchers emphasize that the key is an individualized program—one made for your specific needs and directed by a healthcare professional. Push too hard or move the wrong way, and you might set yourself back. That’s why working with your Manchester chiropractor to build a safe, progressive plan is so important. The bottom line? If you’re dealing with a lumbar disc herniation, movement is help. Combined with Manchester chiropractic care, a focused exercise program can speed up healing, reduce pain, and help you get back to doing what you love—non-surgically and non-pharmacologically.
Let your body move—and heal—smarter.
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Jason Charkalis on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he shares the effectiveness of the chiropractic treatment plan in The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for back pain patients seeking to prevent spine surgery and feel better.
