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, understanding what's going on in your body can be empowering. Recent research shows that inflammation plays a central role in disc herniation pain—and the good news is that your body has some helpful healing mechanisms that Manchester chiropractic care at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries can support.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, it is 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 proves they make a real difference in how much pain you feel and how fast you heal.
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 changes visible on MRI scans called 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 cause 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 Manchester 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:
- Reduce mechanical stress on irritated nerve roots
- Boost spinal biomechanics to assist healing
- Lower localized inflammation through better movement
- Reinforce your body's natural recovery timeline
Every patient's journey is unique, but with proper care and understanding of the inflammatory process involved, many people get real relief from their herniated disc pain through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
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 perfect time to reach out to your Manchester chiropractor for an appointment.
