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 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 Nashua chiropractic care at Moriarty Chiropractic 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 specialized cells called macrophages to the affected area. These cells are part of your body's inflammatory response, and research shows they have a major impact on both pain levels and recovery speed.

A 2025 study published in Brain & Spine analyzed how various kinds 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, 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 trigger significant discomfort in the process. (1)

YOUR PATH TO RECOVERY

The encouraging news? Most people with disc herniation improve over time. A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research tracked patients over time and discovered that several factors lead to success—particularly getting treatment early and receiving the right conservative care. (2)

HOW Nashua 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 personal, but with proper care and understanding of the inflammatory process involved, many individuals experience significant relief from disc herniation symptoms through chiropractic treatment.

CONTACT Moriarty Chiropractic

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 .

Book your chiropractic visit today.