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, sensing what's going on in your body can be empowering. New 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 Oxford chiropractic care at Satterwhite Chiropractic can support.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, mechanical pressure on a nerve may not be the only issue causing 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 examined how different types of macrophages affect clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers discovered that macrophage activity, along with changes visible on MRI scans called Modic changes, matches up with how bad patients' symptoms are at the start. This inflammation is your body's effort 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 Oxford 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
- Boost spinal biomechanics to facilitate healing
- Decrease localized inflammation through better movement
- Support your body's natural recovery timeline
Every patient's journey is unique, but with proper care and knowledge of the inflammatory process involved, many people find significant relief from their disc herniation symptoms through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Satterwhite 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 .
It's a perfect time to reach out to your Oxford chiropractor for an appointment.
