Stronger Spine, Less Pain: The Power of Exercise for Montreal Disc Herniation
Got a lumbar disc herniation diagnosis? You’re not alone. You probably know the pain all too well—stiffness, sharp twinges, maybe even shooting pain down your leg, something called "sciatica". The bright side is that newer research shows that exercise—handled correctly—can be one of the most powerful additional tools to your overall 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—looked at how exercise affects people with lumbar disc herniation. (1,2) Their findings? Not surprising. Exercise works well..
The first study reported that specific types of movement—especially core stabilization, gentle flexibility, and low-impact aerobic exercises—can ease pressure on the discs and reduce inflammation. The result is less daily discomfort and improved physical function. The follow-up research expanded on these findings. It evaluated multiple clinical trials and concluded that exercise is more successful than rest or passive treatments in helping people recover from disc herniation. For our Montreal 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 supported by the right kind of exercise, your body can heal quicker and function better.
WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE IS BEST?
Not every form of exercise is equally effective. These researchers emphasize that the key is an individualized program—one designed for your specific needs and led by a healthcare professional. Push too hard or move the wrong way, and you might set yourself back. That’s why working with your Montreal 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 Montreal chiropractic care, a focused exercise routine can speed up healing, lessen pain, and help you get back to doing what you love—without surgery or long-term meds.
Move! Heal.
CONTACT Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic
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.
