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, grasping what's going on in your body can be quite helpful. Recent research shows that inflammation plays a central role in disc herniation pain—and the good news is that your body has some key healing mechanisms that Montreal chiropractic care at Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic can support.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, it's not just mechanical pressure triggering 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 have a major impact on both pain levels and recovery speed.
A 2025 study published in Brain & Spine analyzed how different types of macrophages affect clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers found that macrophage activity, along with Modic changes detectable on MRI, demonstrates a positive correlation with baseline symptom severity. This inflammation is your body's effort to heal, but it can trigger significant discomfort in the process. (1)
YOUR PATH TO RECOVERY
The hopeful news? Most people with disc herniation get better 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 Montreal 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 improved motion
- Reinforce your body's natural recovery timeline
Every patient's journey is exceptional, but with proper care and knowledge of the inflammatory process involved, many people get real relief from their herniated disc pain through chiropractic treatment.
CONTACT Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic
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 Montreal chiropractor for an appointment.
