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 happening in your body can be extremely beneficial. Recent research reveals that inflammation plays a pivotal role in disc herniation pain—and the good news is that your body has some helpful healing mechanisms that Toronto chiropractic care at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre can support.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR PAIN
When a disc herniates, mechanical pressure on a nerve may not be the only issue 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 demonstrates demonstrate they substantially affect how much pain you experience and how quickly you recover.
A 2025 study published in Brain & Spine examined how various types of macrophages impact clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The researchers discovered that macrophage activity, along with MRI-visible alterations known as 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 trigger significant discomfort in the process. (1)
YOUR PATH TO RECOVERY
The hopeful news? Most people with disc herniation improve over time. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research published a follow-up study showing that successful outcomes result from various factors, especially timely intervention and appropriate non-surgical treatment. (2)
HOW Toronto 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:
- Decrease mechanical stress on irritated nerve roots
- Boost spinal biomechanics to facilitate healing
- Lower localized inflammation through improved 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 Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Brandon Skiles on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes relieving, gentle treatment of a disc herniation with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management .
It's a great time to reach out to your Toronto chiropractor for an appointment.
