Stronger Spine, Less Pain: The Power of Exercise for McHenry 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 upside is that recent research describes that exercise—handled correctly—can be one of the most powerful additional tools to your overall treatment plan to reduce pain, restore movement, and assist you in feeling like yourself again.
NEW STUDIES ON EXERCISE’S BENEFIT
Two major studies published in 2025—one from Acta Neurologica Belgica by Arslan and Ülger, and another from Frontiers in Medicine by Du and colleagues—studied how working out helps people with lower back disc problems. (1,2) What did they find?? Not surprising. Exercise works well..
The first study reported that specific types of movement—particularly core stabilization, gentle flexibility, and low-impact aerobic exercises—can ease pressure on the discs and lessend inflammation. The result is less daily discomfort and improved physical function. The follow-up research expanded on these findings. It analyzed multiple clinical trials and concluded that exercise is more successful than rest or passive treatments in boosting people’s recovery from disc herniation. For our McHenry chiropractic patients, this aligns perfectly with 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 proper 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 stress that the key is a personalized program—one made for your specific needs and guided by a healthcare professional. Push too hard or move the wrong way, and you might set yourself back. That's where your McHenry chiropractor comes in—helping you build something that works without causing harm. The bottom line? If you’re dealing with a lumbar disc herniation, movement is help. Combined with McHenry chiropractic care, a focused exercise program can speed up healing, lessen pain, and help you get back to doing what you love—without surgery or long-term meds.
Let your body move—and heal—smarter.
CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Jason Charkalis on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he details 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.
