Stronger Spine, Less Pain: The Power of Exercise for Minster Disc Herniation
Struggling with a herniated disc in your spine? If yes, you probably feel the pain all too well—stiffness, sharp twinges, maybe even shooting pain down your leg, something called "sciatica". The upside is that recent research shows that exercise—done well—can be one of the most powerful additional tools to your overall treatment plan to reduce pain, bring back movement, and help you feel 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—looked into exercise benefits for lower back disc injuries. (1,2) Their findings? Exercise works. And it works well.
The first study found that certain types of movement—especially core stabilization, gentle flexibility, and low-impact aerobic exercises—can reduce pressure on the discs and lower 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 Minster chiropractic patients, this aligns perfectly with our whole-body, movement-focused approach which incorporates Cox® Technic treatment which is centered on movement, 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?
But not all exercise is created equal. These researchers stress that the key is an individualized program—one created for your specific needs and guided by a healthcare professional. Going too hard or doing the wrong movements can actually make things worse. That’s why working with your Minster chiropractor to build a safe, progressive plan is so important. The bottom line? If you’re dealing with a lumbar disc herniation, motion is healing. Combined with Minster chiropractic care, a focused exercise routine can speed up healing, reduce pain, and help you get back to doing what you love—non-surgically and non-pharmacologically.
Move! Heal.
CONTACT Minster Chiropractic Center
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 patients with back pain seeking to prevent spine surgery and feel better.
