Stronger Spine, Less Pain: The Power of Exercise for San Jose Disc Herniation
Got a lumbar disc herniation diagnosis? You’re not alone. You probably feel the pain all too well—stiffness, sharp twinges, maybe even shooting pain down your leg, something called "sciatica". But here is the good news: newer research describes that exercise—done well—works as a really strong backup option to your general treatment plan to reduce pain, bring back 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—looked at how exercise affects people with lumbar disc herniation. (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 ended by stating that exercise is more helpful than rest or passive treatments in boosting people’s recovery from disc herniation. For our San Jose chiropractic patients, this supports 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 maintained 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 emphasize that the key is a personalized program—one made 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 where your San Jose 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 San Jose chiropractic care, a focused exercise routine can speed up healing, reduce pain, and help you get back to doing what you love—without surgery or long-term meds.
Move! Heal.
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
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 patients with back pain seeking to prevent spine surgery and feel better.
