Stronger Spine, Less Pain: The Power of Exercise for St Peters 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 bright side is that recent research shows that exercise—done the right way—makes for an excellent extra resource to your general treatment plan to decrease pain, restore 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 ease pressure on the discs and lower inflammation. This produces both pain relief and enhanced movement ability. The second study went even further. 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 St Peters chiropractic patients, this supports 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 appropriate exercise, your body may well heal faster 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 designed for your specific needs and directed by a healthcare professional. Going too hard or doing the wrong movements can actually make things worse. That's where your St Peters 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 St Peters chiropractic care, a focused exercise routine can speed up healing, lessen pain, and help you get back to doing what you love—non-surgically and non-pharmacologically.

Let your body move—and heal—smarter.

CONTACT Old Mill Chiropractic

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Jason Charkalis on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes 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.