Stronger Spine, Less Pain: The Power of Exercise for Ashburn and Herndon 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". The upside is that recent research shows that exercise—done well—works as a really strong backup option to your general treatment plan to decrease pain, bring back movement, and help you feel like yourself again.

NEW STUDIES ON EXERCISE’S BENEFIT

Two big 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) Their findings? Exercise works. And it works well.

The first study found that specific forms of movement—particularly 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 evaluated multiple clinical trials and ended by stating that exercise is more successful than rest or passive treatments in helping people recover from disc herniation. For our Ashburn and Herndon 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 maintained by proper exercise, your body may well 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 a personalized program—one made 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 Ashburn and Herndon chiropractor to build a safe, progressive plan is so important. The bottom line? If you’re dealing with a lumbar disc herniation, movement is help. Combined with Ashburn and Herndon chiropractic care, a focused exercise program 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 Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn

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.