What Is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical traction therapy that gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs. This can help retract bulging or herniated disc material away from nearby nerves and promote the flow of nutrients and fluids into the disc to support healing.
It’s typically used for conditions involving disc compression, such as herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, or nerve-related pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative approaches.
How Spinal Decompression Works
Spinal decompression is delivered through a specialized table that gently and gradually stretches the spine in controlled cycles.
Positioning
You’re comfortably positioned on the decompression table, either face-up or face-down depending on the area being treated.
Controlled stretching cycles
The table gently stretches and relaxes the spine in a slow, cyclical pattern, gradually increasing the traction force.
Monitoring
We monitor your comfort throughout, adjusting settings to keep the therapy within a safe, effective range for your condition.
Benefits of Spinal Decompression
- Reduces pressure on compressed discs — by creating negative pressure that can help retract herniated or bulging disc material.
- Relieves nerve-related pain — including pain radiating into the arms or legs.
- Non-invasive alternative — to spinal surgery for many disc-related conditions.
- Promotes disc healing — by improving the flow of nutrients and fluids into the disc space.
- Improves mobility — as pressure on the spine’s structures decreases over a course of treatment.
What to Expect
A typical spinal decompression session takes 15 to 30 minutes, and most treatment plans involve multiple sessions over several weeks for the best results.
- A brief evaluation to confirm decompression is appropriate for your condition
- A comfortable, fully clothed session on the decompression table
- Gentle, controlled stretching cycles, not the sudden pulling some people expect
- Little to no discomfort during the session itself
- Gradual improvement over a series of sessions, rather than one-time relief
Good to know
Spinal decompression isn’t appropriate for everyone, including certain spinal conditions and pregnancy. call 386-400-3620 to find out if it’s a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spinal decompression the same as regular traction? +
Spinal decompression uses computer-controlled, cyclical stretching designed to minimize the body’s natural resistance to stretching, which allows for a more effective and targeted therapeutic effect than manual or basic mechanical traction.
Does spinal decompression hurt? +
Most patients find it comfortable, even relaxing. The stretching is gentle and gradual, not sudden or forceful.
How many sessions will I need? +
Most treatment plans involve 15 to 30 sessions over several weeks, though this varies based on your specific condition and how you respond to treatment.
What conditions does spinal decompression treat? +
It’s commonly used for herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and other conditions involving nerve compression from disc issues.
Is spinal decompression safe? +
For appropriately screened patients, yes. We conduct a thorough evaluation before starting treatment to confirm it’s a safe and appropriate option for your condition.
Who shouldn’t get spinal decompression? +
It’s generally not recommended during pregnancy or for certain conditions like spinal fractures, severe osteoporosis, or spinal implants. We’ll review your health history before recommending it.
