Spinal decompression or nonsurgical decompression therapy is a modality that uses a specialized form of motorized traction to help relieve back or neck pain. The aim of decompression therapy is to create a negative pressure in the disc through gently stretching the spine. This negative pressure causes the disc to retract which takes pressure off of the nerves and other spinal structures and promotes movement of water, nutrients, and oxygen into the discs promoting healing.

Conditions that are often helped by spinal decompression include

• Sciatica

• Herniated or bulging disc

• Degeneration of the disc

• Posterior facet syndrome (worn spinal joints)

• Injured spinal nerve roots

A typical series of spinal decompression is between 15 to 30 treatments with each lasting between 30 – 45 minutes, in which 2 harnesses are placed on the patient with one being attached to the computerized traction device. The treatment is generally painless and often described as a deep relaxing stretch, some patients even take a nap during their treatment. Most people begin to notice some improvement by the third treatment with only about 5-10% reporting minor soreness as a negative side effect that is not enough to discontinue treatment.

Your decompression treatment plan is tailored specifically to you and may or may not include other adjustments and therapies in conjunction with your treatment, such as ice, heat, electric stimulation, therapeutic exercises, and laser therapy. Your treatment plan is designed to achieve the best possible results in the shortest amount of time.