Spinal Decompression

The primary goal of spinal decompression therapy is to relieve pain while promoting an optimal healing environment for degenerating, bulging, or ruptured spinal discs. This treatment technique is performed on a hydraulic table in our office, which enhances the basic principle used by traction tables to stretch the spine.

The therapy works by alternatively steadily stretching your spinal column and letting your muscles reapply a small amount of force, which moves the material in the discs round, causing an inflow of nutrient-rich fluids and oxygen into the disc. This action also creates a lessening pressure inside the discs that relieves stiffness between the vertebrae and allows bulges to retract. Because this gentle technique stimulates and supports the body’s natural healing process, it’s a viable alternative to surgery for patients who are affected by disc trauma or damage.

Spinal decompression therapy is designed to help restore spinal discs to a healthy, working order. It’s typically used to help heal the following:

• Bulging discs: A disc that has pushed outside of its usual space in the spinal canal can put pressure on nerves. This can cause pain at the site and even throughout your body. Left untreated, a bulging disc can rupture.

• Herniated discs: A disc that cracks and oozes some of its soft, interior gel has ruptured, or become herniated. Herniated discs can affect nearby nerves and may cause referred pain that radiates from your lower back down into your legs or cervical spine down through the arms and hands.

• Degenerated discs: A disc that’s affected by age-related degeneration may have low fluid or a tear in its tough exterior. Bone spurs located on the spine may also accompany it. Often, these discs are not getting enough nutrients.

Disc problems can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, which is why correcting a disc condition through spinal decompression may help relieve neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, sciatic nerve pain, and numbness or tingling in your legs or arms.

Spinal decompression therapy takes place on a motorized table, a portion of which of which moves when activated to decrease pressure between the vertebrae.

To treat disc problems in your lower back, a harness attached to the middle of the table is wrapped around your hips. A second strap is placed around the bottom of your ribs. To treat neck disc issues, your head is placed in a cradle while facing up.

As the lower portion of the table remains fixed, the upper part of the table slides back and forth to decompress your spine and alleviate pressure gently.

​​​​​​​During this slow motion, you’ll feel your spine being intermittently stretched and relaxed. Each session lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes, and most patients benefit from having a series of 12 to 24 sessions with complementary care.