Spinal Decompression Therapy

What is spinal decompression therapy and how does it work?

Spinal decompression is performed on a motorized traction table with the aid of advanced computer technology. The therapy works by slowly, steadily, and gently decompressing your spinal column to alleviate abnormal pressure on the discs that sit in-between your vertebrae. Using an exceptionally precise stretching action, decompression therapy creates a negative pressure inside of your discs that causes them to retract. This retraction creates a reverse vacuum that helps draw protruding disc material back into place.

To treat a disc problem that’s affecting your lower back, we fit a harness comfortably around your hips and attach the other end to the table, near your feet. After activating the table, the lower portion gently slides back and forth, slowly lengthening your spine and alleviating pressure. During this slow, gentle treatment, you’ll feel your spine being alternately stretched and relaxed. Because the computer system continuously monitors your spinal resistance as well as any involuntary “guarding” response your body may have, it’s able to adjust the force as needed to keep you relaxed and help prevent muscle spasms.

What are the benefits of spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression therapy has been clinically proven to help with persistent neck, back, or sciatic nerve pain caused by herniated or degenerative spinal discs. Spinal decompression therapy is a gentle, nonsurgical way to instantly relieve disc-related pressure, stimulate blood flow through your spine, and promote long-term healing. Overcome your chronic disc-related pain, numbness, and tingling, even when traditional chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, physical therapy, and other common treatment options have failed to provide relief.

How long does the treatment last and how many sessions will it take to work?

Although you may experience significant pain relief after your first few sessions, most people can expect to obtain long-lasting pain relief once they complete their doctor recommended treatment plan.

Each treatment lasts for about 10 minutes and depending upon your symptoms and the severity of your condition, it may take between 6 and 30 sessions of spinal decompression, spaced over 2-10 weeks to reach the maximum benefit. Your personal treatment protocol is based on a variety of factors, ranging from your body weight and spinal condition to the duration of your symptoms and your level of sensitivity.

What is the success rate for this kind of treatment?

Most research has shown spinal decompression to be successful in 71% to 89% of patients. At the 18th annual meeting of the American Academy of Pain Management, John Leslie of the Mayo Clinic presented his studies that found that after two weeks of spinal decompression therapy, patients experienced a 50% reduction in pain. Upon completion of the prescribed six week protocol, patients experienced a success rate of 89%.

Does treatment hurt and are there any precautions that I should consider before starting decompression therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy should feel good and it is unlikely that you will experience pain. However, during the first few sessions, certain complications may arise such as muscle spasm or increased pain. During your decompression therapy, we will monitor you very closely and in the unlikely event that you experience a negative response to the therapy, we will stop the decompression immediately. Although spinal decompression is generally considered gentle and relaxing, patients with extensive disc trauma may experience mild discomfort during their first few treatment sessions. If you ever feel uncomfortable during the therapy, a patient safety button allows you to instantly stop the treatment at any point.