What Spinal Decompression Is
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a motorized, computer-controlled form of traction. You lie on a specialized table, a harness holds you in position, and the table applies a gentle, precisely measured pull to a targeted part of the spine, then eases off, in repeated cycles. The aim is to take pressure off the discs and the nerve roots beside them.
Our clinic has a high-end decompression table. It lets us set the angle and the amount of force for the specific spinal level being treated, and adjust both during the session.
Who It May Help
- Sciatica — Leg pain, numbness or tingling from an irritated nerve root in the lower back. Read more about sciatica.
- Herniated and bulging discs — Disc problems that are pressing on or irritating a nerve. Read more about herniated discs.
- Persistent low back pain — Back pain that keeps returning or hasn't responded to other conservative care.
- Pinched nerves — Nerve root irritation in the spine. Read more about a pinched nerve.
What the Research Says
We want to be straight with you: the research on decompression is still developing, and it doesn't work for everyone. It has been tested in randomized trials, including a double-blind trial of decompression for disc herniation and a trial of decompression added to physical therapy for nerve-related leg pain.
Notice how those trials are set up. Decompression is studied alongside exercise-based rehabilitation, not in place of it, and that is how we use it. It is one part of a plan that also includes hands-on care and corrective exercise to rebuild the strength and movement that protect the spine.
What a Session Is Like
You stay fully clothed and lie on the table while we fit the harness and set the program for the area being treated. The table then cycles slowly between a gentle pull and a rest. Most people describe it as a comfortable stretch. Tell us right away if anything feels sharp or wrong, and we stop or adjust.
Decompression is usually done as a series of sessions. After your exam, Dr. Nasser will tell you whether he recommends it and how many sessions make sense for your case.
Who Shouldn't Have It
Decompression isn't right for everyone. We check first for anything that makes it unsafe, such as a spinal fracture, spinal implants or fusion hardware, severe osteoporosis, pregnancy, or signs of a condition that needs medical attention first. If it isn't appropriate for you, we'll tell you and recommend something else.
Your First Visit: What to Expect
Your initial appointment is a comprehensive 3-step process designed to move you from pain to performance. It is a paid visit, separate from the free consultation.
Medical history review, orthopedic and neurological testing, and biomechanical analysis to understand not just where it hurts, but why it hurts.
We sit down with you to explain what is causing your pain, our recommended recovery plan, and how long we expect your recovery to take.
When it is possible and safe to do so, we begin your first phase of therapy during your first visit: gentle spinal adjustments, manual soft-tissue therapy, or initial corrective exercises.