Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is an important tool for your chiropractor and can help you avoid back surgery. In general, chiropractic care is a natural medical approach addressing disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. Chiropractic care is frequently used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and pain in the joints of arms and legs. Chiropractic manipulation of joints can clear neuronal pathways to create the better performance of the human body and remove sources of pain.

A healthy spine has hydrated discs with plenty of space between vertebrae. This spine supports optimum physical performance and little to no pain. As we age, gravity and physical activity compress and twist the spine, leading to the degeneration of the discs. The gel-like nucleus of the disc loses water, which compresses the space between vertebrae. Disc degeneration causes the outer coating of the disc to be more brittle and can be easily cracked or torn, leading to injury. Compression can ultimately lead to disc herniation which can press on spinal nerves and lead to debilitating pain. This is where Spinal Decompression comes in, and in some cases, helps you avoid surgery.

Spinal decompression has proven effective in relieving the pain associated with bulging and herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and even failed back surgery. Yes, Spinal Decompression therapy has helped people avoid surgery or avoid additional surgeries. Since the release of Spinal Decompression as a therapy, clinical studies have revealed an amazing success rate in treating low back and neck disc-related problems. Spinal decompression lengthens the spine and counters the effects of gravity on the disc. It makes more space between vertebrae, allowing room for the nerves to function properly and thereby relieving pain.

Spinal Decompression: Questions and Answers

What is involved with a spinal decompression session?
In our office, our patients receive a chiropractic adjustment, prior to lying down on the table for a decompression therapy session. After a 15-20 minute spinal decompression session, you will receive an Amethyst Biomat session and Infrared Light /Cold Laser, as needed.

What can spinal decompression treat?
Your doctor will discuss your specific case with you to determine if you are a candidate for spinal decompression. Patients with herniated discs, ruptured discs, bulging discs, degenerated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthrosis, and joint facet syndrome are spinal decompression candidates. Even people with certain failed back surgeries can be treated.

What kinds of conditions are not treatable or contraindicated?
Severe osteoporosis, osteomalacia, cancer, tumors, myelitis, ankylosing spondylitis, fractures, and unstable spondylolisthesis with pars defects, and post-surgical conditions where metal implants (rods, cages, or screws) have been used.

What is the success rate for spinal decompression?
85% of patients report favorable results. Progressive Medical Center only treats patients who are good candidates for spinal decompression therapy.

How long does a chiropractic appointment with spinal decompression treatment take?
A full treatment with chiropractic adjustment, spinal decompression therapy, and post-therapies or postural exercises is approximately 45mins to 1 hour.

How many spinal decompression treatments are needed?
Typically low back pain requires 20-25 visits but each case varies. Some patients need more and some need less. A cervical or neck condition can take between 12-15 visits. Often spinal decompression is given 3-4 days a week during the initial stages of care.

Do I get permanent relief from spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression usually provides long-lasting relief but it’s a good idea to get checked and decompressed at least 1 time every 4-6 weeks to maintain the correction after your initial intensive care is complete.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Most patients do not experience any side effects. Though, there have been some mild cases of muscle spasms for a short period of time.

How does spinal decompression separate each vertebra and allow for decompression at a specific level?
A patient is harnessed to the Decompression table and attached to the computerized machine. It is programmed specifically per individual how much of a pull and at what angle to pull, depending on the vertebrae(s) of focus. With positioning, degree of angle, and intensity of the gentle force or pull, it will separate the table creating decompression of the spine. During a decompression session, the machine is programmed to pull and open the table (creating stretch and decompression) for 45-60seconds. Then the machine is programmed to release 20%-50% depending on the patient’s condition.

Is there any risk to the patient during spinal decompression?
There are no risks associated with spinal decompression. It is totally safe and comfortable for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches (a requirement of the FDA) terminate the treatment immediately thereby avoiding any injuries.

Can I work after getting spinal decompression therapy?
Most patients work even after receiving spinal decompression treatments. If your job involves physical labor/activities, we may recommend you wear a brace and/or limit activities of bending, twisting, and lifting for 6 hours post-treatment.

How much does spinal decompression cost?
Compared to low back surgery, the cost is low. Spinal decompression is not covered by insurance. For pricing details, please call our clinic

Does insurance pay for spinal decompression?
Before your treatment begins, our staff will check if your health insurance will contribute to your chiropractic care. Most insurance unfortunately does not cover spinal decompression therapy.

I had back surgery which didn’t give me pain relief, so now can I have spinal decompression?
Patients treated with back surgery can usually have spinal decompression providing you do not have metal implants and it has been at least 6 + months since surgery. Spinal Decompression may help to avoid additional surgery.