Spinal Decompression

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment for back and neck pain, most commonly used for disc injuries or other conditions, such as herniated or bulging discs. In this treatment, the spine is stretched and relaxed in intervals with negative intra-discal pressure (a vacuum effect), which relieves pain on nearby spinal root nerves and promotes movement of the protruding material back into the disc. It also provides better healing by allowing a greater water flow, oxygen, and other healing nutrients.

This treatment is widely indicated for:

How Spinal Decompression is Done

Among spinal decompression devices, at Spinal Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, we use the DRX9000 machine. The procedure is done by a patient lying comfortably on their back. When the machine is turned on, it gently stretches the treated area. In this state-of-the-art spinal decompression technique, padded straps and neck rest enable a relaxed and pain-free session lasting approximately 30 minutes. With this FDA-approved technology, and the use of highly-specialized computer modulation, these treatment advances have enabled minimal force and greater fitness in spinal decompression treatment.

There are no noted spinal decompression side effects. Patients often report feeling immediate and temporary pain relief, which must be reinforced with sessions over time. Over an approximately four- to six-week timeframe, this process creates incremental changes which improve the condition.

Who is a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

This treatment is ideal for those who fit the following criteria: 

  • You are 18 and over

  • You have chronic pain (four weeks or longer) from a herniated or bulging spinal disc

  • You have tried other therapies for a given period, but they have been unsuccessful for chronic pain from degenerated discs

  • You are contemplating surgery but want to exhaust all nonsurgical options

  • You are willing to devote four to six weeks to treatments

Non-surgical decompression is not the right option for everyone. Those who would not be good candidates for this treatment include:

  • Those with broken vertebrae

  • Those who have had spinal fusion surgery

  • Those with spinal implants or artificial discs

  • Those with osteopenia or osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, ankylosing spondylitis, spinal stenosis

  • Those with a spinal tumor

  • Those who are pregnant

Success Rates of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Non-surgical spinal decompression success rates have been measured using pre-treatment and post-treatment MRIs.

At least one of these studies quotes results claiming that 86 percent of patients with ruptured discs had “good or excellent” results, compared to 55 percent of those who underwent traction therapy, an older system of such treatment. Among those with facet joint osteoarthritis, 75 percent improved with spinal decompression therapy compared to 50 percent with traction.

General claims for success rates contend that patients experienced pain relief by even the third treatment session. Other claims have reported overall success rates as high as 90 percent.

Spinal Decompression at Spinal Rehabilitation and Wellness Center

At Spinal Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, spinal decompression is among the various treatments offered as one of our chiropractic techniques and procedures. Our chiropractic experts perform spinal decompression protocols and procedures in our state-of-the-art 3,000-square-foot facility with the utmost care and patient comfort.

Whether you suffer from an acute or chronic injury or other condition, at Spinal Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, we are committed to providing treatment to alleviate your pain, promote healing, and get you back to your normal daily activities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for spinal decompression.