If you've been told you have a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, you may feel like surgery is your only option. For many patients, it isn't. Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that directly addresses disc problems by taking pressure off the spine and giving the discs the conditions they need to actually heal.
Your spinal discs are the soft, gel-like cushions that sit between each of the bones in your spine. They absorb shock, allow movement, and protect the nerves running through the spinal canal. When a disc is damaged, bulging, or compressed, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain that radiates into your legs or arms, the kind of deep, persistent aching that makes it hard to sit, stand, or sleep comfortably.
Spinal decompression therapy gently stretches the spine using a motorized traction table, creating negative pressure inside the affected disc. That negative pressure helps retract bulging or herniated disc material, draws in fluid and nutrients that support healing, and takes pressure off the nerves that have been causing your pain.
At Joint & Spine, spinal decompression is one of our core treatments for back pain and disc disorders. Our team has been incorporating spinal decompression treatment for spinal disorders & sciatica since 1995, and we've helped thousands of patients find lasting relief without surgery.
Request an appointment today to find out if you're a candidate.
Spinal decompression therapy is performed on a specialized traction table that's controlled by a computerized system. Your provider positions you on the table and secures a harness around your pelvis. The table then gently and precisely stretches the spine, applying controlled traction to the affected area.
Most patients describe the sensation as gentle pulling or stretching, not painful. Some mild soreness in the back may occur in the first 24 hours after a session, which is a normal response to the therapy. Each session takes around 10 to 20 minutes. Our 3D Active Track system allows your provider to be interactive during your session, adjusting the treatment in real time as needed.
Spinal decompression therapy is most effective for patients with disc-related conditions. Candidates typically include those dealing with:
Most patients begin to feel improvement within the first five sessions. After your fifth visit, we re-evaluate your progress to determine the best path forward.
We offer decompression therapy for both the lower back and the neck. Lumbar decompression targets the discs in the lower spine, which are the most common source of back pain and sciatica. Cervical decompression uses the same principle to relieve pressure on the discs in the neck, which can cause neck pain, headaches, and pain or numbness that travels down the arms. Both approaches are non-surgical, drug-free, and have strong track records for effective relief.
Spinal decompression isn't appropriate for everyone. Patients with fractures, tumors, advanced osteoporosis, metal implants in the spine, or certain vascular conditions may not receive this treatment. Our team will review your health history carefully before recommending decompression to make sure it's safe and appropriate for your situation.
For the best and most lasting outcomes, decompression therapy works well alongside stretching, core strengthening, and chiropractic care. Patients with chronic conditions like degenerative disc disease or stenosis often benefit from an ongoing maintenance program of one session per week to one per month, depending on the severity of their condition.
Spinal decompression therapy is designed for conditions involving the spinal discs, including herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. It's also effective for facet syndrome and radiating pain caused by pinched nerves in the neck or lower back. If your pain originates from a disc problem, decompression therapy is worth discussing with our team.
No. Spinal decompression therapy is completely non-surgical and non-invasive. You remain fully clothed on a traction table while a computerized system applies gentle, precise stretching to your spine. There are no incisions, no anesthesia, and no recovery period. It's specifically designed as a conservative alternative for patients who want to address disc problems without going under the knife.
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the spinal disorder. Most patients start noticing relief within the first five sessions; however, correcting the disc disorder could vary depending on X-ray and/or MRI findings, at which point we re-evaluate your progress. For acute disc injuries, a short course of treatment may be enough. Patients with chronic conditions like degenerative disc disease often benefit from ongoing maintenance sessions to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups long-term.
Getting started with Joint & Spine is easy! You can request an appointment online or call or text us at (201) 445-1079. Our team will evaluate your condition and let you know whether spinal decompression therapy is the right fit for you.
We look forward to seeing you!