When you think about spinal decompression, you probably picture a patient lying flat on a traction table. Dr. Alfred Gigante had a different idea. Over 20 years ago, he developed the VPADD, which stands for Vertical Pneumatic Axial Disc Decompression, a technique that applies decompression to the spine while the patient is in an upright, vertical position.
The VPADD uses a harness to gently lift the body, stretching the spine along its natural axis and releasing pressure from the discs and nerves. As that pressure eases, the discs have a chance to shift back toward their proper position, and nutrient-rich fluid can flow back into the disc tissue to support healing. Patients often feel relief after their very first session.
Dr. Gigante has lectured on the VPADD internationally and refined the technique over decades of clinical practice. It's one of the things that makes Joint & Spine unique: a treatment developed right here in Waldwick by a practitioner who has dedicated his career to solving back pain.
Request an appointment today to find out if the VPADD is right for you.
The core idea behind vertical decompression is simple: your spine is under load every moment you're upright, and relieving that load in a controlled, precise way gives damaged discs room to recover. The VPADD does this by suspending the body from a pelvic harness, which takes the weight of the upper body off the lumbar spine and allows the vertebrae to gently separate.
Standard spinal decompression is performed on a motorized traction table with the patient lying horizontally. The VPADD works with gravity rather than against it, applying decompressive force along the true vertical axis of the spine. This allows the body to be guided into various positions during treatment, encouraging discs to move in ways that horizontal traction simply can't replicate. For some patients, particularly those who haven't responded fully to traditional decompression, the vertical approach produces noticeably better results.
The VPADD is effective for a wide range of disc-related and nerve-related conditions, including:
A typical VPADD program consists of three 15-minute sessions per week for four weeks, followed by periodic maintenance sessions as needed. The exact number of sessions will depend on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Your provider will map out a personalized plan at your initial evaluation and check in with you throughout the program to make sure things are progressing the way they should.
Like all decompression therapies, the VPADD works best as part of a broader treatment approach. Pairing it with chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy helps stabilize the spine, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and reduce the risk of future flare-ups. Our team will guide you through what that looks like based on your specific situation.
The VPADD, or Vertical Pneumatic Axial Disc Decompression, is a non-invasive back pain treatment developed by Dr. Alfred Gigante. It uses a pelvic harness to gently lift the body in an upright position, applying decompressive force along the natural vertical axis of the spine. This releases pressure from damaged or compressed discs, encourages them to reposition, and allows nutrients to return to the disc tissue so it can heal. It's completely drug-free and non-surgical.
Traditional spinal decompression is performed with the patient lying on a horizontal traction table. The VPADD works vertically, suspending the body upright and using gravity as part of the treatment. This allows for a wider range of positions during the session and applies decompressive force in a way that more closely mirrors how the spine naturally bears load. For patients who haven't gotten full relief from horizontal decompression, the VPADD is often a strong next step.
Yes! The VPADD is one of the most effective non-invasive back pain treatments available for disc-related conditions. It doesn't involve surgery, needles, or medication, and many patients notice meaningful relief after their first session. Because it addresses the disc itself rather than just managing symptoms, the results tend to be lasting rather than temporary, especially when combined with chiropractic care and physical therapy.
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 the VPADD is a good fit for your back pain.
We look forward to seeing you!