Frequently Asked Questions

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, FDA-cleared treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. Using a specialized computerized traction table, the spine is gently stretched and relaxed in a carefully controlled sequence. This cyclical motion creates negative intradiscal pressure — essentially a vacuum effect — that encourages herniated or bulging disc material to retract, reduces nerve compression, and promotes the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients back into the disc. The result is a natural healing environment that many patients have not been able to achieve through conventional therapies alone.

Spinal decompression is particularly effective for patients suffering from herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and radiating leg pain, facet joint syndrome, spinal stenosis, failed back surgery syndrome, and chronic low back or neck pain. During your initial consultation, we will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether spinal decompression is an appropriate option for your specific condition.

Most patients find the treatment comfortable and many describe a gentle stretching sensation during the session. Unlike traditional traction, our decompression system uses sophisticated computer-controlled tension that is carefully calibrated to your body weight, condition, and tolerance. Sessions are typically relaxing, and some patients actually fall asleep during treatment. If at any point you experience discomfort, the tension can be immediately adjusted or the session can be paused.

Traditional traction applies a sustained, static pull to the spine. While it can provide temporary relief, it often triggers the body’s protective muscle guarding reflex, which limits its effectiveness and can cause discomfort. Spinal decompression therapy uses a logarithmic pull pattern — gradually ramping up and releasing tension in precise cycles — which bypasses this reflex entirely. This allows for significantly greater decompressive forces to reach the disc itself, making it a far more targeted and clinically effective approach.

Each spinal decompression session typically lasts between 25 and 30 minutes. Your appointment will also include any adjunct therapies we incorporate into your care plan, such as therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, or cold laser therapy, which may extend your visit slightly. We recommend scheduling approximately one hour for your appointment.

Most patients complete a treatment protocol consisting of 20 to 30 sessions over a period of six to eight weeks, depending on the severity and chronicity of their condition. Some patients begin experiencing meaningful relief within the first few sessions, while others notice gradual improvement over the course of treatment. We evaluate your progress regularly and adjust your care plan accordingly. The cost of each session is $150. Following your active treatment phase, we typically recommend a maintenance schedule to support long-term spinal health.

In most cases, yes. An MRI or other diagnostic imaging provides critical information about the nature, location, and severity of your disc or nerve condition. This allows us to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for spinal decompression and to design the most targeted treatment protocol for your specific anatomy. If you do not have recent imaging, we can advise you on obtaining one prior to beginning care.

Spinal decompression is appropriate for a wide range of patients with disc-related conditions, nerve compression, and chronic spinal pain. The best way to determine candidacy is through a thorough consultation and review of your imaging and medical history. We take a careful, individualized approach to patient selection — if spinal decompression is not the right fit for your condition, we will tell you that honestly and recommend appropriate alternatives.

It depends on the nature of your surgery. Some post-surgical patients are excellent candidates for spinal decompression, particularly those who have had a discectomy or laminectomy and continue to experience pain. Patients with spinal fusion, hardware implantation, or certain types of instrumentation may not be appropriate candidates. We review all prior surgical records carefully before making any recommendations, and your safety is always our primary concern.

Yes. Spinal decompression is not appropriate for everyone. Absolute contraindications include pregnancy, severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, spinal tumors or cancer metastases, active spinal infections, and patients with certain types of spinal implants or hardware. During your consultation, we conduct a thorough screening to ensure that treatment is both safe and appropriate for you.

Clinical outcomes vary depending on the specific condition, its severity, the patient’s age, and overall health. Many patients experience significant reduction in pain, improved mobility, and a meaningful return to daily activities. Studies on spinal decompression therapy have shown favorable outcomes for disc-related conditions, with many patients achieving long-lasting relief. We will discuss realistic expectations with you during your consultation based on your individual presentation — we believe in transparent, evidence-informed care.

For appropriately selected patients, spinal decompression can be a highly effective alternative to surgery. Many of our patients come to us after being advised to consider surgical intervention, and a significant number achieve sufficient relief through decompression therapy to avoid it altogether. While we cannot guarantee surgical avoidance in every case, it is a realistic and meaningful goal for many patients — and one we are committed to pursuing with you through a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to non-surgical spinal care.