SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression, used for certain disc-related conditions as part of a broader care plan.
HOW IT WORKS
Gentle, Controlled Traction
Spinal decompression uses gentle, controlled traction to reduce pressure on spinal discs and nerves. It’s a non-surgical option that can be part of a treatment plan for certain disc-related conditions, like a herniated disc or sciatica.
Not every case is a fit for decompression therapy. Because Dr. Miller completed a mini-fellowship in neuroradiology and MRI, she can review your imaging directly as part of your exam to help determine whether decompression makes sense for your specific findings, rather than treating it as a default option.
What a Session Involves
Decompression is done on a treatment table using cycles of gentle traction and release, targeted to the specific disc level your exam and imaging point to — not sudden force, and not a one-size-fits-all setting. The idea behind decompression is to reduce pressure inside the disc during the traction phase, which may help take pressure off a nearby nerve root and encourage fluid and nutrients back into the disc.
Sessions are typically part of a series over several weeks rather than a single visit, often several times a week early on and tapering as you respond, and are usually paired with adjustments or other care rather than used alone. We reassess as treatment continues instead of committing to a fixed number of sessions up front.
Who It’s a Fit For
Decompression tends to come up for patients dealing with a bulging or herniated disc, degenerative disc changes, or nerve-related pain like sciatica that traces back to a disc issue. It’s generally not appropriate for spinal instability, fractures, tumors, advanced osteoporosis, recent spinal surgery, or during pregnancy — which is part of why we don’t treat it as a default add-on and rely on your exam and imaging findings to determine whether it’s appropriate for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
How Decompression Fits Into Your Care
Reduced Disc Pressure
Gentle traction aimed at relieving pressure on the disc and surrounding nerves.
Non-Surgical Approach
A conservative option before considering more invasive treatment.
Part of a Broader Plan
Often paired with adjustments and other care based on your exam.
Dealing With Disc-Related Pain?
Reach out and we’ll go over whether decompression could be part of your care.