What is Spinal Decompression?
Computerized traction designed to gently unload the spine
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a form of mechanical traction used for certain neck and low back conditions. During treatment, a computerized system applies controlled pulling forces to the spine, alternating between periods of traction and relaxation.
At Northwood Chiropractic & Wellness, we can target either the cervical or lumbar spine and adjust the treatment based on your condition, symptoms, and comfort.
The goal is to temporarily reduce mechanical stress on sensitive spinal structures and provide a comfortable environment for movement and recovery.
How Spinal Decompression Works
Controlled traction customized to your spine and symptoms
During a spinal decompression session, you lie comfortably on the treatment table while a computerized system applies controlled traction to a specific area of your spine.
The amount of force, treatment angle, and duration can be adjusted based on whether we're treating the neck or low back, your condition, and how you respond to treatment.
The traction gently alternates between pulling and relaxation phases. For appropriately selected patients, this may help reduce pain and improve tolerance for movement and daily activities.
Why Consider Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression may be an option for patients with certain neck, back, disc-related, or radiating symptoms who are looking for a conservative approach to care.
Treatment is comfortable, adjustable, and targeted to the cervical or lumbar spine. The amount of traction can be modified based on your condition and how you respond.
When appropriate, we can also combine decompression with chiropractic care and rehabilitation to address movement, strength, and your ability to return to normal activities.
The first step is determining whether spinal decompression is appropriate for your condition.
What Conditions May Spinal Decompression Help?
Decompression may be considered for certain disc, nerve, neck, and low back conditions.
Spinal decompression isn't appropriate for every type of neck or back pain. It may be considered as part of a conservative treatment plan for certain spinal conditions, depending on your symptoms and examination findings.
- Disc bulges and disc herniations
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Neck pain with radiating arm symptoms
- Degenerative disc changes
- Certain types of spinal stenosis
- Persistent neck or low back pain
Having one of these conditions doesn't automatically mean spinal decompression is the right treatment. Your symptoms, neurological findings, imaging when available, medical history, and response to previous treatment all help determine whether it makes sense for you.
Some conditions may require a different treatment approach or referral for additional medical evaluation.
What to Expect During Spinal Decompression
A comfortable, controlled treatment customized to your condition.
Spinal decompression treatments are performed on our Chattanooga Triton 6E decompression tables and are customized for either the neck or low back.
You'll lie comfortably on the table while you're positioned for treatment. For lumbar decompression, a specialized harness is used around the pelvis and torso. For cervical decompression, the neck is positioned in a support system designed specifically for cervical traction.
Once you're comfortable, the computerized system gradually applies and releases traction according to the settings selected for your treatment.
You remain awake throughout the session and can communicate with us at any time. The amount of traction can be adjusted based on your comfort and response.
Decompression should feel controlled and tolerable—not like your spine is being aggressively pulled or stretched.
Is Spinal Decompression Right for You?
The right treatment starts with the right diagnosis.
Before recommending spinal decompression, we first evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and examination findings to determine what may be contributing to your pain.
If you already have an MRI, CT scan, or other imaging, we can review those findings as part of the evaluation. Additional imaging may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
Spinal decompression isn't right for everyone. Certain medical conditions, previous surgeries, fractures, significant instability, or other findings may require a different treatment approach.
If decompression isn't appropriate for your condition, we'll discuss other options or recommend additional medical evaluation when necessary.
Our goal isn't to put every patient on a decompression table—it's to determine which treatment makes the most sense for you.
Find Out if Spinal Decompression Is Right for You
Start with an evaluation—not a commitment to treatment.
If you're dealing with persistent back pain, neck pain, sciatica, or disc-related symptoms, the first step is determining what's actually contributing to the problem.
At Northwood Chiropractic & Wellness, we'll evaluate your symptoms and examination findings, review existing imaging when available, and determine whether spinal decompression—or another treatment approach—makes sense for you.
Start Feeling Better for Just $19
Your first visit includes a consultation, comprehensive exam, X-rays if needed, and your first chiropractic adjustment when clinically appropriate.
Spinal decompression treatment is not included in the $19 new patient visit. If appropriate, we'll discuss treatment options and costs with you before beginning care.
