Consider the spine as the body’s main structural support beam, akin to a building. The spine not only offers support, but also protects the delicate yet crucial spinal cord that sends signals to the rest of the body. When the spine becomes overstressed due to accidents, injuries, repetitive movements, poor posture or arthritis, pain ensues.

Spinal decompression therapy is a chiropractic treatment that gently opens the spaces between the vertebrae—the bones in the back. This significantly reduces the pressure on the nerves that exit from the vertebrae of the spinal cord. The treatment helps reduce pain, inflammation and muscle spasms that shoot into the arms and legs, explains Doctor of Chiropractic Thomas Wachtmann of Link Chiropractic Clinic.

“Sciatica is an example of pain in the legs that originates from the back,” notes Wachtmann. “Spinal decompression therapy is also a great noninvasive treatment for herniated or bulging discs, disc degeneration, stenosis, sciatica, scoliosis and arthritis.”

He says spinal decompression therapy works by gently separating the vertebrae. Techniques and protocols vary slightly from doctor to doctor, but in general, the therapy gently pulls, relaxes and then pulls again to provide a calming yet effective stretch that takes pressure off the spinal discs and surrounding muscles.

"Gently separating the vertebrae helps to pull disc bulges and herniations back into place, which then helps to relieve pressure from painful nerves,” Wachtmann explains.

Dr. Melissa Kisla of Tri-County Chiropractic uses spinal decompression therapy to treat chronic low back pain and pinched nerves in the neck. In today’s smartphone era, she sees more patients with poor posture, which affects the neck. She has also used spinal decompression therapy to help patients avoid back surgery.

Dr. Johnathan Cavallo of Cavallo Health adds, “Spinal decompression is great for bulged, herniated discs, failed back surgeries and patients who have exhausted all other options.” Many of his patients have found relief from lower back or neck pain through spinal decompression therapy after not responding to traditional treatments.

Wachtmann varies the protocol depending on the size of the patient and how much adjusting they can comfortably handle. “I always begin with a gentle adjustment, and then gradually increase the amount of tension of each treatment until we reach a point where the patient is comfortable. That way, they receive the maximum benefit from the treatment, with minimal soreness.”

Kisla uses a computerized table that applies a gentle distractive force to create decompression, which unloads the spine. She says this improves blood flow and increases important nutrient exchange to injured or inflamed areas.

Cavallo uses an advanced spinal decompression table that slowly and gently lengthens the spine, relieving pressure caused by herniated discs or degenerative disc disease. “As this pressure is relieved, circulation improves and vital nutrients are drawn back into the disc. This aids the body’s natural healing process.”

With its ability to relieve pressure on the spine and address a variety of conditions, spinal decompression therapy offers a noninvasive, effective option for patients seeking long-term pain relief. By tailoring treatments to individual needs, practitioners like Wachtmann, Kisla and Cavallo are helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.