Spinal Decompression
Heal Your Discs Without Surgery
Non-surgical treatment for herniated discs, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease.
What It Is
How Spinal Decompression Works
Spinal decompression therapy uses a computer-controlled traction system to gently stretch the spine and create negative pressure within the targeted disc. This negative intradiscal pressure promotes retraction of herniated or bulging disc material, taking pressure off compressed nerves and increasing the flow of nutrients and oxygen into the disc for healing.
You lie comfortably on a specialized decompression table while the system applies precisely controlled force at specific angles tailored to your condition. The treatment is gentle and graduated — the table cycles between stretch and relaxation phases to prevent muscle guarding and maximize effectiveness.
The technology is FDA-cleared and has been used successfully to treat disc-related conditions for decades. At The Roots Health Centers, we integrate spinal decompression into comprehensive care plans that may also include corrective chiropractic, red light therapy, and other modalities to accelerate healing.
Research-Backed Benefits
What Spinal Decompression Supports
Non-Surgical
Many patients avoid back surgery entirely by addressing disc issues with decompression therapy first.
Computer-Controlled Precision
The table calibrates force and angle to your specific condition, body type, and tolerance — no one-size-fits-all stretching.
Actually Rehydrates Discs
Negative intradiscal pressure draws fluid, oxygen, and nutrients back into the disc, which is how discs heal.
Often Relaxing
Most patients find decompression comfortable — many fall asleep during treatment.
Who It's For
Is Spinal Decompression Right for You?
- Herniated or bulging discs causing pain, numbness, or tingling
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Chronic lower back or neck pain that has not responded to other treatments
- Patients looking for a non-surgical alternative to spinal surgery
- Post-surgical patients who continue to experience disc-related pain
What to Expect
Your Spinal Decompression Experience
Disc Evaluation
We begin with a thorough evaluation including your health history, exam findings, and imaging (if available) to determine whether your disc condition is appropriate for decompression therapy.
Table Setup
You lie face-up on the decompression table. A harness is positioned around your pelvis to target the affected area of your spine. The system is calibrated to your specific condition, weight, and tolerance.
Decompression Cycles
The table gently stretches and relaxes your spine in controlled cycles. Each session typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Most patients find the experience comfortable — many fall asleep during treatment.
Complementary Care
Decompression sessions are often paired with chiropractic adjustments, red light therapy, or other modalities to support healing and maximize your results across the full care plan.
Conditions We Treat
Who Benefits from Spinal Decompression
Pairs Well With
Complementary Services
Corrective Chiropractic
Precise, progressive corrections that produce lasting structural change — not just temporary relief. Think of it like orthodontics for your spine.
Learn MoreRed Light Therapy
Medical-grade red light therapy in a private, full-body treatment room. Research-backed photobiomodulation — not a consumer sauna.
Learn MoreKnee Decompression
Non-surgical knee decompression therapy that takes pressure off damaged cartilage, reduces inflammation, and helps the knee joint heal naturally — without injections, drugs, or operating rooms.
Learn MoreRead More
Articles About Spinal Decompression
Herniated Disc vs. Bulging Disc: What's the Difference?
Both show up on MRIs, both can cause pain — but they're not the same thing. Here's how to tell the difference and what your options are.
Spinal Stenosis: A Non-Surgical Care Plan That Actually Works
Spinal stenosis doesn't have to mean back surgery. Here's the non-surgical protocol that helps most patients walk comfortably again.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Most patients find spinal decompression therapy to be comfortable and relaxing. You lie on a specialized table while the system gently stretches your spine using computer-controlled traction. Many patients actually fall asleep during treatment.
Treatment plans vary depending on the severity of your condition. A typical protocol involves a series of sessions over several weeks. We will outline the recommended number of sessions during your evaluation based on your specific diagnosis and response to treatment.
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical option that many patients try before considering surgical intervention. It is FDA-cleared and designed to address the same disc-related conditions that may otherwise lead to surgery. While not every patient is a candidate, many patients are able to avoid surgery by pursuing decompression therapy as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Yes. We frequently combine spinal decompression with corrective chiropractic adjustments, red light therapy, and other services available at our office. This integrated approach allows us to address the condition from multiple angles.
What spinal decompression looks like
Real visits, real tools.
Ready to Find
Your Root Cause?
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*Includes consultation, neurological exam, scans & x-rays (if needed)






