Spinal Decompression Therapy Specialist

What is spinal decompression therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine using a specialized traction table, relieving back pain, leg pain, or both. When you stretch the spine, you change its position, easing pressure on the intervertebral discs.

The intervertebral discs are cushion-like pillows that separate the bones ― vertebrae — that make up your spine. These discs are a common cause of back pain when they bulge or herniate. A bulging or herniated disc may compress or irritate the spinal cord or a spinal nerve. 

Spinal decompression therapy creates a negative pressure on these discs. This negative pressure helps reposition the discs, taking pressure off the nerves. The stretching of the spine also improves circulation to the damaged disc, helping it heal.

Am I a candidate for spinal decompression therapy?

The board-certified specialists at Manhattan Medicine determine if you’re a candidate for spinal decompression therapy after a consultation. They may consider you a candidate if you have back pain from a herniated or bulging disc.

They may also recommend spinal decompression therapy if you have sciatica, which is a painful group of symptoms that occurs from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. With sciatica, you have radiating pain that travels from your lower back and into your leg. 

What happens during spinal decompression therapy?

Dr. DeMann and the other board-certified specialists at Manhattan Medicine explain what you can expect during spinal decompression therapy prior to your session. 

You lie on the specialized traction table, and your provider wraps a harness around your hips. During therapy, the lower part of the traction table moves back and forth while the upper part remains stationary. 

The gentle back and forth pulling of the lower part of your body repeatedly stretches and relaxes the spine to get the desired results. Spinal decompression therapy is painless, and you only feel a mild stretching sensation during treatment.

Your spinal decompression therapy takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you may need a series of sessions to gain the most benefits. 

The specialists at Manhattan Medicine often combine spinal decompression therapy with other treatments to maximize healing and improve overall outcomes, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physical therapy.

Find out how spinal decompression therapy can help your back pain by calling Manhattan Medicine or scheduling an appointment online today.