Spinal Decompression
Gentle Non-Surgical relief of Sciatica and Low Back Pain
Are you struggling with acute or chronic low back pain, possibly with sciatic pain radiating down your legs? Perhaps you tried traditional chiropractic care, physical therapy, or injections without lasting relief, and you want to avoid surgery? Sadly, you’re not alone
At Desert Valley Chiropractic in North Phoenix we offer a non-surgical spinal decompression treatment for relief from low back pain and sciatica related to nerve pressure created by herniated discs.
Non-Surgical Spinal decompression can help with pain from:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica and Nerve pain aka “pinched nerve”
- Shooting pain, numbness, tingling or weakness into the legs
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Facet Syndrome
- Spinal Stenosis
- Chronic low back pain
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical solution for back and sciatic pain. It uses a computer guided traction therapy that gently stretches and decompresses the spine in a controlled way. Decompressing the spine creates a small, targeted negative pressure inside the disc, which helps draw nutrients and fluids into the disc space to promote healing. This will‑ reduce the size of a disc bulge or herniation, reduce pressure on irritated nerves, improve joint spacing, and relieve pain.
Common Conditions we treat:
Sciatica or Lumbar Radiculopathy: What it is: Irritation of the sciatic nerve causing pain that can travel from the low back into the hip, buttock, and down the leg. Patients report the pain is sharp, burning and they may experience numbness or weakness in the leg.
How decompression may help: By reducing pressure on lumbar discs and nerve roots, decompression can ease pain in the low back as well as the radiating leg pain. The treatment frequency can vary depending on the severity of the problem. However, most patients start at 2 to 3 sessions per week for several weeks, and then slowly tapering over time. On average sciatica requires 15-20 sessions to complete to reduce the irritation to the disc and reduce nerve impingement.
Herniated & Bulging Discs
What it is: The soft gelatinous center of the disc starts to push outward which can compress nearby nerves. The nerve compression can cause local low back pain as well as shooting pain down into one or both legs.
How decompression may help: Gentle traction creates negative pressure that can reduce a disc bulge or herniation and increase the flow of nutrients to the area promoting healing. We then reinforce progress with chiropractic adjustments and core stability exercises. Treatment protocols recommend 15-20 sessions, with a frequency of 3 sessions per week over 4 weeks and then gradually tapering from there.
Spinal Stenosis
What it is: Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal or the tunnels the nerves use to exit the spine and travel through the body. Stenosis can be from degenerative changes such as a bone spur or a disc injury. It can pinch nerves, especially when standing or walking causing pain in the low back, pain in one or both legs and weakness.
How decompression may help: Light traction can open the joint spaces to reduce joint compression. Reduced joint compression will improve comfort. Flexion-biased positions and gentle Activator adjustments often make daily activities easier. Usually for spinal stenosis decompression can range from 10-20 sessions.
Facet Syndrome
What it is: Irritation of the small stabilizing joints at the back of the spine (facets), often painful with extension and rotation. You may get relief if you lean forward to touch your toes.
How decompression may help: Gentle traction reduces joint compression and allows irritated tissues to calm down. Common signs include localized low back pain, stiffness, pain with standing or twisting include Standard treatment protocols recommend 10 to 15 sessions almost always combined with chiropractic care and targeted core work.
What to Expect with Decompression therapy
Your Initial Visit – First we need to make sure you are a candidate for decompression. We’ll review your history, perform an exam, and review any imaging you may have. If we determine that you will benefit from decompression, you will receive a clear plan that may include decompression, gentle Activator adjustments, and light rehab.
Treatment Sessions – You’ll lie comfortably on your back while the table applies slow, cyclic traction and release. Most sessions last approximately 10 minutes, and patients report feel relaxed during therapy. Is Spinal Decompression Right for You?
It is important to understand who can benefit from Spinal decompression. Individuals who are suffering with pain in the low back and leg pain from a disc bulge or herniating, nerve impingement, facet irritation or a chronic problem that has not resolved with traditional conservative care alone can really benefit from this non-surgical treatment.
Unfortunately, if you have an unstable fracture, severe osteoporosis, a recent spinal surgery, active infection, cancer or sever nerve damage, this may not be the treatment option for you.
We screen for safety during your exam and will discuss options if decompression isn’t appropriate.
Spinal Decompression FAQs
Ready to Start?
We’re in the Moon Valley area of North Phoenix and we love helping families and active adults get back to the things they enjoy. If you’re dealing with sciatica, disc pain, stenosis, lumbar radiculopathy, or facet syndrome, a gentle, customized decompression plan may help.
If you would like to know if you would be a good candidate for spinal decompression please call 602-439-1515 or schedule online.