Non-Surgical Pain Relief
Spinal Decompression
FAQs
Learn everything about our FDA-cleared spinal decompression therapy — a proven, non-surgical solution for disc-related pain with up to 90% success rate.
FDA Cleared
Approved therapy
90% Success
Documented results
Non-Surgical
No invasive procedures
Painless
Comfortable sessions
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about spinal decompression therapy,
from how it works to what you can expect during treatment.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has a high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs — even after failed surgery. It is a non-surgical, traction-based therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.
Why would a disc become compressed?
Excessive stress or injury to a disc weakens the outer fibers. As the outer fibers weaken, parts of the interior of the disc bulge out and the disc compresses or loses height. As it loses height, the vertebrae above and below get closer together decreasing the amount of space (spinal stenosis) through which the spinal nerve root exits. As the bulge increases, the space decreases and the spinal nerve root that exits at that level is also compressed (pinched). This causes the muscles to spasm and inflame, which further diminishes the space for the nerve.
How does Spinal Decompression work?
Spinal decompression therapy is performed on a special, computer-controlled table that can isolate a single disc level. By utilizing specific traction and relaxation cycles throughout the treatment, along with proper positioning, negative pressure can be created within the disc. It works by gently separating the offending disc 5 to 7 millimeters creating negative pressure (or a vacuum) inside the disc promoting the retraction of the bulging disc tissue. This also pulls water, oxygen, and nutrients into the disc, thereby re-hydrating a degenerated disc and bringing in the nutrients needed to begin the healing process.
How does the negative pressure affect the injured disc?
Negative pressure is a vacuum-type effect created by the disc during the Spinal Decompression treatment. This vacuum effect can actually help pull the herniated disc material back into the disc itself, allowing the outer part of the disc to heal.
What system is used for treatment?
After significant research, the office chose the Kennedy Decompression table with the brand new computerized head — the most sophisticated and technologically advanced unit available. The practice is constantly striving to offer patients the best service and equipment available.
How is this different from regular traction?
The award-winning KDT computer is the key. It controls the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration. This state-of-the-art table has built-in features to accommodate all body types and conditions.
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
People suffering from back pain or neck pain caused by a damaged disc. It is effective for ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, facet syndrome, and even failed surgery cases.
Are there medical studies supporting effectiveness?
Yes! Studies have documented up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases, which has been shown on MRI. Other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved “good” to “excellent” results after spinal decompression therapy.
When is Spinal Decompression not indicated?
You are not a candidate if you have had spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or “cages”), are pregnant, or have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity, or severe nerve damage. However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed.
Are the sessions painful? How many are needed?
In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the session. The number of sessions and your specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after examination. Typically, twelve to twenty sessions are needed.
What additional therapies are included?
To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures may be treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated), and/or active rehabilitation to strengthen the spinal musculature.
What are symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?
When degenerative disc disease causes compression of cervical nerve roots, there may be shoulder pain, arm pain, and hand/finger pain, possibly with numbness and tingling. When it causes compression of lumbar nerve roots, there may be buttock pain, hip pain, leg pain, and foot/toe pain. This is often accompanied by muscle weakness in either the arm or leg.
How does treatment help Degenerative Disc Disease?
Spinal Decompression Therapy gently separates the affected disc 5 to 7 millimeters creating negative pressure inside the disc to pull water, oxygen, and nutrients in. This enables the degenerated disc to be re-hydrated and brings in the nutrients needed to heal torn fibers and halt the degenerative process. As the disc is re-hydrated, shock-absorbing properties are restored and some lost height may return, improving spinal stenosis.
How does treatment help Osteoarthritis?
Spinal Decompression Therapy reduces the biomechanical stresses on the joint complex that cause osteoarthritic bone damage. With less joint stress, the deterioration of cartilage and buildup of bone is eliminated or slowed, and the body can begin repairing itself. Treatment works best in conjunction with good health habits, nutritional supplementation, proper hydration, stretching and strengthening exercises, and weight management.
Get Started Today
Ready to Find Relief?
Call the office to arrange a complimentary consultation with the doctor
to find out if you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression.
No referral is needed and walk-ins are welcome.
- Goldsboro, NC
- Mon–Fri: 9am – 6pm