What spinal decompression is
Spinal decompression therapy is a form of mechanical traction. You lie comfortably on a padded table while a harness or support applies a slow, measured pull to the lower back or neck, then eases off, in repeating cycles. The force is set and adjusted for your body and comfort, and you can stop the session at any time.
The idea is to gently separate the vertebrae and reduce compressive load on the discs and the nerve roots that exit beside them. Researchers are still studying exactly how traction affects the disc, and results vary from person to person. Many people describe the sessions as relaxing, and some notice that leg or arm symptoms settle during or after treatment.
Decompression is rarely used on its own. It tends to work as one part of a plan that also includes movement, core and hip strengthening, and changes to how you sit, lift and sleep, so the spine is better supported between sessions.
Who may be a candidate
Decompression is considered mainly for disc-related and nerve-related pain. Your history, exam and any existing imaging help decide whether it makes sense.
- Herniated or bulging discs
- When disc material irritates a nearby nerve, it can cause back or neck pain with symptoms that travel into a limb. Traction is one conservative option for this pattern.
- Sciatica from a lumbar disc
- Shooting or burning pain down the back of the leg is often linked to a lower back disc. Decompression may be combined with nerve mobility exercises and positions that ease leg symptoms.
- Arm pain from a neck disc
- Pain, tingling or heaviness running from the neck into the shoulder blade or arm may come from a cervical disc. Gentle cervical traction can be considered once serious causes have been ruled out.
- Degenerative disc changes
- Discs naturally lose height and hydration with age. For some people this causes stiffness and aching, and traction may provide temporary relief that makes exercise easier.
- Facet joint irritation
- Small joints at the back of the spine can become sore when compressed. Gentle unloading may ease that irritation for some patients.
What a course of decompression looks like
Safety screening comes before the table. Here is the usual sequence.
Screening and exam
Dr. Okhowat reviews your history, any MRI or X-ray reports, and performs a neurological and orthopedic exam. Some conditions, such as recent fractures, spinal hardware, or severe osteoporosis, mean decompression is not appropriate.
Setting up the session
You lie on your back or front, fully clothed, with a harness around the pelvis and lower ribs or a cradle under the head for neck treatment. The pull is started gently and adjusted to what feels comfortable.
During treatment
You will feel a slow stretch that builds and releases in cycles. Most people rest quietly, and some fall asleep. If anything feels sharp or your symptoms spread, tell the office right away and the session will be adjusted or stopped.
Supporting care
Sessions are often paired with soft tissue work, corrective exercises and advice on sitting and lifting. Your response is reviewed regularly, and the plan changes if you are not improving.
What decompression may offer
No form of traction works for everyone. For suitable candidates, potential benefits include the following.
- May ease back, neck, leg or arm pain related to disc and nerve irritation.
- Can provide a period of relief that makes exercise and daily movement easier.
- Offers a non-surgical, drug-free option to try before considering more invasive treatment.
- Sessions are generally comfortable and adjustable to your tolerance.
- Works alongside strengthening and posture habits that support the spine long term.
Is this right for me?
Decompression may be worth discussing if you have disc-related pain that has not improved with time and basic care, and serious causes have been considered. It is not suitable for everyone, and an honest screening is part of the process.
Traction is generally avoided during pregnancy, after spinal fusion or with spinal implants, with severe osteoporosis, and with spinal tumors or infections. If any of the warning signs below apply, see a physician or go to an emergency room first.
Often a good fit
- Back or neck pain with symptoms that travel into the leg or arm
- A diagnosed disc bulge or herniation without significant nerve weakness
- Pain that has lingered despite rest and simple home care
- You want to explore conservative options before considering injections or surgery
See a physician first
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or saddle area (emergency)
- Progressive weakness in a leg or arm, such as foot drop or a weakening grip
- Back pain with fever, chills, or a recent infection
- Unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
- A recent fall, accident or other trauma with new spinal pain
- Known severe osteoporosis or a prior vertebral fracture
- Pregnancy, or spinal surgery with hardware, without guidance from your surgeon
If you have any of these, please see a physician or go to urgent care before booking. In an emergency, call 911.
How Dr. Okhowat approaches decompression
Dr. Okhowat trained at Cleveland Chiropractic College and has more than 19 years of experience treating spinal pain. Decompression is meant to be used selectively: it is one tool among several, and the screening decides whether it belongs in your plan at all.
As a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine, he pairs mechanical care with active work so that you are not relying on the table alone. The plan is explained clearly, including when another provider would serve you better. The office on Wilshire Boulevard near Fairfax Avenue is a short drive from Hancock Park and West Hollywood.
- DC, Cleveland Chiropractic College
- AAIM Fellow
- AAIM Diplomate, Manipulative and Body Based Practices
- Over 19 years of experience
He's not a chiropractor. He's a magician!
Sciatic nerve pain is now gone. Have no idea how he did it but honestly I do not care. Best chiropractor in L.A.
Questions patients ask
Is spinal decompression safe?
For properly screened patients, decompression is generally well tolerated. The main safety step is identifying people who should not have it, such as those with fractures, spinal hardware, severe osteoporosis or certain other conditions. Some people feel mild soreness after early sessions.
Does spinal decompression hurt?
It should not. Most people feel a gentle, rhythmic stretch. The force is adjustable, and you can ask to stop at any moment. Sharp pain or spreading symptoms are a signal to stop and reassess.
How many decompression sessions will I need?
There is no single answer. A typical course involves a series of sessions over several weeks, with your progress reviewed along the way. If you are not improving after a reasonable trial, continuing is not helpful, and other options or referrals will be discussed.
What is the difference between decompression and regular traction?
Both apply a pulling force to the spine. Decompression usually refers to motorized traction that cycles the force up and down in a controlled way with specific positioning. Evidence comparing the two is still developing, so the focus stays on how you respond.
Can decompression help sciatica?
When sciatica comes from a lumbar disc, traction may ease leg symptoms for some people, especially as part of a plan that includes exercise and movement. Sciatica with progressive leg weakness or bladder changes needs urgent medical care.
Do I need an MRI before decompression?
Not always, but existing imaging is helpful, and an MRI may be recommended if you have significant nerve symptoms or are not improving. Please bring any reports you already have to your first visit.
Can I have decompression if I have had back surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery. Spinal fusion or implanted hardware usually rules it out, while other procedures may need clearance from your surgeon first. Bring your surgical history so Dr. Okhowat can make an informed decision.
What can I do between sessions?
Gentle walking, the home exercises you are given, and avoiding long stretches of sitting usually help. Many people also benefit from postural and ergonomic training for desk and driving habits.