During the technique a table is used to help stretch the spine. The patient lays down on their back after putting on 2 harnesses. One goes around the torso and the other around the pelvis. The harnesses are used to hold the patient in place as a computerized machine administers a gentle slow pulling motion. This is performed in a very controlled environment.

Strength of pull is determined by the complexity of the condition as well as the patients body weight. The pull is performed for about 50 seconds. Then there is typically a 20% let off for 10 seconds. After this the machine slowly pulls back to the initial strength of pull. The process is repeated for up to 15 minutes. Theoretically this creates a vacuum affect allowing the disc to re-enter the space between the bones. At the very least the idea is to help allow space to be created between the vertebrae and pressure to be relieved from nerve roots. Nerve roots are the part of the nerve that exits the spine near the back of the vertebrae. This area is usually the most susceptible to disc bulge.

During the procedure there is a specific angle of pull that is obtained in order to target the disc space that is the culprit. An MRI or X-ray is typically taken before any treatment with spinal decompression because we need to know which disc space to target with the angle of pull.

Typically insurance does not cover decompression therapy. Give us a call to see if your health insurance does. Our cash prices are very affordable.

Overall spinal decompression is considered very safe. Some initial soreness can be created but is usually short lived. Some patients feel immediate relief. While others may see progress after a few sessions. There are some conditions that should not be subjected to decompression therapy. Patients with conditions like malignancy, past surgical fusion or pregnancy should not be considered as candidates for spinal decompression therapy.

Our safety is maintained by the examination process and by the imaging that is available. If X-rays are needed we can take them in our office. If an MRI is needed we can refer out and get you an MRI within days if not sooner.

At Marshall Chiropractic we typically start with 4 sessions and re-evaluate. Sometimes 4 sessions are enough and sometimes a few more are needed. After 4 sessions we should see some relief even if it is only a little bit.

Each session last about 15-20 minutes.