10/27/2025
Spinal Decompression Therapy — What is it? How it helps.
A non-surgical therapy approach which uses a motorized table to apply controlled, intermittent axial distraction to the cervical or lumbar spine.
The goal: reduce intradiscal pressure, encourage retraction of herniated disc material, relieve nerve root compression and improve fluid/nutrient movement in the disc.
Conditions commonly treated:
Lumbar: herniated/bulging discs, discogenic low-back pain, sciatica/radiculopathy, some cases of degenerative disc disease.
Cervical: cervical disc bulge/herniation with radicular arm pain, chronic neck pain in selected patients.
Potential benefits:
Many patients report reduced pain and improved function after a course of treatment. Clinical studies and case series show improvement in pain, disability scores, and sometimes MRI measures of herniation.
Non-invasive — avoids surgery for some patients who respond.
Clinically trained with over 25 years of experience supporting our London and surrounding communities with a clinically proven, cost-effective, non-surgical approach for neck and low back pain.
Limitations & risks:
Not effective for every pathology — outcomes are poorer for severe central canal stenosis, nerve root sequestration, advanced multi-level degeneration, or if symptoms are primarily due to instability rather than a disc lesion.
Possible temporary soreness, muscle spasm, or symptom flare; serious complications are uncommon, but may require further intervention.
Decompression vs. Traction — what’s the difference?
Traction (manual or motorized steady pull): applies a continuous or static stretch. Many forms exist (inversion tables, simple pull devices).
Spinal decompression at Alevia Health and Wellness Centre: a specific, computerized, intermittent axial distraction protocol that measures/adjusts force and accounts for muscle guarding to apply targeted cycles of decompression and relaxation — designed to change intradiscal pressure and promote disc retraction/healing, through a process called imbibition, over a course of sessions.
Typical treatment course (based on scientific research):
Common protocol: 8–20 sessions over 4–8 weeks is typical in most clinics (many protocols use ~10–12 sessions as a common starting point). Some patients feel early improvement (within the first few sessions) while others require 12–20+ sessions for fuller changes. Severe or recurrent conditions may need longer programs or adjunct treatments. These ranges are consistent across clinical reports and device protocols, but exact prescriptions vary by clinician and device. Results and outcomes are improved when therapy is combined with rehabilitation, education, and positive reinforcement to transition to home exercises.
Reasonable prognosis — is there an age limit?
Lumbar spine
Younger / contained herniation (prolapse without sequestration): best outcomes — many studies show meaningful pain reduction and improved function; MRI may show reduced herniation index in some responders. Early-to-moderate symptoms respond better.
Middle-aged / moderate degeneration: variable outcome — can help some patients, particularly when combined with active rehab (exercise, core stabilization), but degenerative changes reduce the likelihood of full reversal.
Older / severe multi-level degeneration or severe spinal stenosis: less likely to get sustained relief from decompression alone; these patients often need multimodal care or surgical evaluation depending on neurologic deficit.
Cervical spine
Contained cervical disc bulge with radicular arm pain: can show symptom reduction in many patients with a properly supervised course. Recovery timelines similar to lumbar (early responders vs slower responders).
Advanced spondylosis with myelopathy or significant stenosis: decompression is unlikely to reverse neurologic compression causing myelopathy — urgent surgical referral is indicated when there are objective neurologic deficits.
At Alevia Health and Wellness, our clinicians will:
Screen thoroughly: which may include getting up-to-date imaging (MRI) and neurological exam first — decompression is targeted therapy and not appropriate for all pathologies.
Combine decompression with active rehab: best results usually include exercise, posture correction, ergonomics and patient education.
Set expectations: expect a trial of ~8–12 sessions to judge response; if no meaningful improvement by mid-course, re-evaluate and consider alternative options (referral back to MD for possible, injections, different rehab approach, or surgical consult if progressive deficits).
Document outcomes: use pain/function scales and — where relevant — post-treatment imaging to objectively track progress.
DM or call to book a screening — we’ll review your MRI and create a tailored plan.
