Non-surgical spinal decompression is a motorized traction treatment that gently stretches the spine
to take pressure off a bulging or herniated disc and the nerves around it. It suits people with discrelated back, neck or leg pain who want a drug-free option before considering injections or surgery.
At Alpha Rehabilitation Medical Centers, we offer non-surgical spinal decompression in Berwyn alongside chiropractic care and physical therapy, not as a stand-alone fix.
Key Facts
- Decompression uses a computer-controlled table that alternately stretches and relaxes the spine (WebMD).
- A typical course is 20 to 28 sessions over five to seven weeks, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes (WebMD).
- About 9 in 10 people with a herniated disc get better without surgery (Cleveland Clinic).
- It is not suitable during pregnancy, or with a spinal fracture, tumor, advanced osteoporosis or metal spinal implants (WebMD).
- Our clinic uses the Lordex™ Spinal Decompression System and the COX™ Flexion-Distraction table
What Does Spinal Decompression Do to a Disc?
It applies a slow, rhythmic pulling force that lowers the pressure inside the disc. When a disc bulges, its soft center can press on a nearby nerve and send pain into the buttock, leg or arm. Easing the vertebrae apart in cycles is meant to help the bulge settle back and let fluid and nutrients move into the disc. Unlike a home inversion table, the pull is measured, angled to the exact level being treated, and released before the surrounding muscles tighten to resist it.
Which Conditions Is It Used For?
Decompression is aimed at pain that comes from a disc, or from a nerve being squeezed by one:
- Lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) disc herniations
- Bulging or ruptured discs
- Sciatica: pain, tingling or numbness that travels down the leg
- Arm pain or pins and needles caused by a neck disc
Back pain that comes mainly from a strained muscle usually responds better to physical therapy and
massage on their own.
Who Should Not Have Spinal Decompression?
It is not recommended during pregnancy, or for anyone with a spinal fracture, a tumor, an abdominal
aortic aneurysm, advanced osteoporosis, or screws or rods in the spine (WebMD). That is why every
patient has a full examination first, and we review any existing X-rays or MRI scans. New loss of bladder or bowel control, or leg weakness that is getting worse, needs urgent medical care rather than a treatment booking (Cleveland Clinic).
What Happens During a Session at Our Berwyn Clinic?
You stay fully clothed and lie on a padded table, with a harness around your pelvis and another around your chest. The table moves slowly through stretch and rest phases, and most people feel only a gentle pull. Many patients fall asleep, and you can drive yourself home afterwards. We choose between two systems: the Lordex™ table, which applies a controlled traction force in timed cycles, and the COX™ Flexion-Distraction table, which the chiropractor moves by hand while watching how you respond.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most published protocols use 20 to 28 sessions (WebMD), but your plan depends on how long you
have had symptoms and how you respond in the first few visits. We review progress regularly instead
of locking you into a fixed number. Decompression works best as part of a wider plan: physical therapy in Berwyn, IL builds the core and hip muscles that support the spine, and our physical medicine and rehabilitation in Berwyn helps the relief last after your sessions end. If nerve pain is severe and not settling, our pain management in Berwyn team can discuss other options.
Frequently Asked
Q: Does spinal decompression hurt?
A: It shouldn’t. Most patients feel a gentle stretch, and we adjust the force straight away if anything feels uncomfortable.
Q: Is it covered by insurance?
A: Coverage depends on your plan, and auto and work injury claims are handled differently. Our front
desk can check your benefits before your first visit.
Q: Can I have decompression after back surgery?
A: It depends on the surgery. Metal implants in the spine generally rule it out, so please bring your
surgical records to your consultation.
Book a Spinal Decompression Consultation in Berwyn
If disc pain, sciatica or neck-related arm pain is getting in the way of work, sleep or exercise, an
assessment will show whether decompression is likely to help. As part of our rehab services in Berwyn, book through our appointment form or call (708) 788-3880. We see patients at 3253 S Harlem Ave, Suite 1, Berwyn, IL 60402, and at 212 N Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.
