Spinal Decompression Therapy
Finally get relief with this non-surgical treatment
Spinal Decompression Therapy
When you’re struggling with chronic back pain, sciatica, or a herniated disc that just won’t go away no matter what you do, surgery feels like your only option. But before you commit to an invasive procedure, consider spinal decompression therapy.
Spinal decompression is a safe, non-surgical treatment that’s 88.9% effective at relieving neck and back pain.
It can stop the pain fast, restore your mobility, and support long-term healing so you can get back to doing what you love. Using an exclusive spinal decompression table, we gently apply controlled traction to the spine, stretching it to create space between each vertebra. Even a slight increase reduces the pressure on nerves, enhances circulation, and allows any bulging discs to realign—so you get relief.
With this non-invasive therapy, your body can heal itself—without the risks, downtime, and costs of surgery. Getting spinal decompression is painless and effective.
Conditions Relieved with Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression therapy is a highly effective back pain treatment when that pain is caused by discs (tire-like cushions between individual back bones) being compressed by the vertebrae (individual back bones) or irritation of major nerves that travel through and out of the vertebral column (backbone). For this reason, our patients are finally getting relief from:
- Herniated Discs (ruptured back bone cushions)
- Bulging Discs
- Sciatica (leg nerve pain that originates from a pinched nerve in the back)
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column)
- Pinched Nerves
- Failed Back Surgery
How it Works
We use a specialized table called the DoC table. Few chiropractors in the San Francisco area have this advanced table, which allows us to precisely target and decompress a specific vertabra or vertabrae with computer assistance.
Why does this matter? As a chiropractor, I can determine the exact vertebra and disc causing your back pain, neck pain, or leg pain, often with a manual exam alone. But sometimes, we need imaging.
You’ll experience the best results if we increase space only where it’s needed and by the perfect amount. Less precise devices can’t do this.
But this FDA-cleared, state-of-the-art Spinal Decompression technology can.
Targeted treatment where you need it.
Download our Spinal Decompression Therapy Brochure
What to Expect During a Session
Step 1: Comfortable Positioning
You’ll lie on a specialized spinal decompression table, either face-up or face-down, depending on your specific condition. A harness is carefully placed around your pelvis and torso to ensure controlled traction.
Step 2: Gentle Stretching & Decompression
The table’s revolutionary computer-aided system allows your chiropractor to apply a precise, gradual stretching force to your spine. This gentle motion creates negative pressure within the discs, allowing bulging or herniated material to retract (moving back into place) and relieving pressure on nerves.
Step 3: Increased Blood Flow & Healing
As space is restored between vertebrae, oxygen and nutrients flow more freely to the affected area. The constant nerve irritation stops. This promotes disc rehydration, reduces inflammation, and supports long-term healing.
Step 4: Relaxation & Recovery
Each session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes and is completely painless—many patients even find it relaxing! After treatment, you may feel immediate relief or gradual improvement over a series of sessions as the nerve starts to heal.
Most patients undergo multiple treatments over several weeks, depending on the severity of their condition. When combined with chiropractic care, physical therapy, or targeted exercises, spinal decompression can lead to long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility. As the spine heals, the muscles in the back strengthen, and your spine becomes fully supported.
Mayo Clinic Study Proves Spinal Decompression
88.9% effective
A Mayo Clinic study included participants with herniated discs, degenerative discs, failed back surgery, and more. After 6 weeks (with 20 total sessions of 28 minutes each) participants experienced:
- Reduction in pain from 6.4 to 0.8 on a 10-point scale
- Improved function
- Less reliance on pain killers
- No safety issues or adverse effects
Read the study yourself and learn just how effective patients found this therapy. Just click Download Research, fill out the form and we’ll email you the research.
What to Expect After Spinal Decompression Treatment
While individual results vary, here is what our clients usually tell us about their experiences after spinal decompression therapy.
After Just One Session:
- Many patients feel a noticeable reduction in pressure and tension in their back or neck.
- Some experience mild soreness—similar to how you’d feel after a good stretch or workout—as the spine begins to adjust.
- Increased mobility and a sense of “lightness” as compressed discs start to decompress.
- While some patients do report some slight relief from nerve pain, you may still feel the nerve irritation for a while.
- You may experience alternating pain relief and discomfort as you move. Your disc and nerves still need time to heal, and your back muscles and connective tissues must learn to support the decompressed spine.
After Multiple Sessions:
- Pain relief becomes more consistent, with less stiffness and discomfort each time.
- Herniated or bulging discs gradually retract, taking pressure off nerves and reducing symptoms like sciatica or radiating pain.
- Improved posture and spinal alignment, making movement easier and more natural.
- Reduced inflammation and better circulation, allowing for faster healing and regeneration of spinal tissues.
Long-Term Results:
- Many patients report lasting relief from chronic pain and a significant improvement in their quality of life.
- Strengthened spinal structures help prevent future injuries and degenerative conditions.
- Better flexibility, balance, and mobility for daily activities, work, and exercise.
- Less reliance on pain medications or invasive treatments like injections or surgery.
- Greater enjoyment of life.
Spinal decompression is most effective when combined with chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, home strengthening exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle changes that support spinal health.
We’ll develop an individualized treatment plan to help you feel like the healthy, active person you want to be.
How to Get the Most out of Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression is a powerful tool for pain relief and healing, but your results depend on how well you support your spine between sessions. Here’s how you can maximize the benefits and ensure long-term success:
1. Stay Consistent with Your Treatment Plan
- Spinal decompression works best when done as part of a structured treatment program.
- Skipping sessions or stopping too soon can slow progress, so stick to your chiropractor’s recommended schedule. Make a commitment to yourself that you’ll stick with it.
- Follow at-home exercises, nutrition advice, and lifestyle recommendations as best you can. These can help you not only experience less pain. Relief can last a lifetime with the right maintenance. Our team of dedicated chiropractors shows you how.
2. Strengthen Your Core & Spine
- Engage in gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to support your spinal alignment.
- Focus on core muscles, as a strong core helps stabilize the spine and prevent future issues.
- Limit sedentary activity. Sitting for long periods and slumping are often the primary causes of compressed discs and pinched nerves. You’ll want to address this behavior to avoid re-bulging your discs. Simply getting up once an hour to walk around and stretch can make a huge difference if you currently sit a lot.
3. Maintain Good Posture
- Poor posture puts unnecessary stress on your spine and can undo the benefits of decompression.
- Sit and stand with your shoulders back and your spine in a neutral position—especially if you spend long hours at a desk. Your mom was right about no slouching.
- Use a backed chair or stool for work. Get good lumbar support to help you sit up straighter.
- Avoid prolonged use of back supporting or posture devices. They can actually weaken your muscles, creating a reliance on the device.
4. Stay Hydrated & Eat for Spinal Health
- Hydration is key—spinal discs need water to stay healthy and cushioned.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet with anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, turmeric, lentils, ginger, extra virgin olive oil, and nuts to support healing.
5. Avoid High-Impact Activities (at First)
- Give your spine time to heal—avoid heavy lifting, running, or sudden twisting motions right after therapy.
- Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can keep you active without straining your back.
- Strength training is advisable for most, but you may need to ease into it and not go overboard to avoid reinjuring your spine.
6. Pair with Chiropractic Care & Other Therapies
- Combining spinal decompression with chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, or physical therapy can enhance your results.
- Your chiropractor may also recommend custom orthotics or ergonomic adjustments to support spinal health in your daily life.
Experience a pain-free life.
Only $49 for the Initial Appointment.
Treatable Conditions
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Pinched nerves
- Chronic lower back pain
- Facet joint syndrome
- Radiating pain in the arms or legs
- Post-surgical back pain (non-fusion cases)
Appointment Request & FAQ
Not all chiropractors are created equal. Our chiropractors, most importantly will take their time with you. We boast that we offer a generous amount of time for our appointments. With your feedback and our expertise, we will customize your appointments to fit your needs. Call (415) 421-1115 to book your appointment with one of our San Francisco chiropractors.
NEW PATIENTS
- First Appointment 40 min.
- All Other Appointments 20 min.
- First Visit Includes Consult/Examination/1st Treatment
- Discussion of Procedure, pre and post
HIGH QUALITY TREATMENT OPTIONS
We don’t sell knockoffs, our San Francisco doctors are trained to be the best, to treat the best. Hands down, our treatment options will make you feel like the champion that you are. Learn more about your treatment options by visiting our service menu.
WHY USE FUNCTIONAL DRY NEEDLING?
Dry needling use achieves a variety of effects, including:
- Decrease Pain
- Improve Range of Motion
- Decrease Accumulated Tension in Muscles
- Restore Normal pH to an Area
- Decrease Local Inflammatory Chemicals
- Helps Reset Normal Resting Muscle Tone
- Inhibit or Facilitate Muscles
