Spinal Decompression Treatment for Pain Relief
Spinal decompression therapy is a safe, non-surgical treatment for patients with neck or low back pain caused by disc bulges or disc herniations. It is especially effective for patients with sciatica-like symptoms — pain, numbness, or tingling into the arms or legs, and for those looking to avoid surgery or manage chronic back pain without medication.
This gentle, motorized traction-based treatment helps relieve back pain by gently stretching the spine, alleviating pressure on the spinal discs. As a result, bulging or herniated discs may retract back toward their original position, taking pressure off the surrounding nerves. By giving the disc more space, the treatment also allows more water, oxygen, and nutrients into the discs to support natural healing.
What Is Spinal Decompression and How Does It Work?
Spinal decompression therapy works by creating a negative pressure within the disc, a gentle vacuum effect that encourages the disc to retract and rehydrate. Unlike surgery, there is no downtime, no anesthesia, and no recovery period. Most patients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing.
Our spinal decompression unit is the Back On Trac, the only unit of its kind in New York State outside of the New York City area. The unit begins in a chair position, then reclines the patient flat. It also moves the spine into lateral flexion, stretching the side-bending muscles of the back and mobilizing the spinal joints. A built-in massage chair function adds vibration therapy for additional pain relief during the session.
Is Spinal Decompression Effective?
Research supports spinal decompression as an effective non-surgical treatment for disc-related back and neck pain. Results vary by condition and severity, but many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function — often within a series of sessions. Our chiropractor will assess your case and let you know whether spinal decompression therapy is the right fit for you.
Ask us about a free demonstration trial.
What Conditions Can Spinal Decompression Therapy Help With?
Spinal decompression therapy is primarily used for conditions caused by pressure on the spinal discs or the nerves around them. It is most commonly recommended for disc herniations and disc bulges, where the soft inner material of a disc pushes outward and irritates nearby nerves. Patients with sciatica, which causes pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg, often respond well to this treatment when the root cause is disc-related compression in the lower back.
Cervical radiculopathy, a similar nerve compression issue originating in the neck, is another condition where spinal decompression therapy can provide meaningful relief, particularly when patients experience shooting pain or weakness into the arm or hand.
Degenerative disc disease, where the discs lose height and hydration over time, is also commonly treated with spinal decompression. The traction created during treatment helps reintroduce fluid and nutrients into the disc, slowing the cycle of degeneration and reducing associated pain.
Chronic low back pain and neck pain without a specific surgical diagnosis can also benefit, particularly when conservative treatments like rest or stretching have not provided lasting relief.
Spinal decompression is generally not appropriate for patients who have had spinal fusion surgery, those with severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, spinal implants, or advanced spinal instability. Your chiropractor will review your health history and imaging before recommending treatment to make sure it is the right fit for your specific condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a gentle, low-risk treatment. It is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Your chiropractor will review your health history to confirm you're a good candidate before beginning.
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition. Many patients see meaningful improvement within 6–12 sessions. Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Most patients find spinal decompression comfortable — many even fall asleep during treatment. The Back On Trac unit uses gentle, controlled traction that can be adjusted to your comfort level.
Alongside spinal decompression, we offer chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy (including Graston Technique), and Class IV Deep Tissue Laser Therapy. We see patients of all ages, including children, seniors, and pregnant patients. Your chiropractor will assess your situation on the first visit and recommend the right combination of care for you.
Ready to Find Relief Without Surgery or Medication?
Rush-Henrietta Family Chiropractic offers spinal decompression therapy in Rochester, NY — with the only Back On Trac unit in New York State outside of the NYC area.
If you're dealing with a herniated disc, sciatica, or chronic back pain and want a non-surgical path forward, we'd love to help. Ask us about a free demonstration trial — no commitment required.
Serving patients from Rochester, Henrietta, Pittsford, Greece, Irondequoit, Penfield, Webster, and surrounding communities.
