Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is a highly effective way to treat conditions affecting the spine, like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. Our team at Pure Health Aurora in Aurora, Illinois, is highly skilled in using spinal decompression as part of your care for back pain. Call our office to learn more about spinal decompression, or schedule a consultation online today.

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is a technique a chiropractor uses to stretch your spine’s vertebrae (bones). It involves lying on a motorized treatment table with a harness attached to your waist (for lumbar decompression) or neck (for cervical decompression).

The harness gently pulls the vertebrae apart as one end of the table moves backward and forward. This stretches and relaxes your spine enough to release vertebral discs or other tissues and allow them to move back into place.

Why would I need spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is a beneficial treatment for herniated discs and conditions like spinal stenosis (a narrowed spinal canal).

Your spine is a series of individual bones called vertebrae that form a column from your pelvis to your neck. Discs of flexible tissue between each bone stop the vertebrae from rubbing against each other and cushion the spine.

Sometimes, spinal discs get damaged or injured and start bulging out from between the vertebrae. As you age, discs inevitably lose their flexibility and begin to harden. They can herniate, where the tough outer layer splits, and the jellylike substance inside the discs leaks out.

Any damage to the discs causes the vertebrae to lose their cushioning. A herniated disc could press on the nerves in your spinal column, causing pain and loss of function. Spinal decompression helps by easing the vertebrae apart to encourage the discs to realign and heal.

Is spinal decompression painful?

Spinal decompression can sound painful, but it should be comfortable if perfromed correctly. While receiving treatment, you may feel your back stretching which is intended to bring relief from the pain compression is causing.

Spinal decompression is safe and effective when carried out by experienced professionals like our team at Pure Health Aurora. After a consulation, our providers will be able to assess if spinal decompression is right for you. If spinal decompression isn’t suitable for you, our team will discuss one of the many effective alternative treatments available. 

If you’d like to learn more about spinal decompression, call Pure Health Aurora or book an appointment online today.