Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical approach that may help some individuals with herniated cervical or lumbar discs avoid surgery. It is commonly used for people with neck pain that radiates into the arm, as well as for those with low back pain that radiates into the leg.
Research suggests that many adults experience excessive spinal loading, which can place abnormal stress on intervertebral discs. Over time, this increased loading may predispose discs to injury and contribute to early disc degeneration.
Spinal decompression therapy is designed to reduce excess spinal loading by gently separating the vertebrae, which can decrease pressure within the disc space. A number of clinical studies have examined the effects of this approach and found evidence that decompression therapy can increase disc space and reduce intradiscal pressure.
One such study, published in Orthopedic Technology Review (November–December 2003), evaluated patients with herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. In this study, 86% of nearly 220 participants reported immediate relief of symptoms following decompression therapy. At three-month follow-up, 84% of participants remained pain-free, and 92% demonstrated measurable physical improvement. These improvements were largely maintained for at least 90 days after treatment.
