Pinched nerves can cause sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels through the back, neck, arms, or legs. Simple movements like bending, sitting, or turning your head may suddenly hurt. For many people, these symptoms come from pressure on the spine. Non-surgical spinal decompression is one treatment option that may help relieve that pressure and support healing.
Understanding how spinal decompression works and what to expect can help you feel more confident about your care.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve happens when too much pressure is placed on a nerve by nearby tissues. This pressure may come from a bulging or herniated disc, bone spurs, or swelling around the spine. When a nerve is compressed, it cannot send signals properly, which leads to pain or other uncomfortable symptoms.
Pinched nerves are common in the neck and lower back. When they occur in the lower back, pain may travel down the leg, often called sciatica. In the neck, symptoms may move into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
How Spinal Decompression Helps Relieve Nerve Pressure
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy that gently stretches the spine using a computer-controlled table. The goal is to reduce pressure on spinal discs and nerves. By carefully pulling and relaxing the spine, decompression creates space between the vertebrae.
This process may help take pressure off pinched nerves. It can also improve blood flow and allow oxygen and nutrients to reach injured areas. Over time, this may reduce pain and help the body heal naturally.
What Happens During a Decompression Session?
During a spinal decompression session, you will lie comfortably on a padded table. A harness is placed around your lower back or neck, depending on where treatment is needed. The machine slowly stretches your spine and then relaxes it in cycles.
Most sessions last between 20 and 30 minutes. The movement is gentle, and many patients describe it as relaxing. You remain awake the entire time and can communicate with the provider if you feel any discomfort.
Is Spinal Decompression Painful?
One common concern is whether spinal decompression hurts. In most cases, it does not. The stretching force is controlled by a computer and adjusted to your comfort level. The goal is to relax the spine, not force it.
Some patients feel mild soreness after early sessions, similar to how muscles may feel after stretching. This usually fades as the body adjusts to treatment. If discomfort occurs, settings can be changed to ensure safety and comfort.
How Many Treatments Are Usually Needed?
The number of spinal decompression sessions varies based on the condition and severity of symptoms. Many treatment plans involve multiple sessions spread out over several weeks. Pinched nerves often take time to calm down, especially if the problem has been present for a long time.
Your chiropractor will monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, while others need more time for lasting relief.
Conditions That May Improve With Decompression
Spinal decompression is often used for pinched nerves caused by herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica. By reducing pressure inside the spine, decompression may help decrease nerve irritation and improve movement.
While results differ from person to person, many patients report reduced pain, improved flexibility, and better daily function after completing care.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
Not everyone is a candidate for spinal decompression. People with fractures, severe osteoporosis, spinal instability, or certain medical conditions may need different treatment options. That’s why a proper evaluation is important before starting care.
A qualified Draper Chiropractor will review your health history, perform an exam, and may recommend imaging to make sure decompression is safe and appropriate for you.
Supporting Decompression With Chiropractic Care
Spinal decompression often works best when combined with other chiropractic treatments. Adjustments, stretching exercises, posture advice, and lifestyle changes can support long-term results. These approaches help strengthen the spine and reduce the chance of nerve compression returning.
By addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause, chiropractic care aims to improve overall spinal health, not just short-term relief.
What Results Can You Expect?
Many patients seek spinal decompression because they want relief without surgery or injections. While no treatment can guarantee results, spinal decompression offers a non-invasive option for managing pinched nerve symptoms.
Understanding what to expect helps you make informed decisions about your care. With professional guidance and a personalized plan, spinal decompression may help reduce pain, restore movement, and improve quality of life.
