Spinal Decompression Therapy
Non-Surgical Disc & Nerve Relief
Compared with what you may have tried
| Basic traction | A constant pulling force. |
|---|---|
| Spinal decompression | Computer-controlled cycles that ramp force up and down, so the muscles release and the disc space is decompressed. About 20–30 minutes on the table. |
Schedule your evaluation · call for pricing
Or call (412) 678-9123
The Decompression Process
1Thorough Evaluation
Dr. Consales reviews your imaging (or orders it if needed), examines you, and determines whether you’re a good candidate. Not everyone is — and we’d rather tell you that upfront than put you through a protocol that won’t help.
2Comfortable Positioning
You lie on a padded motorized table, fully clothed. For lumbar treatment, a pelvic and thoracic harness secures you. For cervical treatment, a cradle gently supports your head and neck.
3Controlled Traction Cycles
The computer delivers graduated pull-and-release cycles at angles specific to the disc level being treated. Most patients find it so relaxing they fall asleep. Sessions run about 20–30 minutes on the table.
4Complementary Therapies
We often pair decompression with laser therapy, electrical stim, or adjustments before or after — so you get the most out of each visit.
5Measured Progress
A typical protocol is 20–25 sessions over 6–8 weeks, front-loaded and tapering as you improve. We track progress at set intervals so you always know whether you’re moving in the right direction.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Gentle, computer-controlled traction designed to take pressure off spinal discs and nerves — without surgery, injections, or medication. An effective option for cervical and lumbar disc issues, sciatica, and foraminal stenosis.
Non-surgical spinal decompression uses a motorized traction table to apply precise, cyclical stretching forces to the spine. Unlike basic traction, the force isn't constant — it ramps up and down in a specific pattern that allows your deep paraspinal muscles to relax rather than fight the pull.
When those muscles let go, real segmental decompression can happen:
Negative pressure inside the disc space helps retract herniated or bulging material
Improved blood flow delivers oxygen, water, and nutrients back into the disc
Pressure comes off irritated nerve roots
Joint surfaces get a break they can’t get with movement alone
It's a reasonable conservative option before considering injections or surgery for appropriate candidates — especially for patients who've tried physical therapy, medication, or basic chiropractic adjustments without the lasting relief they need.
Honest Expectations
Spinal decompression isn't a silver bullet. The clinical evidence is suggestive but not definitive, and not every patient responds. Dr. Consales screens carefully before starting care — if decompression isn't right for you, he'll tell you directly and recommend something that is.
Who Is Not a Candidate?
We screen every patient carefully. Decompression is not appropriate for people with:
- Spinal fusion or surgical hardware at the treated level
- Acute or unhealed vertebral fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Pregnancy (for lumbar decompression)
- Spinal tumor, infection, or malignancy
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Grade 3+ spondylolisthesis
If you've had back surgery or have a complex spinal history, bring your imaging and surgical records to the consultation so Dr. Consales can determine whether decompression is safe for your specific case.
Conditions We Treat
- Cervical disc herniation
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Disc bulge / protrusion
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Facet joint syndrome
- Foraminal spinal stenosis
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Post-surgical disc pain (non-fused)
- Pinched nerves
Decompression Pricing
Single Session
Call for PricingPer treatment session. 20–30 minutes on the decompression table, often paired with complementary therapies.
Full Protocol Package
Custom Plan20–25 sessions over 6–8 weeksMost common approach. Front-loaded frequency, tapering as you improve. Dr. Consales will quote your plan at the evaluation.
Insurance & FSA/HSA: Coverage varies. Some plans cover basic traction codes; non-surgical decompression is often billed cash or as a package. We verify your benefits before you commit. FSA/HSA funds are accepted.
Real Patients, Real Results
Spinal Decompression FAQs
What does spinal decompression feel like?
Most patients describe it as a gentle stretch. You're fully clothed and harnessed to the table. The machine applies graduated pull-and-release cycles designed to bypass muscle guarding and gently separate spinal segments. Many patients find it so relaxing they fall asleep during sessions.
How is this different from basic traction?
Standard traction applies a constant pulling force. Spinal decompression uses a computer-controlled motor that ramps force up and down in a specific pattern. That cyclical force curve is what allows the paraspinal muscles to release rather than fight the pull — so the actual disc space gets decompressed, not just the muscles stretched.
How many sessions will I need?
A typical protocol runs 20–25 sessions over 6–8 weeks, front-loaded at 3 sessions per week and tapering as you improve. Many patients feel meaningful relief within the first 5–10 sessions, but the full protocol is designed to let the disc actually rehydrate — which is where lasting results come from.
How long is a session?
Each decompression session is about 20–30 minutes on the table. Dr. Consales often pairs decompression with complementary modalities (laser therapy, e-stim, or adjustments) before or after, so a full visit can run 30–45 minutes.
Is it safe? Are there any risks?
Spinal decompression is very low-risk when patients are properly screened. Some people aren't candidates — those with spinal fusion hardware at the treated level, recent vertebral fractures, severe osteoporosis, pregnancy (for lumbar decompression), spinal tumors, or cauda equina syndrome. Dr. Consales reviews your history and imaging before starting care.
What conditions does spinal decompression treat?
The strongest indications are cervical and lumbar disc herniation or bulging, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, facet joint syndrome, and foraminal spinal stenosis. It can also help with some cases of failed back surgery syndrome where hardware is absent.
Is this covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies. Some plans cover basic traction codes (97012), though non-surgical decompression specifically is often billed as cash or a package. We verify your benefits before you commit, and FSA/HSA funds are accepted.
What if I have spinal stenosis?
Spinal decompression often works well for lateral (foraminal) stenosis — where the nerve roots are compressed as they exit the spine. For severe central canal stenosis, evidence is mixed and we may recommend a different approach. Dr. Consales will review your imaging to determine whether you're a good candidate.
Why patients pair this with Nutrition Response Testing
Spinal Decompression
Creates negative pressure so your discs can rehydrate.
Nutrition Response Testing
Identifies which organs and systems are stressed and which nutrients your body is actually asking for.
Decompression gives your discs room to heal. Nutrition Response Testing identifies and corrects the mineral and hydration cofactors your discs actually need to do that work. The space we create on the table needs the fuel your body has to bring to it.
Take Pressure Off Your Spine
If disc pain, sciatica, or stenosis has you considering injections or surgery, it's worth knowing whether non-surgical decompression could work for you. Schedule an evaluation — Dr. Consales will tell you honestly whether you're a candidate.
Dr. Anthony Consales · 35+ years of chiropractic experience · No referral needed · 5.0Google rating (23 reviews)