Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, FDA-cleared therapy that uses a specialized motorized table to gently stretch the spine. This stretching creates a negative intradiscal pressure — essentially a vacuum effect — inside the damaged or compressed disc. That negative pressure draws bulging or herniated disc material back toward its proper position, while simultaneously encouraging the flow of nutrients, oxygen, and fluids into the disc to support natural healing.
Unlike manual traction, our decompression table uses computer-controlled, precise tension cycles that allow the muscles around the spine to relax rather than guard. This is the key to its effectiveness — when the muscles relax, the disc can actually decompress and heal.
At West Omaha Chiropractic, our decompression table targets both the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck), making it a comprehensive solution for patients dealing with disc-related pain anywhere along the spine.
Targets the lower spine (L1–S1). You lie comfortably on the table while a harness gently distracts the lumbar vertebrae, relieving disc pressure and nerve impingement in the low back, hips, and legs.
Targets the upper spine and neck (C1–C7). A specialized head cradle gently distracts the cervical vertebrae, creating negative disc pressure that relieves compression in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Decompression therapy is most effective for disc-related conditions and nerve compression issues. Here are the diagnoses and symptoms it's most commonly used for:
We begin with a detailed exam and review of imaging to determine if decompression is appropriate for your condition.
Your care plan is customized — including session frequency, traction angle, and pressure settings tailored to your spine.
You lie on our specialized table while gentle, computer-guided traction creates targeted negative disc pressure.
Decompression is combined with chiropractic adjustments, therapy, and exercise to maximize and maintain results.
The vacuum effect draws herniated or bulging disc material back toward center, reducing nerve impingement.
Spinal discs have limited blood supply. Decompression encourages the disc to draw in water, oxygen, and nutrients essential for healing.
Precise, computer-controlled tension allows surrounding muscles to relax — unlike manual traction, which can trigger guarding.
Spinal decompression is often recommended when patients have not found lasting relief from conventional treatments including medications, standard physical therapy, or general chiropractic adjustments alone. It is a powerful addition to a comprehensive care plan — especially when disc pathology is confirmed via MRI or CT imaging.