Spinal Decompression

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, traction-based therapy that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed intervertebral discs and pinched nerves. Using a motorized decompression table, controlled distraction forces are applied to specific spinal segments, creating negative pressure within the disc. This negative pressure draws bulging or herniated disc material back toward its normal position and encourages the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients into the disc — supporting the natural healing process.

At Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock, TX, spinal decompression is used as a targeted, evidence-informed approach for patients who have not found lasting relief from traditional conservative care alone, or who are looking to avoid spinal surgery. Dr. Brett Chavez evaluates each patient thoroughly to determine whether decompression is appropriate and designs treatment protocols based on your specific disc levels, symptoms, and imaging findings.

Unlike surgical decompression procedures, this in-office therapy is gentle, comfortable, and carries no recovery downtime.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression

Patients who are good candidates for spinal decompression therapy often experience the following benefits:

• Disc rehydration — Restores fluid and nutrient exchange to dehydrated, degenerated discs
• Reduced nerve compression — Relieves pressure on nerve roots contributing to radiating pain and numbness
• Non-invasive — No incisions, no anesthesia, no surgical risk
• Sustained relief — Addresses structural disc problems rather than temporarily masking symptoms
• Improved disc height — Repeated sessions can help restore disc spacing over time
• Reduced need for pain medications — Many patients decrease reliance on anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
• Complementary to chiropractic adjustments — Works synergistically with spinal manipulation to correct alignment
• Comfortable treatment experience — Most patients find sessions relaxing

What to Expect During Treatment

Before beginning spinal decompression, Dr. Chavez will review your health history and any available imaging — including X-rays taken in our Lubbock office. A detailed consultation determines whether your disc condition is appropriate for this therapy. Certain contraindications (such as fractures, severe osteoporosis, or prior spinal fusion hardware) may rule out decompression; your safety is always the priority.

During a session, you will be comfortably positioned on the decompression table and fitted with a harness around your pelvis or trunk depending on the area being treated. The table gently and cyclically stretches and releases the spine over the course of 15–20 minutes. Most patients find the treatment relaxing, and some even fall asleep.

A full course of care typically involves multiple sessions over several weeks, often combined with chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises to maximize results.

Conditions Treated

Spinal decompression is particularly effective for:

• Herniated discs (lumbar and cervical)
• Bulging discs
• Sciatica and radiating leg pain
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis (select cases)
• Chronic low back pain
• Neck pain with arm tingling or numbness
• Posterior facet syndrome

If you have been told you may need spinal surgery, it is well worth exploring whether non-surgical decompression can provide the relief you need first. Many Lubbock patients have avoided surgery by committing to a full decompression care plan.

Take the Next Step

Don’t let disc pain control your life. Our team at Back 2 Health Chiropractic is ready to help you find lasting relief. Call us at (806) 425-5973 or request your appointment.