Disc-Related Concerns
Decompression may be considered for certain patients with findings involving spinal discs, including some forms of disc irritation or herniation.
NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
Gentle, Controlled Traction for Selected Spinal Concerns
Sometimes a spine needs something different than an adjustment alone.
Spinal decompression uses controlled mechanical traction to gently stretch and unload specific areas of the spine.
At Trinity Chiropractic Center, Dr. Branden may incorporate decompression into a care plan when a patient's findings, symptoms, and overall health suggest it may be an appropriate supportive option.
HOW IT WORKS
What Is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a form of mechanical traction.
During treatment, you lie comfortably on a specialized table while controlled traction is applied to a selected area of the spine.
The amount of force and treatment settings are adjusted based on the area being treated, your size, comfort, and Dr. Branden's clinical recommendations.
The purpose is to temporarily reduce mechanical loading through the treated spinal segment and provide a different type of support than hands-on chiropractic care alone.
LEARN MORE
Understanding Spinal Decompression
Dr. Branden often shares this video with patients who are considering decompression therapy.
WHEN WE MAY CONSIDER IT
Decompression Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Treatment
Dr. Branden considers decompression when your history and findings suggest that reducing mechanical stress through an area may be useful.
Radiating Symptoms
Some patients experience pain, tingling, or other symptoms that travel into an arm or leg when a spinal nerve is irritated.
Persistent Spinal Discomfort
When back or neck discomfort continues despite other conservative approaches, decompression may be one option Dr. Branden considers.
Restricted or Sensitive Areas
Some areas may respond better to a gentler traction-based approach than to additional force or repeated hands-on treatment.
PART OF A LARGER PLAN
Decompression and Chiropractic Care Can Work Together
At Trinity, decompression is usually not treated as an isolated service.
When appropriate, Dr. Branden may combine decompression with chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, or other supportive care.
Each approach has a different purpose. Chiropractic adjustments focus on joint movement and function, while decompression uses controlled traction to change the mechanical load through the treated area.
Your care plan is built around your individual findings rather than automatically placing every patient on decompression.
01
Evaluate
Determine what structures and movements may be involved.
02
Adjust
Address joint movement when chiropractic care is appropriate.
03
Decompress
Use controlled traction when additional unloading may be helpful.
04
Re-Evaluate
Monitor your response and change recommendations as needed.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What Is a Decompression Session Like?
01
Comfortable Positioning
You'll lie on the decompression table and be positioned based on the spinal area being treated.
02
Controlled Traction
The table applies a measured amount of traction according to settings selected for your treatment.
03
Communication Throughout
Let us know how the treatment feels. Settings can be adjusted when needed for comfort and tolerance.
A COMMON QUESTION
Does Decompression Hurt?
The treatment is designed to apply controlled traction rather than a sudden force. Many patients are able to relax comfortably on the table.
YOUR COMFORT MATTERS
Treatment Should Be Tolerable and Adjustable
Everyone responds differently to traction.
You may notice a gentle stretching or pulling sensation through the treated area.
If a setting feels uncomfortable, Dr. Branden can adjust the amount of traction or determine whether continuing decompression is appropriate.
MONITORING YOUR RESPONSE
One Session Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
When decompression is recommended, Dr. Branden looks at how you respond over time.
Your symptoms, movement, function, tolerance of treatment, and progress between visits all help determine whether decompression should continue, change, or be discontinued.
Treatment frequency and duration are individualized rather than guaranteed to follow the same schedule for every patient.
01
Changes in pain or radiating symptoms
02
Changes in movement and daily function
03
How well treatment is tolerated
04
Whether improvements hold between visits
SAFETY FIRST
Decompression Isn't Appropriate for Everyone
Your health history and diagnosis matter before traction begins.
Certain spinal conditions, recent injuries or surgeries, significant bone weakness, pregnancy, and other medical factors may affect whether mechanical traction is appropriate.
That's why Dr. Branden reviews your history and findings before recommending decompression rather than treating it as a routine service for every patient.
IMPORTANT
Sometimes Another Type of Evaluation Comes First
If your symptoms or findings suggest a condition that needs additional medical evaluation, advanced imaging, or another form of care, we'll recommend that rather than proceeding with decompression.
IS DECOMPRESSION RIGHT FOR YOU?
Start With an Evaluation, Not a Treatment Package
Tell us what you've been experiencing. Dr. Branden can evaluate your concerns and determine whether spinal decompression, chiropractic care, another approach — or a referral — makes the most sense.
