Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, non-invasive therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spinal discs (cushion between the bones of the spine) and nerves and support the body’s natural healing process. This process helps to create negative pressure within the discs, which can encourage bulging or herniated discs to retract. This takes pressure away from nearby nerves and promotes increased flow of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids to relieve inflammation and nourish the disc for healing.
Here at Spine Studios, we offer the latest technology in non-surgical spinal decompression, the advanced Vert-Biotec decompression unit. This state-of-the-art technology uses multi-directional decompression technology allowing precise, targeted, computer-controlled treatment tailored to each patient’s condition and comfort level. The incorporation of multi-directional movement provides a more comprehensive and dynamic decompression experience that enhances treatment efficacy and improves patient outcomes.
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is often used to treat conditions like herniated or degenerated discs, sciatica, chronic neck or back pain and spinal osteoarthritis. By targeting the root cause of pain rather than just the symptoms, non-surgical spinal decompression aims to alleviate pain, restore function, improve flexibility, mobility and overall spinal health to enhance your quality of life.
You may benefit from spinal decompression therapy if you experience or have been diagnosed with:
You may benefit from spinal decompression therapy if you experience or have been diagnosed with:
Herniated disc disorder
Degenerative disc disorder
Sciatica
Facet joint disorder
Chronic neck or back pain where no definite cause is identified
Some cases of post-surgical persistent low back pain
Some cases of pain or discomfort associated with scoliosis
*Your chiropractor will fully assess you to determine if you may benefit from spinal decompression therapy. Some conditions may not be suitable for this type of treatment such as very acute disc lesions, severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, certain cancers, advanced spinal instability or recent spinal surgery
What To Expect
Your comfort comes first
The specialized table is designed with your comfort in mind. The table features a softly cushioned surface that supports your body in a relaxed, neutral position, allowing you to fully relax.
Adjustable padded straps or supports gently secure the area being treated without causing pressure or discomfort. The table will be adjusted to suit your height and the specific area of your spine needing care.
A gentle but effective experience
Throughout the session, the table moves smoothly and quietly, providing a calm, soothing, gentle stretch. The Shinwa non-surgical spinal decompression table delivers this stretch in a sophisticated, uniquely controlled 3-dimentional pattern, gently targeting the specific angles and directions of natural spinal movement. Many patients describe it as ‘gently stretching the spine in a way that feels supportive and pain-free’.
How your discs benefit
As your spine gentle stretches in line with your specific area of need, a 3-dimensional stretch creates negative pressure inside the disc (the cushions between the vertebrae). This multi-directional, gentle pressure can:
Reduce disc bulge or herniation – by encouraging protruding disc material to move back toward its normal position
Relieve pressure on spinal nerves – which may be producing the pain, numbness or tingling caused by nerve compression
Promote fluid and nutrient exchange – as the mild ‘vacuum effect’ draws water, oxygen, and healing nutrients back into the disc, supporting its natural repair and rehydration.
Support for other spinal joints and tissue
While the main goal of decompression therapy is to reduce pressure within the spinal discs, the gentle stretching also affects the surrounding spinal joints (facet joints) and soft tissues:
Facet joints are gently mobilized - this controlled stretching helps reduce stiffness in the small joints located at the rear of the spine, encouraging improved movement and spinal alignment.
Muscles and ligaments relax – the gentle traction reduces muscle tension and may help stretch tight ligament, improving flexibility and reducing muscle guarding or spasms.
Healing Takes Time
While some will notice relief after just a few visits, lasting results usually take time, especially with long-standing, chronic problems. Most patients benefit from a series of 15 or more sessions, scheduled over several weeks, to allow your spine and discs to heal gradually.
The gentle, consistent approach helps to maximise the therapy’s benefits and supports longer-lasting relief. Your treatment will be tailored to your needs and your progress will be checked along the way to ensure you are getting the best possible outcome.
References:
Amjad, F., Mohseni-Bandpei, M. A., Gilani, S. A., Ahmad, A., & Hanif, A. (2022). Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life versus routine physical therapy alone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23(1), 255. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05196-x
Apfel, C. C., Cakmakkaya, O. S., Martin, W., Richmond, C., Macario, A., George, E., Schaefer, M., & Pergolizzi, J. V. (2010). Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain: A retrospective cohort study.
Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P.-B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837
Connolly, J. A., Luginsland, L. A., Welsh, S., Bexley, J. A., Pirone, J., Thorpe, S., & Schilaty, N. D. (2025). CLINICAL AND IMAGING OUTCOMES OF NON- SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION FOR LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC LESIONS: A CASE SERIES. 8.
El-Zayat, A. R., Gomah, W., & Aldesouky, A. H. (2019). Spinal decompression therapy as an alternative modality for management of low back pain and radicular pain caused by lumbar disc herniation or protrusion. Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 46(3), 183–188. https://doi.org/10.4103/err.err_34_18
Gaowgzeh, R. A. M., Chevidikunnan, M. F., BinMulayh, E. A., & Khan, F. (2020). Effect of spinal decompression therapy and core stabilization exercises in management of lumbar disc prolapse: A single blind randomized controlled trial. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 33(2), 225–231. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-171099
Henry, L. (2017). Non-surgical Spinal Decompression an Effective Physiotherapy Modality for Neck and Back Pain. Journal of Novel Physiotherapy and Physical Rehabilitation, 4(3), 062–065. https://doi.org/10.17352/2455-5487.000049
Kanna, R. M., Shetty, A. P., & Rajasekaran, S. (2014). Patterns of lumbar disc degeneration are different in degenerative disc disease and disc prolapse magnetic resonance imaging analysis of 224 patients. The Spine Journal, 14(2), 300–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2013.10.042
Ma, S.-Y., & Kim, H.-D. (2010). The Effect of Motorized Spinal Decompression Delivered via SpineMED Combined with Physical Therapy Modalities for Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 22(4), 429–435. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.22.429
Macario, A., & Pergolizzi, J. V. (2006). Systematic Literature Review of Spinal Decompression Via Motorized Traction for Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain. Pain Practice, 6(3), 171–178. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1533-2500.2006.00082.x
Modica, V. D., & Sciarrone, G. J. (2025). The Effectiveness of Non Surgical Spinal Decompression using Magnetic Resonance in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Quasi-experimental Study. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2025/75785.20790
Sherry, E., Kitchener ,Peter, & and Smart, R. (2001). A prospective randomized controlled study of VAX-D and TENS for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Neurological Research, 23(7), 780–784. https://doi.org/10.1179/016164101101199180
Vicari, C. (2024). Impact of Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Combined Protocol on a Lumbar Disc Herniation Predisposing the Patient to Surgical Intervention—A Case Study. Journal of Spine Research and Surgery, 06(02). https://doi.org/10.26502/fjsrs0072

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