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Treatment

Spinal decompression therapy

Gentle, computer-controlled traction that eases pressure on spinal discs and nerves — a non-surgical option for disc-related back and leg pain.

Physiotherapist fitting the decompression harness on a patient during spinal decompression therapy at CBP Precision Spine Center

How decompression works

Decompression therapy applies precise, gradual traction to gently separate the vertebrae and reduce pressure within the disc. This can encourage retraction of bulging disc material, improve circulation to the area and relieve irritation of nearby nerves — all without surgery or injections.

Conditions it may help

Spinal decompression may be appropriate for:

Inside spinal decompression care at CBP Precision Spine Center

At CBP Precision Spine Center, your care is measured, corrective and guided by your clinician — never guesswork. Here is a closer look at the care behind the treatment.

Spinal decompression and traction tables in the treatment room
Our spinal decompression and traction tables
Visualisation of spinal decompression relieving pressure on the lumbar discs at CBP Precision Spine Center
Visualising pressure relief at the lumbar discs

See it explained

See it explained — CBP Precision Spine Center
Watch: how lumbar decompression therapy relieves disc-related back pain.

What a session is like

You lie comfortably while the system applies a gentle, cyclical stretch — most people find it relaxing. Decompression is used only after a full assessment confirms it is suitable, and is commonly combined with rehabilitation and corrective care to support lasting results.

How decompression creates space at the disc
How decompression creates space at the disc

Treatments are recommended only after assessment and tailored to the individual. Suitability and expected outcomes are discussed with your clinician.

Spinal decompression questions, answered

What is non-surgical spinal decompression?

Non-surgical spinal decompression uses a computerized traction table to gently and cyclically stretch the spine, reducing pressure inside the discs. This negative pressure encourages bulging disc material to retract and draws nutrients into the disc, supporting healing. It is a targeted, controlled therapy — very different from hanging upside down or generic traction.

Can spinal decompression help a herniated disc?

Yes — disc bulges and herniations with nerve compression symptoms like sciatica are the main reasons this therapy exists. By repeatedly lowering pressure inside the disc, decompression creates conditions that favour retraction of the bulge and relief of nerve irritation. We confirm on imaging that your disc problem is the type likely to respond before recommending a course.

Is spinal decompression therapy painful?

No — most patients find it comfortable, and some fall asleep during sessions. You lie on the table secured by a harness while the computer applies precise, gradual pulling cycles. You may feel a gentle stretch, and mild post-session soreness can occur early in care, similar to starting a new exercise, but the treatment itself should not hurt.

How many decompression sessions will I need?

A typical course runs 15–25 sessions over several weeks, because disc changes respond to repeated cycles rather than a single treatment. Your exact plan depends on the severity of your findings and how you respond in the first weeks — we review progress at set milestones and adjust rather than locking you into a fixed package.

Who should not use spinal decompression?

Decompression is not appropriate with spinal fractures, tumours, advanced osteoporosis, certain implants or fusion hardware, abdominal aneurysm, or during pregnancy. This is why we screen your history and imaging first. If decompression is not safe or suitable for you, we will say so plainly and direct you to the right alternative.

Find out if decompression is right for you

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