How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
Your spinal discs do not have a direct blood supply. They get their nutrients, oxygen, and water through a process called "imbibition," which acts like a sponge soaking up water when the pressure is taken off.
When a disc is damaged from degenerative disc disease or a lumbar disc herniation, it is under constant pressure. Spinal decompression uses a computerized table to gently stretch the spine in a highly specific manner. This creates a negative pressure (vacuum) inside the disc.
This vacuum effect does two things: First, it sucks the herniated or bulging disc material back inside the disc, taking the pressure off the nerves. Second, it floods the disc with healing nutrients so the tears in the outer wall can repair themselves.
Conditions Treated with Decompression
- Herniated & Bulging DiscsThe primary use for decompression is pulling herniated material off the nerves in both the lower back and the neck (cervical disc herniation).
- Severe SciaticaBy pulling the disc off the sciatic nerve, we can eliminate the shooting pain and numbness of sciatica without injections.
- Spinal StenosisDecompression helps open up the spinal canal, bringing relief to patients suffering from spinal stenosis or arthritis.
Related Conditions & Treatments
Medically Reviewed
The clinical information on this page has been reviewed and verified by Dr. Dirk Woodmansee, DC, an advanced certified Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) provider in clinical practice since 1997, with extensive experience in structural spinal rehabilitation.
Last Reviewed: September 2026 | Disclaimer
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If you live in the Salt Lake Valley and are struggling with spinal decompression, arm or leg numbness, or have been diagnosed with a spinal condition, contact Comprehensive Chiropractic Clinic to determine whether corrective CBP® care may be appropriate for your condition.
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