Computerized non-surgical spinal decompression creates negative intradiscal pressure to retract herniated material, rehydrate discs, and relieve nerve compression — without surgery.
How It Works
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Non-surgical spinal decompression uses a computerized traction table to apply precise, intermittent distraction forces to the spine. Unlike manual traction, the computer-controlled system modulates the pull in a sinusoidal pattern — gradually increasing and decreasing the force to prevent the paraspinal muscles from guarding — creating a sustained negative intradiscal pressure that draws herniated material back toward the centre of the disc and promotes the influx of nutrients, oxygen, and hydration into degenerated disc tissue.
At Move to Motion, spinal decompression is performed by our physiotherapists and is always integrated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Decompression alone is rarely sufficient — the surrounding musculature must be progressively strengthened and movement patterns corrected to sustain the outcomes achieved through treatment.
The Evidence
A 2008 study in the Journal of Neurological Science found that 86% of patients with herniated discs and radiculopathy experienced significant pain reduction following a course of non-surgical spinal decompression, with MRI confirmation of reduced disc herniation in a subset of patients.
Research published in Spine confirmed that computerized spinal decompression produces intradiscal pressures of −150 mmHg to −160 mmHg — significantly greater than achieved by manual traction or positional distraction — sufficient to create a meaningful pressure gradient for disc rehydration.
A 2014 clinical study demonstrated significant improvements in VAS pain scores and Oswestry Disability Index in patients with chronic low back pain from degenerative disc disease following 20 sessions of spinal decompression therapy combined with physiotherapy exercise.
Non-surgical decompression has demonstrated significant reductions in neurogenic claudication symptoms and improved walking tolerance in spinal stenosis patients, particularly in those who are not surgical candidates or prefer to avoid surgery.
What to Expect
A typical spinal decompression session takes 30–45 minutes. You lie comfortably on the motorized table, which is set up with a harness calibrated to your body weight and the target spinal level. The computer runs a gentle, rhythmic distraction protocol while you remain still and relaxed. Many patients experience immediate relief during the session itself.
Most programs consist of 15–20 sessions over 4–6 weeks. Your physiotherapist will assess your response after each session and progress the program accordingly. Sessions are typically combined with therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and postural retraining to maximize and maintain outcomes.
Spinal decompression is not appropriate for patients with severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, spinal tumours, severe spinal instability, or those who have had spinal fusion hardware at the level being treated. A thorough assessment including review of any existing imaging will determine your suitability.
Call us with your symptoms — we’ll let you know if decompression is right for you.