Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves, and it may be a good option for people who deal with chronic back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, or degenerative disc disease. The treatment uses a motorized traction table to create negative pressure inside the disc, which can allow bulging or herniated material to retract and promote healing. Whether it is the right choice depends on your specific diagnosis and medical history.
At Lordex Spine Center of Columbia, patients frequently ask about spinal decompression after weeks or months of back pain that has not responded to rest or over-the-counter remedies. It is understandable to feel cautious about any new treatment. This overview covers what spinal decompression involves, who it tends to help, and what you can realistically expect from care at our office on Stadium Boulevard here in Boone County.
During a spinal decompression session, you lie fully clothed on a computer-controlled table. A harness is fitted around your hips and lower torso. The table gently and rhythmically stretches your spine, then releases the tension in a controlled cycle. This alternating stretch-and-release motion is what separates spinal decompression from older, manual traction methods.
The goal of this process is to create a small amount of negative intradiscal pressure. That pressure drop may allow a bulging or herniated disc to reposition itself, reducing irritation on nearby nerves. Nutrients, oxygen, and fluids are also able to move back into the disc during the decompression cycle, which can support the natural healing process.
Spinal decompression tends to work best for patients who have a clearly identified structural cause of their back or neck pain. Conditions that are commonly addressed with this therapy include:
It is not the right approach for everyone. Patients with severe osteoporosis, certain fractures, spinal implants, or other specific structural conditions may not be eligible. A thorough evaluation at Lordex Spine Center of Columbia will determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate for your situation. For patients whose pain involves disc injury specifically, our team will often discuss how this therapy relates to broader herniated disc treatment options as part of a complete care plan.
A spinal decompression program at our Columbia, MO, office generally involves multiple sessions spread over several weeks, though the exact schedule depends on your diagnosis and how your body responds early in care. Most sessions last between 30 and 45 minutes.
Patients notice a gradual reduction in pain intensity over the first few weeks. Some feel relief earlier. Results vary, and the team at Lordex Spine Center of Columbia monitors your progress at each visit. We combine spinal decompression with other supportive therapies when appropriate, including physical therapy and chiropractic care, to address the full picture of your condition.
There is no recovery period after a session. Most patients can return to their regular activities the same day, though your provider may offer specific guidance depending on your condition.
Many people researching spinal decompression are doing so precisely because they want to avoid surgery. That is a reasonable goal, and in many cases, non-surgical options like spinal decompression can be explored before more invasive interventions are considered. However, spinal decompression is not a replacement for surgery in situations where surgery is medically necessary.
Your care team will be transparent about what spinal decompression can and cannot address. If your imaging and examination suggest that surgery is needed, that will be communicated clearly. If non-surgical care is a viable path, we will outline exactly what that looks like for your case.
People considering spinal decompression at our Boone County clinic tend to have similar questions. A few of the most common ones are addressed in the FAQ section below. If your question is not covered there, the team at Lordex Spine Center of Columbia is glad to speak with you before your first visit.
We serve patients throughout Columbia, including those coming from near the University of Missouri campus, the I-70 corridor, and surrounding Boone County communities. Getting to our office is straightforward, whether you are coming from downtown on Broadway or from the Business Loop 70 side of town.
Most patients describe the sensation during spinal decompression as a gentle stretching or mild pressure, not pain. Some people feel immediate relief during the session itself. If you experience discomfort, your provider adjusts the settings right away.
The number of sessions varies by individual and condition severity. A typical course of care may range from several weeks to a few months, and your provider will outline a specific plan after your initial evaluation at Lordex Spine Center of Columbia.
Coverage depends on your specific plan and diagnosis. Lordex Spine Center of Columbia accepts most major insurance carriers. Contacting our office directly before your first visit is the best way to clarify your benefits.
In many cases, yes. When sciatica is caused by disc compression pressing on the sciatic nerve, spinal decompression may reduce that pressure and relieve symptoms. Your provider will confirm whether your specific sciatica presentation is appropriate for this therapy.
Chiropractic adjustment addresses spinal alignment through precise manual or instrument-assisted movement of specific joints. Spinal decompression works through sustained, motorized traction that targets disc pressure and nerve compression. Both can be part of a care plan and are offered at Lordex Spine Center of Columbia.
If you have been dealing with back pain, herniated disc symptoms, or sciatica and want to understand whether spinal decompression may be appropriate for your situation, the team at Lordex Spine Center of Columbia is ready to help. A thorough evaluation will determine whether this therapy fits your diagnosis and your goals.
Call Lordex Spine Center of Columbia at (573) 443-0551 to schedule your consultation, or visit our office on Stadium Boulevard in Columbia, MO.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Every car accident happens in the blink of an eye. One moment you're merging onto...
If back pain is an issue in your life, you are not alone. There are...
As a common back problem, scoliosis can cause pain and immobility. Scoliosis affects between 5...
Lordex Spine Center Of Columbia
3400 Buttonwood Dr Ste C
Columbia, MO 65201
P:(573) 443-0551
F: (573) 442-2959
COPYRIGHT © 2026