What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy? How SpineMED Works

• Back Pain, Chiropractic Care

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy? How SpineMED Works

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves. It is one of the most effective treatments available for herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatica, and chronic back or neck pain — without surgery, without injections, and without downtime.

At Wilshire Center Chiropractic in Los Angeles, we use the **SpineMED system**, which is one of the most advanced spinal decompression technologies available. Here is everything you need to know about how it works, what it treats, and what to expect.

How Spinal Decompression Works

Your spine is made up of vertebrae (bones) separated by soft, gel-like discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and allow your spine to move and flex. When a disc is damaged — whether from an injury, years of wear and tear, or the force of a car accident — it can bulge outward or rupture, pressing directly on the nerves that run through your spinal column.

This is what causes the sharp, radiating pain that many people describe as shooting down their leg (sciatica) or down their arm (cervical radiculopathy).

Spinal decompression therapy works by creating **negative pressure** inside the disc. Here is the process:

1. **You lie on the SpineMED table**, either face up (for lower back) or face down (for neck treatment)

2. **The system gently stretches your spine** using precisely controlled force — measured in pounds and adjusted for your body weight and condition

3. **This stretching creates a vacuum effect** inside the damaged disc, pulling the bulging or herniated material back toward the center

4. **Nutrients and oxygen flow into the disc** through the negative pressure, promoting healing at the cellular level

5. **Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes**, and you feel a gentle pulling sensation — not pain

Most patients need **15 to 25 sessions** over a period of 4 to 8 weeks for optimal results. Many patients report significant pain reduction after just 5 to 6 sessions.

What Does SpineMED Treat?

SpineMED spinal decompression is effective for:

  • **Herniated discs** — When the soft inner material of a disc pushes through the outer wall
  • **Bulging discs** — When a disc extends beyond its normal boundary without fully rupturing
  • **Degenerative disc disease** — Age-related wear and tear that thins and weakens spinal discs
  • **Sciatica** — Nerve pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg
  • **Spinal stenosis** — Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves
  • **Facet syndrome** — Inflammation of the joints that connect your vertebrae
  • **Failed back surgery syndrome** — Persistent pain after a previous spinal surgery
  • **Chronic neck pain** — Cervical disc problems causing neck pain, shoulder pain, or arm numbness

    • SpineMED vs. Other Treatments

    | Treatment | Invasive? | Recovery Time | Effectiveness | Cost |

    |—|—|—|—|—|

    | **SpineMED Decompression** | No | None — walk out and resume normal activity | High — 86% of patients report improvement | Moderate |

    | **Epidural Injections** | Yes (needle into spine) | 1-3 days | Temporary — masks pain, does not fix cause | Moderate-High |

    | **Spinal Surgery** | Yes (major surgery) | 6-12 weeks minimum | Varies — 50-70% success rate | Very High |

    | **Pain Medication** | No | None | Temporary — masks symptoms only | Low (ongoing) |

    | **Physical Therapy** | No | None | Good for support, limited for disc injuries | Moderate |

    SpineMED targets the root cause of the pain — the damaged disc — rather than just masking symptoms. There is no cutting, no anesthesia, and no recovery period.

    What a SpineMED Session Feels Like

    Patients often ask if spinal decompression hurts. The answer is no. Here is what you can expect:

    **Before the session:** You change into comfortable clothing. The treatment technician positions you on the SpineMED table and secures a harness around your hips (for lower back treatment) or a cervical cradle around your head (for neck treatment).

    **During the session:** The table gently pulls and releases in a rhythmic cycle. You feel a stretching sensation in your back or neck. It is not painful — most patients describe it as a deep, satisfying stretch. Some patients actually fall asleep during treatment.

    **After the session:** You stand up and walk out. There is no recovery time. Some patients feel immediate relief. Others notice gradual improvement over the first week of treatment. Mild soreness is normal after the first one or two sessions as your body adjusts.

    Who Is a Good Candidate?

    SpineMED spinal decompression works best for patients who:

    • Have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease
    • Experience sciatica or radiating nerve pain
    • Have chronic back or neck pain that has not responded to medication or physical therapy
    • Want to avoid spinal surgery
    • Were injured in a car accident and have disc-related injuries

      • SpineMED may not be appropriate for patients with:

      • Spinal fractures
      • Spinal tumors
      • Severe osteoporosis
      • Spinal implants or hardware from prior surgery
      • Pregnancy

        • During your first visit, Dr. Sim will evaluate your condition and review any existing imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT scan) to determine whether SpineMED is the right treatment for you.

        Real Results From Real Patients

        Clinical studies on spinal decompression therapy have consistently shown strong outcomes:

        • **86% of patients** with herniated or degenerated discs reported significant improvement in pain and function
        • **92% of patients** reported improvement in disc herniations confirmed by post-treatment MRI
        • Most patients achieved these results **within 4 to 6 weeks** of starting treatment

          • These are not theoretical numbers. They reflect what we see in our practice every week.

          Why Wilshire Center Chiropractic for Spinal Decompression

          • **SpineMED certified** — We use the SpineMED system, one of the most researched and clinically validated decompression systems available
          • **Over 15 years of experience** treating spinal conditions in Los Angeles
          • **Complete treatment approach** — Decompression is combined with chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy, and rehabilitative exercises for the best outcomes
          • **Bilingual care** — English and Korean (한국어 진료 가능)
          • **Medical liens accepted** — If your disc injury is from a car accident, you can get treated now and pay after your case settles
          • **Free parking on-site**

            • Schedule Your SpineMED Evaluation

            If you are dealing with a herniated disc, bulging disc, sciatica, or chronic back or neck pain, spinal decompression therapy may be the solution. Call Wilshire Center Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation and find out if SpineMED is right for you.

            **Wilshire Center Chiropractic**

            3832 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 103

            Los Angeles, CA 90010

            Phone: (213) 388-8820

            Website: WilshireCenterChiro.com

            *Walk-ins welcome. Free parking on-site. Korean and English spoken.*

Ready to Feel Better?

Schedule your appointment at Wilshire Center Chiropractic today. Same-day appointments available.

Book Appointment Call (213) 388-8820