Rehab & Recovery · Spinal Decompression
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in Burlington
Computer-controlled traction for sciatica, disc injury and degenerative disc disease, delivered as part of a rehabilitation plan by our Registered Physiotherapists and our Clinical Director, a Doctor of Chiropractic. Assessment first, no referral required.
About The Treatment
Relieving pressure on the disc and nerve
Decompression addresses one specific mechanism of back and neck pain: load on an injured disc and the nerve root beside it. Where assessment points to that mechanism, it is an effective addition to hands-on treatment and exercise.
What spinal decompression is
A computer-controlled traction treatment applied to the lumbar or cervical spine. The table applies a measured pull and release cycle that separates the vertebrae by a small margin, lowering pressure within the disc so that displaced disc material and irritated nerve roots are relieved of load.
How it differs from manual traction
The cycle is set by the practitioner to a defined force, angle and duration, and is repeated identically at each session. That consistency allows treatment to be progressed gradually and recorded, which is not possible with traction applied by hand.
Who it is appropriate for
Patients with nerve-related back or neck pain that has lasted more than a few weeks, or that has not settled with exercise alone. Decompression forms one part of a rehabilitation plan; we do not offer it on its own.
When it is not used
Decompression is not appropriate for every spine. Recent spinal fracture or surgery with instrumentation, advanced osteoporosis, spinal tumour, abdominal aortic aneurysm and pregnancy are among the findings that rule it out. Your assessment establishes this before any treatment is booked.
Indications
What We Treat
Conditions treated
Decompression is most useful where pain is generated by pressure on a disc or nerve root.
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Bulging and herniated lumbar discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Cervical disc pain and referred arm pain
- Facet joint irritation
- Persistent mechanical low back pain
Findings that suggest it will help
Your physiotherapist or chiropractor looks for a pattern that points to the disc or nerve.
- Pain travelling below the knee or into the forearm
- Symptoms aggravated by sitting, bending or coughing
- Numbness or pins and needles in a nerve distribution
- Reproduction of leg symptoms on nerve tension testing
- Imaging consistent with disc pathology, where available
Your Treatment
What to expect
1. Assessment
A full spinal assessment including movement testing, neurological screening and a review of your history and any imaging. This determines whether decompression is indicated and rules out contraindications.
2. Positioning and setup
You remain fully clothed and lie on the decompression table. A harness is fitted at the pelvis and trunk, or a cervical support at the neck, and the practitioner enters the treatment parameters for your spine.
3. The treatment cycle
Sessions run 15 to 20 minutes. Traction is applied in alternating pull and rest phases at a force scaled to your body weight and tolerance. Treatment should not be painful; force is adjusted if it is.
4. Combined care
Decompression is paired with manual therapy, core and postural exercise and, where indicated, chiropractic care or shockwave therapy, so that the spine is supported once pressure is relieved.
5. Course of treatment
Most plans run over several weeks with two to three sessions per week initially, tapering as symptoms settle. Progress is reviewed throughout and the plan is revised if response is limited.
6. After your session
You can return to normal activity immediately. Mild muscular fatigue in the back for a day is common. Your practitioner will advise on sitting tolerance, lifting and the exercises to continue at home.
Who provides this treatment
Spinal decompression is delivered by our physiotherapy team and our Clinical Director at 3305 Harvester Road.
Dr. Zachary Cassidy
Clinical Director, Doctor of Chiropractic, Bracing Specialist
D.C.
Book with Zachary
Conditions treated with this service
Other Rehab & Recovery services
Covered by most extended health plans. Direct billing is available to many major insurers.Billing details
Book a spinal assessment
Decompression begins with an assessment to confirm it is the right treatment for your spine. Book online or call the clinic and our team will arrange the appropriate practitioner.
3305 Harvester Road, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N2