If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, leg pain, or herniated discs, spinal decompression therapy could be a non-surgical option for pain relief. Like any chiropractic treatment, it has both advantages and drawbacks depending on your personal needs. Understanding the pros and cons of spinal decompression will help you determine whether it’s the right treatment for you.
Spinal Decompression Chiropractor in Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens Chiropractic has been providing expert chiropractic services since 1969. Our team has over 60 years of combined experience, and specializes in spinal decompression treatments to relieve pressure on the spine to help patients avoid surgical procedures. We offer personalized care plans tailored to your specific condition, whether you’re experiencing spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or chronic back pain.
What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is a therapeutic technique designed to stretch the spine gently, creating negative pressure that relieves pain and promotes healing. This can be done manually by a chiropractor or through mechanical traction devices. The goal of spinal decompression is to increase circulation, encourage the retraction of herniated discs, and reduce nerve compression.
What is Spinal Decompression Used to Treat?
Spinal decompression therapy is often recommended for individuals struggling with:
- Herniated or bulging discs: Helps reposition discs and promote healing.
- Degenerative disc disease: Relieves pressure on deteriorated discs.
- Spinal stenosis: Reduces compression on nerves in the spinal canal.
- Sciatica: Eases nerve pain radiating from the lower back down the leg.
- Chronic back and neck pain: Provides long-term pain relief for conditions caused by disc problems.
For those seeking minimally invasive treatment options before considering spinal surgery, chiropractic spinal decompression may be an effective solution.
Pros of Spinal Decompression
- Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgical spinal decompression therapy, non-surgical chiropractic treatments don’t require incisions or extensive recovery time.
- Pain Relief Without Medication: Spinal decompression can help relieve pressure on nerves and discs without the need for pain medication or its side effects.
- Improves Mobility and Function: Many patients experience an increase in flexibility and movement after treatment.
- Customizable Treatment Options: Chiropractors and pain treatment specialists can tailor spinal decompression therapy to each patient’s needs.
- Strengthens Posture and Spinal Alignment: Over time, spinal decompression can help correct posture issues caused by compressed discs, leading to better spinal health and reduced strain on surrounding muscles.
- Safe for Many Age Groups: While some conditions may exclude individuals from treatment, many adults, including seniors, can safely benefit from spinal decompression without the risks associated with surgery.
Cons of Spinal Decompression
- Not Suitable for Everyone: People with osteoporosis, fractures, spinal implants, or blood clotting disorders may not be candidates for spinal decompression therapy. However, if you are a good candidate, you can experience significant pain relief without the need for invasive procedures.
- May Require Multiple Sessions: Spinal decompression isn’t a one-time fix—most patients need several sessions over a few weeks to see results. Each treatment builds upon the last, promoting long-term spinal health and pain relief. Many patients find the gradual approach leads to sustainable improvements without the risks of surgery, and is faster than the extensive recovery time required following surgical treatment.
- May Not Be Effective for All Types of Back Pain: While spinal decompression can help with certain conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, it may not be the best treatment for muscular back pain or other non-spinal-related issues. During a consultation, chiropractors can recommend alternative chiropractic solutions for you based on your condition.
Visit Lake Stevens Chiropractic for Spinal Decompression

If you’re searching for pain relief without surgery, Lake Stevens Chiropractic offers effective spinal decompression treatments. Our experienced chiropractors will provide non-surgical solutions to help you regain mobility and reduce chronic pain. Explore our reviews to see how we’ve helped countless patients with natural chiropractic relief.
Our Non-Surgical Treatment Approach
At Lake Stevens Chiropractic, we use gentle spinal decompression techniques including physical therapy and rehabilitation to relieve nerve pressure and improve spinal health. Our approach is safe, effective, and designed to help you avoid more invasive procedures.
Schedule an appointment or contact us today to discover the healing benefits of spinal decompression treatments!
FAQs
How do I know if I need spinal decompression?
If you have persistent back pain, leg pain, or symptoms related to herniated discs or spinal stenosis, spinal decompression may be an effective treatment option.
How long does spinal decompression take?
A typical spinal decompression session lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. For best results, most of our treatment plans require multiple sessions over a few weeks.
Who should avoid spinal decompression?
Those with fractures, osteoporosis, spinal implants, or severe nerve damage should avoid spinal decompression. If you’re unsure if spinal decompression is right for you, you can schedule a consultation with Lake Stevens Chiropractic to discuss what treatment options are best for you.
Is spinal decompression painful?
Spinal decompression is generally painless, though some patients can experience mild soreness after a session. The therapy is designed to be a gentle, non-invasive pain relief option.