Spine Decompression

Briefly, Non-surgical spine decompression refers to mechanical traction / distraction methods (often using a computerized table) that cyclically pull apart vertebral segments in order to reduce pressure within intervertebral discs, reduce nerve root compression, change disc shape/height, etc. It is considered non-surgical, in contrast to surgical decompression (laminectomy, microdiscectomy etc.)

According to high impact journals, Spine decompression has been shown to reduce pain and disability via the following mechanisms.

Reduction of intradiscal pressure

• By distracting vertebral segments (separation), negative pressure is induced in the disc (or at least decreased pressure), which may: allow retraction of herniated nucleus pulposus, improve nutrient flow, reduce mechanical stress on nociceptors

Disc height restoration / rehydration

• Decompression may facilitate fluid / nutrient diffusion into the disc (via vertebral endplates), possibly reversing some dehydration of degenerated discs, thus restoring disc height or preventing further collapse

Reduction of nerve root compression / foraminal decompression

• By increasing intervertebral/interforaminal space via vertebral separation and reducing bulging/herniation, nerve roots may have less mechanical compression or irritation. This can reduce radicular pain. Also, reducing pressure may reduce inflammation around roots

Load reduction / mechanical unloading

• Reducing compressive load on discs, facet joints, vertebral endplates and ligaments; allowing healing, reducing microtrauma/inflammation, giving tissues time to recover. Also possibly reducing shear forces, improving biomechanics

Increase in nutrient flow and metabolic activity

• By creating negative pressure and alternating load/distraction, fluid exchange across endplates may improve, delivering nutrients and removing waste. This is thought to help disc health.

Neuromodulation / pain reduction via non-mechanical pathways

• Some of the benefit may be from altering pain signalling: reducing nociceptive input, lowering inflammation, modulating local biochemical milieu. Possibly via reduction of mechanical stress, but also via reflex effects, changes in nerve root irritability, etc