Spinal Decompression Therapy

Available at both our Hendersonville and Portland locations.​

If you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, or sciatica that isn’t responding to other treatment, spinal decompression therapy may be the next step. It’s a non-surgical, non-invasive approach designed to relieve pressure on your spinal discs and nerves — without medication or surgery.

How Spinal Decompression Works

Spinal decompression uses slow, controlled stretching to gently create space between the vertebrae. This reduces pressure on compressed, bulging, or herniated discs and allows the affected areas to draw in fluids, oxygen, and nutrients that support healing.

Over time, spinal joints that are injured or misaligned can cause discs to wear down, dehydrate, and collapse. That process can lead to herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and increased pressure on the surrounding nerves. Decompression therapy works to reverse that cycle — rehydrating the disc and giving it the environment it needs to begin repairing itself.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Conditions Treated with Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression therapy is commonly recommended for patients experiencing:

  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)
  • Chronic lower back pain
  • Neck pain related to disc compression
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Facet joint syndrome
  • Radiculopathy (nerve root irritation)

When Spinal Decompression May Not Be Recommended

While spinal decompression is very effective for many patients, it’s not the best option for everyone. We typically do not recommend it if you have:

  • Pregnancy (especially after the first trimester)
  • Severe osteoporosis or bone weakness
  • Spinal fractures, tumors, or active infections
  • Cauda equina syndrome (a medical emergency)
  • Recent spinal surgery with hardware/implants (in many cases)
  • Severe spinal instability or advanced spondylolisthesis

If any of these apply to you, we’ll discuss alternative treatment options that may be safer and more effective for your situation.

What to Expect During Treatment

One of the most common questions we get is whether spinal decompression is painful. It isn’t. You’ll feel a gentle stretching sensation in your back or neck during the session, but most patients find it relaxing and comfortable.

A typical spinal decompression session lasts about 15 minutes. While some patients notice improvement after just a few visits, research shows that consistent treatment over time produces the best results. That’s why we often recommend a series of sessions — usually in packages of 6 to 12 visits — to allow the discs to rehydrate and heal properly.

After your session, we recommend drinking plenty of water. Some patients experience mild soreness afterward (similar to post-workout muscle fatigue), especially in the beginning, but this usually fades within a day or two.

“Such personable wonderful people. They care!! Unlike other chiropractors where they see you “crack crack” and send you on your way in minutes. Dr Snook takes the time to tend to any concern and try new methods to make sure you feel your best and stay feeling your best. Highly recommend this office to anyone I’m able to.”

Our Approach

Spinal decompression is one part of a broader treatment plan. At Abrahamson Chiropractic & Wellness, it’s often combined with spinal adjustments, intersegmental traction, and other therapies based on your individual needs. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and recommend whether decompression is the right fit — and what combination of treatments will give you the best outcome.

We use modern spinal decompression equipment designed to provide gentle, controlled traction that can be precisely adjusted to your comfort level and condition. Our doctors have extensive experience using this therapy and take the time to customize each session based on your specific diagnosis, response to treatment, and overall goals.

Ready to Find Out if Spinal Decompression Is Right for You?

Or call us:

Hendersonville: (615) 826-7889
Portland: (615) 323-0130

Abrahamson Chiropractic and Wellness
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