Does a physiotherapy perform non-surgical spinal decompression?

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a form of traction in which a device or manual technique applies a controlled pulling force to the spine. A physiotherapist may adjust the position, force, and timing according to your symptoms and examination. The session may be used alongside education, movement practice, strengthening, or other rehabilitation. It is not the same as an operation, and it does not establish the cause of back or neck pain by itself. A suitable plan depends on your diagnosis, medical history, and response.

Describe pain travelling into an arm or leg, numbness, weakness, recent injury, previous spinal surgery, or any condition affecting bone strength. Tell the physiotherapist about pregnancy, implanted devices, and medicines or illnesses that may affect treatment decisions. Ask what the equipment will feel like, how you will communicate discomfort, and what other exercises are recommended. Stop and report a new sharp pain, increasing pins and needles, dizziness, or worsening weakness during or after a session.

Seek urgent medical care for new bladder or bowel control problems, numbness around the inner thighs or groin, or rapidly progressing weakness in a limb. Prompt assessment is also needed for severe pain after trauma, fever with significant spinal pain, or unexplained pain that is rapidly worsening. These signs need medical evaluation before traction or other physiotherapy continues.

What is the suspected source of my symptoms? Is traction appropriate with my history? How will we judge whether it is helping? Which active exercises should accompany it, and when should I stop treatment?