Does non-surgical spinal decompression help with lower back pain?

This treatment uses a motorised table to apply controlled pulling and relaxing forces through the spine. The aim is to change loading and movement temporarily, which may reduce discomfort or help you move more easily. It does not suit every pattern of back pain, and feeling better during a session does not establish the underlying cause.

A proper assessment considers pain location, leg symptoms, strength, sensation, reflexes, previous injuries, and other health conditions. The clinician may combine treatment with education, movement practice, and strengthening rather than using decompression as the only approach.

Before starting, ask what improvement will be monitored and how many sessions will be reviewed before deciding whether to continue. Share your medicines, operations, osteoporosis history, pregnancy status, and any new neurological symptoms. Continue comfortable daily movement and follow a graded exercise plan if one is prescribed.

Obtain urgent medical help for new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the groin, or worsening leg weakness. Prompt assessment is also appropriate after significant trauma or with fever and severe illness. Stop a session and report sharp worsening pain, new numbness, or new weakness.

Ask what may be causing your pain, whether decompression is appropriate for your examination, what other treatments could support recovery, and which changes mean the plan should be reassessed.