Does non-surgical spinal decompression help with radiating leg pain?

Radiating leg pain can occur when a nerve or nearby tissue in the lower spine is irritated. It may feel burning, electric, aching, or sharp and can follow a path through the buttock and leg. A motorised decompression table applies controlled traction and relaxation forces, which may make movement more comfortable for selected patients. It cannot confirm why the nerve is irritated or remove the need for a neurological examination.

Assessment usually covers strength, sensation, reflexes, walking, back movement, and symptom behaviour. The plan may include education, activity changes, physiotherapy exercises, and other treatment options matched to the findings.

Tell the clinician if pain is accompanied by tingling, numbness, heaviness, or difficulty lifting the foot. Ask how progress will be measured, such as walking tolerance, leg strength, sleep, or ability to manage daily tasks. Keep changing position and take short, comfortable walks unless a clinician has advised otherwise.

Seek urgent help for new bladder or bowel control problems, numbness around the groin, or rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs. Prompt review is needed for severe pain with fever, major trauma, or an inability to walk safely. Report any new neurological change during treatment immediately.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest nerve irritation, whether decompression fits your examination, which exercises are safe, and what change would require urgent reassessment.