What should you know about spinal decompression table chiropractic?

You lie on a padded table while a harness or supports hold part of your body. The table may move in cycles, creating a gentle change in the force through the spine. A chiropractor or other qualified clinician adjusts the position and force to your symptoms. This approach is often described as non-surgical spinal decompression or traction therapy. It may temporarily ease pressure-related discomfort for some people, while the underlying cause still needs assessment. A treatment session should not cause sharp, worsening, or spreading pain.

Have a clinical assessment first, especially if pain follows an injury or travels into an arm or leg. Tell the clinician about osteoporosis, spinal surgery, fractures, inflammatory disease, pregnancy, blood-thinning medicines, or new weakness. Ask what diagnosis the treatment is intended to address, how progress will be measured, and what alternatives exist, such as exercise-based rehabilitation. Stop and report symptoms that appear during treatment rather than trying to tolerate them.

Seek urgent medical help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly worsening weakness, severe pain after major trauma, fever with back pain, or unexplained weight loss. These features need prompt medical evaluation and should not be managed with a table session alone.

What is causing my symptoms, and is traction appropriate for that cause? What signs would make you stop treatment? Which exercises or daily changes should accompany the sessions?