What to expect from non-surgical spinal decompression for a herniated disc

Your clinician reviews your back and leg symptoms, strength, sensation and movement before choosing a position and traction setting. You remain supported on a treatment table while the device applies and releases a measured pulling force. The session should feel controlled; communicate immediately if pain becomes sharp, symptoms travel farther down the limb, or you develop tingling that does not settle. The approach is intended to support comfort and movement for selected people, not to physically remove a disc or substitute for a full diagnosis.

Wear comfortable clothes and bring details of scans, medicines and previous treatments. Tell the clinician about osteoporosis, recent surgery, fractures, infection, pregnancy possibility or symptoms affecting bladder, bowel or leg strength. After treatment, follow the advised activity level and avoid testing your back with heavy lifting. Note changes in sitting, walking, sleep, leg pain and numbness between visits. The plan should be adjusted if symptoms are unchanged, spreading or harder to manage.

Get urgent medical assessment for new loss of leg strength, numbness around the groin, inability to pass urine, loss of bowel control, or rapidly worsening pain with neurological symptoms. Contact your treatment team if traction causes persistent or spreading symptoms, severe pain, or a new change in walking.

Ask why traction is suitable for your symptoms, how comfort and nerve function will be monitored, what activity is safe afterward, and when another approach or specialist review should be considered.