Spinal Decompression for Iowa City Patients
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, traction-based therapy that gently separates spinal segments to reduce pressure on discs and nearby nerves. It is used for selected disc-related problems in the low back and neck. It is one option among several — not a fit for every patient or every type of back pain.
Last reviewed September 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Dillon Hammes, DC
How is it supposed to work?
A spinal disc sits between two vertebrae and is under load most of the day. When a disc is irritated, bulging or herniated, that pressure can keep nearby nerve tissue sensitive. Decompression applies a slow cycle of pull and release intended to lower pressure within the disc space and improve fluid movement in and around it.
Because it is passive, decompression is usually paired with active care. Adjustments, soft tissue treatment and graded rehabilitation exercise address the strength and movement side of the problem so the change holds.
Problems it is often considered for
- Disc-related low back pain that has not settled with basic care
- Sciatica linked to a lumbar disc
- Herniated or bulging discs with mechanical symptoms
- Degenerative disc changes with ongoing pain
- Some cervical disc presentations causing arm symptoms
When it is not the right tool
- Pain that is clearly muscular or joint-related rather than disc-related
- Spinal fracture, tumor or infection
- Severe osteoporosis
- Certain surgical hardware in the spine
- Progressive nerve loss that needs medical or surgical assessment
- Pregnancy, in most cases
What a session looks like
- Step 1
Fitting
A harness is fitted at the pelvis or head, depending on the region being treated.
- Step 2
Setup
Force, angle and cycle length are set based on your size and your exam findings.
- Step 3
Treatment
The table runs a slow pull-and-release cycle while you lie still, usually for several minutes.
- Step 4
Follow-up
Other care that day may include adjustments, soft tissue work or exercise.
Spinal decompression questions
What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression is a form of controlled, computer-assisted traction. A motorized table applies and releases gentle pulling force along the spine, which is intended to reduce pressure inside the disc and on nearby nerve tissue.
What does a decompression session feel like?
Most people describe a slow stretch and release at the low back or neck. Sessions are typically passive — you lie on the table in a harness while the cycle runs — and are not usually described as painful.
Who is not a candidate for spinal decompression?
Decompression is generally avoided with certain conditions, including spinal fractures, spinal hardware in some cases, severe osteoporosis, tumors and some pregnancies. An examination determines whether it is appropriate for you.
How many decompression sessions are typical?
Protocols vary by clinic and by case, and are usually spread over several weeks with reassessment along the way. Total Health Chiropractic can outline what your specific plan would look like after an evaluation.
Is spinal decompression the same as an inversion table?
No. Inversion uses body weight and gravity with no control over force. Decompression tables apply a specific, adjustable force in a cycle, and the treatment is monitored by the clinic.
Decompression outcomes
Verified before-and-after data from decompression patients will be published here once confirmed.
Verified outcome data is being added.
This section will show measured before-and-after results from Total Health Chiropractic patients — condition, starting point, ending point, improvement and timeframe. We publish only verified data, so nothing is listed until it is confirmed.
Not sure if decompression fits your case?
An evaluation is the only honest way to answer that. Total Health Chiropractic in Coralville sees patients from across Iowa City and Johnson County.