Spinal Decompression Therapy

Authored by Ashitha Abdul Ashraf, Senior Consultant Physiotherapist – Incharge | Medically Reviewed by Dilshana Thasni T, Senior Consultant Physiotherapist | Last Reviewed: August 2026

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a computer-controlled traction treatment for chronic back and neck pain caused by herniated or bulging discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and related spinal conditions. Rather than a fixed, constant pull — the way older traction tables work — the table gently cycles between stretching and releasing the spine in a controlled pattern. This cycling motion creates negative pressure inside the intervertebral disc — typically in the range of -150 to -200 mmHg — drawing bulging or herniated disc material back toward the center of the disc, and pulling water, oxygen and nutrients back into the disc space to support the disc’s own rehydration and healing process. The stretch-and-release pattern follows a gradual, stepped curve rather than an abrupt pull, which is what allows it to work around the muscle guarding reflex described below.

At Maana Health, this is delivered using computer-controlled South Korean-manufactured systems — including the TheraMaster (Shinhwa Medical) and the Kinetrac KNX-7000 (Hanmed) — both US FDA and European CE-approved.

Why Computer-Controlled Decompression, Not Old-Fashioned Traction?

A generic traction table applies a constant, undifferentiated pull. The body often responds with a protective “guarding reflex” — the surrounding muscles tighten to resist the stretch, blunting the treatment’s effect on the disc itself. Computer-controlled decompression uses real-time sensors to detect this muscle resistance and adjust the pull cycle to work around it, so the pressure change actually reaches the disc instead of being absorbed by a tensed muscle.

What a Session Involves

You lie on the decompression table, secured with a harness at the pelvis (for lower back treatment) or a head/neck harness (for cervical treatment). The table then cycles through gentle stretch-and-release phases for the duration of the session. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild, controlled stretch rather than discomfort. A full course typically runs 15 to 20 sessions, usually combined with the other elements of the Spinal Wellness Program — exercise, posture correction, and ergonomics guidance.

Who Is a Good Candidate

Spinal decompression is generally most effective for:

• Pain from a herniated or bulging lumbar disc that has persisted for more than 4 weeks
• Recurrent pain following back surgery more than 6 months prior
• Persistent pain from degenerated discs that hasn’t responded to at least 4 weeks of standard physiotherapy

Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate

Spinal decompression is not appropriate for everyone. Contraindications generally include spinal fracture, spinal instability, spinal tumors or infection, pregnancy, and severe osteoporosis. Your physiotherapist screens for these before treatment begins.

Conditions Spinal Decompression Treats

Part of our Spinal Wellness Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spinal decompression the same as regular traction?
No. Regular traction applies a constant pull, which often triggers a protective muscle-guarding reflex that blunts the effect. Computer-controlled decompression cycles between stretch and release, and adjusts in real time to work around that reflex.

How many sessions does spinal decompression require?
A standard course is typically 15 to 20 sessions, usually combined with exercise, posture correction, and ergonomics guidance as part of the broader Spinal Wellness Program.

Is spinal decompression safe for everyone?
No — it’s not suitable for spinal fracture, spinal instability, tumors or infection in the spine, pregnancy, or severe osteoporosis. A physiotherapist screens for these before starting treatment.

Is spinal decompression painful?
Most patients describe it as a mild, controlled stretch rather than pain.