Am I a candidate for spinal decompression?

The lists below are based on the guidelines Springville Disc Center publishes. They're general information, not a diagnosis. Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC decides whether decompression is appropriate for you only after reviewing your history and examining you.

You may be a good candidate if

• You've had low back pain, or pain that travels into a leg, linked to a bulging or herniated disc for more than about 4 weeks.
• You have pain from worn (degenerated) discs that hasn't improved after about 4 weeks of other care.
• You still have back pain more than 6 months after back surgery. (Talk with your surgeon as well.) Pain after back surgery
• You have neck pain, or pain into a shoulder or arm, that may be disc-related.
• You're 18 or older.
• You can come in regularly for several weeks, since a typical plan is about 20 visits over 6 weeks.

Decompression is usually not recommended if you

• Are pregnant
• Have screws, rods or other metal hardware in your spine
• Had a spinal fusion in the last 6 months
• Have a recent spinal fracture, including a compression fracture
• Have moderate to severe osteoporosis
• Have an unstable slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis) or a stress fracture in the back of a vertebra (pars defect)
• Have cancer that has spread to the bones, or cancer in the pelvis or abdomen
• Have an aortic aneurysm, including one that has been repaired
• Have an infection in the spine or a disc
• Have severe nerve damage in the feet or hands (peripheral neuropathy)
• Have paralysis, or a condition that makes it hard to tell the staff how you feel during treatment

If one of these applies to you, decompression probably isn't the right choice, but it's still worth talking with your doctor about other options.

Not sure? Here's what helps at the consultation

• When the pain started and what makes it better or worse
• Treatments you've already tried, such as physical therapy, medication or injections
• Any MRI, X-ray or CT reports you have (an MRI isn't required to ask questions). About the free MRI review
• Past surgeries and a list of your medications

Call (801) 491-8688 or request a free consultation below.

This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.