Does Spinal Decompression Hurt? What It Feels Like

What a session feels like, start to finish

Getting set up. You stay fully clothed. For the low back, a harness fits around your hips and lower chest. For neck pain, the doctor will explain how you'll be positioned.
The first cycles. The table pulls gradually, holds, then eases off. Early cycles are usually mild while you get used to it.
The rest of the session. The stretch and release repeat. Many people find it relaxing enough to rest, read or listen to something.
Afterward. You get up slowly. Some people feel looser; some feel a little sore.

What to wear: you stay clothed, so wear comfortable clothes you can lie down in.

Normal vs. tell someone

Usually normal	Tell the staff or doctor	Get emergency care
A gentle pulling sensation; mild muscle tightness or soreness afterward	Sharp pain during the session; soreness that lasts or keeps building; new tingling or numbness	Loss of bladder or bowel control; numbness in the groin or inner thighs; sudden leg weakness

Why it's usually comfortable

The table applies force gradually and in cycles, without the quick thrust of an adjustment. Settings can be adjusted for you. Like any treatment, it has some risk, and it isn't right for everyone. People who are pregnant, have metal hardware in the spine, a recent fracture or severe osteoporosis, among others, generally aren't candidates. See the full list.

Comfort and side-effect questions

Does spinal decompression hurt?

It's designed to be gentle. Most people feel a slow stretch and release. It shouldn't be painful; if it is, tell the staff right away so the settings can be changed or the session stopped.

Is it normal to be sore afterward?

Some people notice mild soreness or muscle tightness after a session, a bit like after starting a new stretching routine. Tell the doctor about soreness that lasts, or any pain that's sharper or different from your usual pain.

Can decompression make my pain worse?

It can happen. In traction studies, some people reported increased pain or worse nerve symptoms (Cochrane). That's one reason screening matters and why you should report any change. New leg weakness, numbness in the groin or bladder or bowel changes need emergency care.

What if I get anxious lying in the harness?

Say so. Ask the staff to walk you through the harness, and how to stop the session, before the table starts.

Can I read or use my phone during the session?

Many people read, listen to something or rest. Ask what's allowed for your position on the table.

Talk with Dr. Stapel about your pain

Call the office or request a free consultation. You'll talk through your symptoms and history, and you'll get an honest answer about whether spinal decompression is worth considering for you.

Call (801) 491-8688 Request a Free Consultation

The consultation is free, with no obligation to start treatment. Have an MRI? Ask about the free MRI review.

Sources

Wegner I, et al. Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013

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.