How Many Spinal Decompression Sessions Will I Need?

The typical schedule

Weeks 1–2Daily, on office days
Weeks 3–43 visits a week
Weeks 5–62 visits a week

About 20 visits over 6 weeks30–45 minutes per session

Source: the clinic's published protocol. This is typical, not a promise. Your plan is set per patient after the exam.

What can change your number of sessions

What's causing your pain and how long you've had it
How you respond over the first couple of weeks
Other health conditions or past surgery
Your schedule. The office is closed on weekends, and the late-afternoon window is Monday through Thursday.

Checking progress along the way

A plan shouldn't run on autopilot. It's reasonable to expect the doctor to check how you're doing during the plan and to change course if you aren't improving as expected, which may include a referral to a medical doctor or specialist. Ask at the start how progress will be measured.

Making 20 visits work

Book the first two weeks before you start, so the daily visits are on your calendar.
Use the morning hours (9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday) or the late afternoon (3 to 6 pm, Monday through Thursday).
If you live farther away, see the Utah County area pages for honest notes on the drive.

Cost depends on the plan

Because the total depends on how many visits you need and on your insurance, prices aren't listed online. The office explains your expected cost before you commit. Cost and insurance.

Questions? Call (801) 491-8688.

Questions about sessions

How many spinal decompression sessions will I need?

The clinic's typical plan is about 20 sessions over 6 weeks. Your number is set after your exam and may be fewer, more or different, depending on your condition and how you respond.

How long is each session?

About 30 to 45 minutes on the table. Your first visit, the consultation, may take longer.

Why are the first two weeks so frequent?

The clinic's protocol front-loads visits and then tapers. Ask the doctor to explain the reasoning for your plan and what would change it.

Will I feel better after one session?

Some people notice a change early and some don't notice much until later, or at all. One session isn't a fair test either way. Research on decompression is limited, and results vary.

What happens after the 6 weeks?

The doctor reassesses how you're doing. Options can include stopping, home exercises, a different kind of care, or a referral.

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.

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.