What to Do Between Spinal Decompression Sessions

What should I do right after a session?

Get up slowly, walk a little, and take it easy on your back for the rest of the day.

Sit up and stand slowly. Take a short walk before getting in the car.
Avoid heavy lifting, bending and twisting for the rest of the day.
If you're driving home a long way, add support behind your lower back and stop to walk if you need to (MedlinePlus).

What are the do's and don'ts for the weeks of a plan?

Move often, sit less and better, lift carefully, and keep up any exercises you've been given.

Do	Avoid
Short walks several times a day	Long stretches of slumped sitting
Get up every 30 to 60 minutes at work	Heavy lifting, especially with a twist
Lift with hips and knees, load close to you	Starting a new strenuous workout without asking
Keep up prescribed home exercises	Testing your back with "just one" big job
Use a lumbar roll in the car and at your desk	Sitting on a thick wallet

Lifting guidance follows MedlinePlus and the AAOS. See also sitting with a herniated disc.

How should I sleep during a plan?

On your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees.

Those are the positions MedlinePlus suggests for low back pain. A medium-firm mattress that keeps your spine level suits many people. More: sleeping positions for disc pain.

Can I keep exercising?

Gentle activity, especially walking, is usually encouraged. Ask before anything strenuous.

Exercise has good evidence for long-lasting low back pain (Cochrane). During a decompression plan, the general idea is to stay active without provoking your symptoms. Ask Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC before heavy weightlifting, running, golf, or other twisting or high-impact sports.

What about soreness, heat and ice?

Mild soreness or stiffness can happen early on. Heat or ice for 15 to 20 minutes can ease it.

Put a cloth between your skin and the heat or ice pack. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help if they're safe for you; check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take other medications. Read more about side effects and whether decompression hurts.

When should I call the office?

For pain that is sharper or getting worse, or for new numbness or weakness. Use 911 for emergencies.

Soreness that lasts more than a day or two, or keeps building.
New or spreading numbness, tingling or weakness.
Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin area: skip the office and call 911.

Call Springville Disc Center at Stapel Family Chiropractic at (801) 491-8688. Hours are Monday to Thursday 9 to 1 and 3 to 6, Friday 9 to 1.

Between-session FAQs

What should I avoid after spinal decompression?

For the rest of the day, avoid heavy lifting, twisting and long periods of slumped sitting. Follow any specific instructions from the doctor, which depend on your condition.

Can I exercise during a decompression plan?

Usually gentle activity like walking is encouraged. Ask before starting or restarting anything strenuous, such as heavy weightlifting, running or contact sports.

Should I use ice or heat after a session?

Either can ease mild soreness. Many people prefer heat for stiffness and ice for a sore, irritated feeling. Use a cloth barrier and limit sessions to about 15 to 20 minutes.

Is it normal to feel sore between sessions?

Mild soreness or stiffness can happen, especially early in a plan. Pain that is sharp, worsening, or comes with new numbness or weakness should be reported right away.

Do I need to drink more water for my discs?

Staying hydrated is good general health advice, but there is no good evidence that extra water changes your discs. Normal healthy fluid intake is enough.

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

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.