Questions to ask before spinal decompression

How do I use this checklist?

Print it or save it to your phone, mark the questions that matter to you, and bring it to your consultation.

You don't need to ask every question. Pick the ones you care about most. Good answers are specific to you, honest about uncertainty, and free of pressure.

Am I actually a candidate?

These questions check that the treatment fits your diagnosis.

• What do you think is causing my pain?
• What in my exam or MRI makes you think decompression could help?
• Is there anything in my history that rules it out, such as hardware, a recent fracture or osteoporosis? (See who shouldn't have decompression.)
• Do I need imaging before starting?
• Would you recommend I see a medical doctor or surgeon first?

What does the plan involve?

These questions make the time commitment clear before you start.

• How many visits do you recommend, and over how many weeks?
• How long is each visit?
• Does the plan include anything besides decompression, like exercises or adjustments?
• What should I do or avoid between sessions?
• How will we measure whether it's working, and when will we check?

For reference, the clinic's typical plan is about 20 visits over 6 weeks, 30 to 45 minutes each, set after your exam. See how many sessions.

What will it cost?

Get the total, not a per-visit number, and ask what insurance may or may not cover.

• What's the total expected cost of the plan?
• Will my insurance cover any part of it? What about Medicare? (Medicare covers only manual spinal manipulation by a chiropractor; Medicare.gov.)
• Is payment due up front, per visit, or on a schedule?
• What happens to payment if I stop early?

More detail: cost and insurance.

Is it safe for me?

These questions cover side effects and what to do if something feels wrong.

• What side effects are common, and which are reasons to stop?
• How do I stop the table if I'm uncomfortable?
• Who do I call if pain gets worse between visits?

Read side effects of spinal decompression.

What does the research say?

An honest answer acknowledges that the evidence is limited.

• What does research show about decompression for my condition?
• How does it compare with physical therapy, injections or surgery for someone like me?

A Cochrane review of traction for low back pain, including motorized traction, didn't find clear benefit over sham or other treatments (Cochrane). Clinical guidelines favor exercise and other non-drug care first for many people (ACP). See does spinal decompression work?

What happens if it doesn't help?

Ask about the exit plan before you start.

• If I'm not improving, when will we change course?
• Will you refer me to a medical doctor, physical therapist or surgeon if needed?
• What can I do on my own afterward to keep improvement going?

Which answers are red flags?

Promises, pressure and vagueness.

• Promised results or quoted outcome statistics.
• Pressure to sign or pay the same day.
• No exam before recommending a plan.
• Discouraging you from getting a medical opinion.

Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC has been in practice since 1993 and offers a free consultation at Springville Disc Center at Stapel Family Chiropractic, 230 E 400 S Ste 1, Springville. Bring this list. Call (801) 491-8688.

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.