Frequently Asked Questions

Low back pain can have several causes, including muscle strain, disc changes, arthritis, and other conditions. An examination helps identify the cause and suitable care. Read AAOS OrthoInfo's overview.

Response and timing vary. Ask your provider what changes to watch for, when progress will be reassessed, and what alternatives may be appropriate if you are not improving. A fixed number of visits cannot guarantee relief.

A non-surgical approach is not automatically appropriate for everyone. Discuss potential discomfort, risks, and alternatives with your provider before beginning, and report any symptoms during treatment. Your medical and surgical history help guide that assessment.

The provider selects the positioning and equipment settings for the proposed treatment area. The separated vertebrae in our educational 3D model illustrate anatomy; they do not show actual treatment movement or promise a particular change within a disc.

It's a conservative treatment that uses a computer-controlled table to apply a gentle distraction force to your spine. This relieves pressure on compressed discs and nerves — the most common source of chronic back, neck, and radiating leg or arm pain — and creates conditions that support the disc's natural repair.

No. Sessions are designed to be comfortable — the pull is gentle and cyclical, and the computer constantly adjusts to keep your muscles relaxed. Most patients read, listen to music, or even fall asleep during their 20–30 minute sessions.

People with herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, chronic neck pain, and even continued pain after back surgery are frequently candidates. Your doctor will review your case history, exam findings, and imaging before recommending care. Certain conditions — such as severe osteoporosis, fractures, tumors, or pregnancy — may rule out treatment.

Basic traction applies a steady pull, which muscles instinctively resist. True decompression uses computer-controlled cycles of distraction and relaxation that work with your body, allowing negative pressure to develop inside the disc itself — something simple stretching can't reliably achieve.

Care plans are customized, but a typical program involves a series of sessions over several weeks. Your doctor will lay out the full plan — including frequency and duration — at your initial consultation, and monitor your progress throughout.

Costs vary by clinic and by the length of your care plan. Many clinics offer affordable payment options, and portions of care may be covered depending on your insurance. Your local Disc Centers of America clinic will verify your benefits and explain all costs before you begin.

Also known as cold laser, LLLT uses specific wavelengths of light to accelerate and enhance the body's natural defense and repair processes — reducing inflammation and supporting tissue healing. It's painless, quick, and often used alongside decompression.

Often, yes. Many patients with "failed back surgery syndrome" — continued pain after an operation — are candidates for decompression. Bring your surgical history and imaging to your consultation for an honest assessment.

Use our location finder — search by city, state, or ZIP code, or let your browser share your location to see the nearest certified clinics, complete with phone numbers and directions. You can also call (888) DOC-DISC.