Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for Herniated Discs, Sciatica, and Chronic Back Pain

If you've been told you might need surgery for a herniated disc or you've been living with sciatica that just won't quit, spinal decompression therapy may be the path you haven't tried yet. At MNJ Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic in Palmetto Bay, we use an FDA-cleared decompression table to gently relieve disc and nerve pressure — no scalpels, no recovery time, no guesswork.

Focused on What Matters Most

What Spinal Decompression Actually Does to Your Spine

Spinal decompression therapy works by gently and precisely stretching the spine using a specialized motorized table. That controlled stretch creates a small amount of negative pressure inside the affected disc — enough to encourage a bulging or herniated disc to retract away from the nerve it's pressing on. As the disc pulls back, blood flow and nutrients return to the area, supporting the disc's natural ability to heal.

 

The table's computer manages every pull and release in a carefully programmed cycle, which prevents the muscle guarding reflex that makes older traction methods uncomfortable. An emergency stop is built into every session, so you remain in control throughout. Most patients are surprised by how gentle the whole experience feels.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is particularly effective for patients who are dealing with disc-related pain and want to explore every non-surgical option before considering more invasive interventions. Candidates who tend to respond well include:

  • Patients with a bulging or herniated disc in the lumbar or cervical spine
  • People experiencing sciatica — shooting pain, tingling, or numbness down the leg
  • Those diagnosed with degenerative disc disease causing chronic low back or neck pain
  • Patients with a pinched nerve who haven't found lasting relief through medication or rest
  • Anyone who wants to avoid or postpone back surgery and is willing to commit to a course of treatment

Dr. Westrich screens every patient carefully before recommending decompression. Not everyone is a candidate — certain conditions, including fractures, advanced osteoporosis, and some surgical hardware configurations, require a different approach. That screening conversation is part of every new patient visit.

Helping you navigate each step with confidence and support

You'll be comfortably positioned on the decompression table and fitted with a harness around the pelvis or torso, depending on which area of the spine is being treated. Once the session begins, the table applies a gentle, rhythmic stretch at programmed intervals — pulling for a set period, then releasing, then pulling again. The cycle repeats for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

 

The sensation is a slow, steady elongation rather than a sharp pull. Many patients find it relaxing enough to fall asleep. You don't need to do anything other than lie still and let the therapy work. A full course of treatment typically spans several weeks, with sessions scheduled consistently for the best results. Dr. Westrich often combines decompression with chiropractic adjustments or supportive therapies to accelerate improvement and address the full picture of what's driving your pain.

What to Expect During a Decompression Session

Black icon of two hands adjusting a person’s spine, suggesting chiropractic care or back pain treatment

What Patients Ask Before Their First Session

  • How does non-surgical spinal decompression work for herniated discs?

    The decompression table creates a gentle negative pressure inside the disc by carefully stretching the spine. That negative pressure encourages the herniated portion of the disc to retract away from the nerve it's compressing, reducing pain and allowing the disc to begin healing. The process is gradual and cumulative — most patients notice meaningful improvement over a series of sessions rather than after just one.

  • Is spinal decompression therapy safe?

    Yes. The table used at MNJ Chiropractic is FDA-cleared and computer-controlled throughout every session. The programming is designed specifically to avoid triggering the muscle guarding response, and an emergency stop allows you to end the session immediately if needed. Dr. Westrich also screens patients before treatment to confirm they are appropriate candidates.

  • How many sessions will I need before I feel relief?

    Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first few weeks of consistent treatment. A full course typically runs several weeks, with the exact number of sessions depending on the severity and nature of your condition. Dr. Westrich will give you a realistic timeline after your initial evaluation.

  • Can spinal decompression help me avoid back surgery?

    For many patients, yes. Spinal decompression therapy has helped people with herniated discs and chronic sciatica achieve significant pain reduction without surgical intervention. It isn't a guarantee, and candidacy matters — but for patients who qualify, it's a well-supported, non-invasive option worth pursuing before committing to surgery.