Process of Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is used for those who have experienced chronic back or leg pain usually due to compression on the nerves in the lower back. This therapy is preformed by a large machine that stretches the spine back into the proper position. It usually takes 15 to 20 treatments about 45 to 60 minutes long, and usually there are some at-home exercises for the patient.

The treatment costs about 1,500 to 2,000 dollars and is unfortunately usually not covered by insurance, but it costs less than surgery would. Dr. Frame, a Toledo chiropractor, also insists the treatment is worth a try because patients can tell if it is working after about nine sessions and Frame has been working with insurance companies to benefit his patients.

Patients who go through treatment are generally happy with the results, their chronic pain disappears and some have to go in for minor adjustments, but no more major corrections. One satisfied customer, Chris Willee, 48, herniated two discs in the 1980s and opted not to have surgery but recently agreed to spinal decompression and insists, “You feel a lot better, it is a good treatment. I would recommend it.”

(Barhite, Toledo Free Press, 6/27/08)