Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and pinched nerves. At Lake Mary Chiropractic Center, Dr. Paul Toma, DC has provided spinal decompression to patients across Lake Mary, Heathrow, Sanford, and Seminole County for over 20 years. If you are considering this treatment and want to know what to expect before your first session, this page covers everything — how it works, who it helps, what a session feels like, and how long results typically take.
What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy uses a motorized traction table to gently and precisely stretch the spine in a controlled, cyclical pattern. As the table applies distraction force to the targeted spinal segment, it creates a negative pressure effect inside the disc — drawing bulging or herniated material back toward center and allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to flow back into the disc tissue. This process supports the disc’s natural ability to heal from within, rather than simply masking pain.
The treatment is entirely non-surgical, non-invasive, and does not require anesthesia or recovery downtime. Most patients lie comfortably on the table for 20 to 30 minutes per session, with no sharp pain or discomfort during treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is most effective for patients with disc-related conditions causing neck or back pain, leg pain, or arm pain. Dr. Toma evaluates each patient individually before recommending treatment — not every spine condition is appropriate for decompression, and a thorough assessment ensures both safety and results.
Conditions that respond well to spinal decompression include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Cervical disc herniation with arm pain or numbness
- Spinal stenosis (in appropriate cases)
- Facet syndrome
- Failed back surgery syndrome (in selected patients)
- Chronic neck or back pain that has not responded to other conservative care
Patients who are not candidates include those who are pregnant, have spinal fractures, advanced osteoporosis, spinal hardware (rods, screws, or fusions at the treated level), or certain types of spinal tumors. These contraindications are identified during the initial evaluation.
Does Spinal Decompression Hurt?
No — most patients find spinal decompression comfortable and some report a mild sense of relief during the session itself. The table applies a carefully calibrated distraction force that alternates between gentle pulling and relaxation phases. You will feel a stretching sensation in the targeted area, but the process is not painful.
Patients who are highly sensitive or who present with severe acute disc herniation may experience mild soreness after early sessions, similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue. This typically resolves within 24 hours and diminishes as treatment progresses.
What Happens During a Spinal Decompression Session at Lake Mary Chiropractic?
Your first visit includes a full evaluation with Dr. Toma or one of our licensed chiropractors. We review your health history, perform a physical and neurological exam, and in some cases review imaging (X-rays or MRI) to confirm your diagnosis and treatment appropriateness.
If you are a candidate, a typical decompression session proceeds as follows:
- You lie on the decompression table, fully clothed
- A comfortable harness is fitted around your pelvis and torso
- The table is calibrated to your specific spinal level and distraction force requirements
- The session runs for approximately 20 to 30 minutes in a gentle pull-and-release cycle
- After the session, you may receive a chiropractic adjustment, ice therapy, or electrical stimulation to support the treatment
Sessions are quiet and relaxed — many patients listen to music or rest during treatment.
Spinal Decompression at Lake Mary Chiropractic Center
Lake Mary Chiropractic Center is located at 3240 W Lake Mary Blvd, Suite 1300, Lake Mary, FL 32746 — convenient to patients throughout Lake Mary, Heathrow, Sanford, Longwood, and Altamonte Springs.
Dr. Paul Toma, DC founded the practice in 2000 and has specialized in Chiropractic Biophysics and disc conditions throughout his career. Our team includes Dr. Monica Kim, DC and Dr. Desireé Ramos-Martínez, DC, all of whom are experienced in evaluating and treating disc-related conditions.
Spinal decompression at our office is integrated with our full suite of care — patients frequently combine decompression with chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and massage therapy for comprehensive disc rehabilitation under one roof.
A non-surgical treatment designed to reduce disc pressure and relieve nerve-related pain
At Lake Mary Chiropractic Center, we offer advanced spinal decompression therapy for patients with herniated discs, sciatica, chronic neck pain, and disc-related back pain. Treatment plans are personalized following a comprehensive evaluation.
