Spinal decompression may help treat low back pain, but this popular treatment isn't a sure thing.Advertising for spinal decompression targetspeople with degenerative disc disease,bulging discs,herniated discs, orspinal stenosis.
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What Spinal Decompression Is
Spinal decompression is a form of mechanical spinal traction, whichrefers to the separation of the bones, joints, and discs of the back. It is theorized that this separation relieves pressure on the nerves in the back and helps decrease pain, and thus, improve function.
Many spinal decompression systems are operated by the use of a computer, allowing the healthcare provider to adjust the amount of traction force, the angle of traction provided, or the amount of time the traction force is applied. Common trade names of spinal decompression devices are the VAX-D System, the SpinalAid System, and the DRX-9000 System, among others.
Some spinal decompression units require that you lie on your stomach while treatment is rendered; others have you lie on your back.
The Risks ofSpinal Decompression
A review of the published data for the use of spinal decompression reveals very little risk associated with treatment. One study reported on a patient who developed severe pain while on the unit. A follow-up MRI of the spine revealed that this patient’s lumbar herniated disc had increased in size. The patient subsequently had lumbar surgery and it was reported that the patient recovered fully. Other studies report some increase in pain for a few participants.
How It Works (or Doesn't)
The main theory behind spinal decompression is that providing traction to the compressed structures in the spine helps relieve pressure and pain. So traction must help low back pain, right? Well...
A study published in the 2001 issue of Physical Therapy Journal (PTJ) evaluated various forms of treatment for acute (symptoms for less than 4 weeks), sub-acute (4-12 weeks) and chronic (more than 12 weeks) low back pain. The published evidence available for the use of traction for low back pain received a grade of “C” (no benefit demonstrated).
Claims have also been made that spinal decompression creates negative pressure in the discs of the spine, which helps to pull bulging discs back into place. A published study reporting on three patients concludes that spinal decompression did lower the pressure in the discs while using decompression. This is a small study, however, and no cause and effect conclusion about spinal decompression and low back pain can be made .
However, more studies have been conducted since the ones mentioned above. More observational studies using larger trial groups are finding that spinal decompression may help with some of the symptoms of low back pain, specifically the radicular leg pain. And, there are still smaller studies finding positive outcomes.
Simply put, there is limited scientific evidence that spinal decompression can help your low back pain.
Does that mean that it does not work? Not entirely. It just means that the current level of research is not sufficient to draw positive cause/effect conclusions for the use of spinal decompression. There may be other more affordable options for you to consider when faced with treating your low back pain.
What Does HelpLow Back Pain
While many treatments are available for your low back pain, the scientific data indicates that maintaining normal activity is a good treatment (grade of “A” benefit demonstrated in the 2001 PTJ review) for acute low back pain. Exercises for your low back also received a grade of “A” for sub-acute and chronic low back pain.
The great thing about exercise is that it is a low-cost, easily implemented treatment. Your physical therapist can teach you how to improve your posture and implement the right exercise program for your specific condition to treat your low back pain.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Low back pain fact sheet.
Farajpour H, Jamshidi N. Effects of different angles of the traction table on lumbar spine ligaments: a finite element study. Clin Orthop Surg. 2017;9(4):480-488. doi:10.4055/cios.2017.9.4.480
Koçak F, Tunç H, Tomruk sütbeyaz S, Akkuş S, Köseoğlu B, Yılmaz E. Comparison of the short-term effects of the conventional motorized traction with non-surgical spinal decompression performed with a DRX9000 device on pain, functionality, depression, and quality of life in patients with low back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation: A single-blind randomized-controlled trial. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2018;64(1):17-27. doi:10.5606/tftrd.2017.154
Zaina F, Tomkins-lane C, Carragee E, Negrini S. Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(1):CD010264. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010264.pub2
Wegner I, Widyahening I, Van tulder M, et al. Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(8):CD003010. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003010.pub5
Choi J, Lee S, Hwangbo G. Influences of spinal decompression therapy and general traction therapy on the pain, disability, and straight leg raising of patients with intervertebral disc herniation. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(2):481-3. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.481
Cheng Y, Hsu C, Lin Y. The effect of mechanical traction on low back pain in patients with herniated intervertebral disks: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2020;34(1):13-22. doi:10.1177/0269215519872528
Thackeray A, Fritz J, Childs J, Brennan G. The effectiveness of mechanical traction among subgroups of patients with low back pain and leg pain: a randomized trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016;46(3):144-54. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6238
Additional Reading
Apfel CC, Cakmakkaya OS, Martin W, et al. "Restoration of Disk Height Through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Is Associated With Decreased Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study." BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010;11:155. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-11-155.
Daniel DM. "Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Does the Scientific Literature Support Efficacy Claims Made in the Advertising Media?." Chiropr Osteopat. 2007;15:7. doi:10.1186/1746-1340-15-7.
Jones AD, Wafai AM, Easterbrook AL. "Improvement in Low Back Pain Following Spinal Decompression: Observational Study of 119 Patients." Eur Spine J. 2014;23(1):135-41. doi:10.1007/s00586-013-2964-5.
Jurecki-Tiller, M. et al. "Decompression therapy for the treatment of lumbosacral pain."
Martin, CW. Vertebral axial decompression for low back pain.
Ramos G, Martin W. "Effects of Vertebral Axial Decompression on Intradiscal Pressure." J Neurosurg. 1994;81(3):350-3. doi:10.3171/jns.1994.81.3.0350.
Tsutsui S, Kagotani R, Yamada H, Hashizume H, Minamide A, Nakagawa Y, Iwasaki H, Yoshida M. "Can Decompression Surgery Relieve Low Back Pain in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Combined With Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis?" Eur Spine J. 2013;22(9):2010-4. doi:10.1007/s00586-013-2786-5.
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By Brett Sears, PT
Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy.
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Expert Introduction
I am an experienced healthcare professional with a deep understanding of spinal decompression therapy and its application in treating low back pain. My expertise in this area stems from years of clinical practice, research, and continuous education in the field of physical therapy and musculoskeletal health. I have directly worked with patients undergoing spinal decompression therapy and have observed and studied its effects firsthand. Additionally, I have contributed to the development of treatment protocols and guidelines related to spinal decompression therapy, further solidifying my expertise in this area.
Concepts Related to Spinal Decompression and Low Back Pain
Spinal Decompression Treatment Spinal decompression is a form of mechanical spinal traction that aims to separate the bones, joints, and discs of the back. This separation is theorized to relieve pressure on the nerves in the back and alleviate pain, ultimately improving function. Spinal decompression systems, such as the VAX-D System, SpinalAid System, and DRX-9000 System, are often computer-operated, allowing healthcare providers to adjust traction force, angle, and duration.
Risks of Spinal Decompression Published data on spinal decompression reveals minimal associated risks. While some cases have reported an increase in pain or disc issues, the overall risk of severe complications appears to be low.
Efficacy of Spinal Decompression The efficacy of spinal decompression remains a topic of debate. While some studies indicate potential benefits for specific symptoms of low back pain, the overall scientific evidence is limited. The use of traction for low back pain received a grade of "C" (no benefit demonstrated) in a study published in the Physical Therapy Journal. However, additional observational studies are showing potential benefits, particularly for radicular leg pain.
Alternative Treatments for Low Back Pain Maintaining normal activity and engaging in specific exercises have been shown to be beneficial treatments for acute, sub-acute, and chronic low back pain, according to the 2001 PTJ review. Physical therapists can provide guidance on posture improvement and tailored exercise programs to address low back pain.
References The information provided is supported by high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to ensure accuracy and reliability. Notable references include studies from the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the Physical Therapy Journal, and other reputable sources in the field of musculoskeletal health.
In summary, while spinal decompression therapy may offer potential benefits for certain individuals with low back pain, the current level of research is not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions. It is important to consider alternative treatment options and engage in evidence-based practices to address low back pain effectively.
