Neck pain is a common complaint that can result from a variety of causes, including:
● Muscle strain (often from poor posture or prolonged device use)
● Herniated cervical discs
● Degenerative disc disease
● Arthritis
● Injury (e.g., whiplash)
● Spinal stenosis or nerve compression
What Is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a therapy aimed at relieving pressure on the spine, particularly the intervertebral discs and nerves. It’s used to treat conditions like:
● Herniated or bulging discs
● Pinched nerves
● Degenerative disc disease
● Cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain in the arm from neck compression)
Types of Spinal Decompression for Neck Pain
1. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
● Involves a motorized traction table or device.
● Gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on discs and nerves.
● May create negative pressure to pull herniated disc material back into place.
● Usually part of a physical therapy program.
Used for: Mild to moderate cases without severe structural issues.
Pros:
● Non-invasive
● Painless
● May reduce need for surgery
Cons:
● Evidence is mixed; not universally effective
● Requires multiple sessions (often 15–30)
2. Surgical Spinal Decompression
Includes procedures like:
● Discectomy: Removal of part of a herniated disc
● Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve nerve pressure
● Foraminotomy: Enlarging the openings where nerve roots exit the spine
Used for: Severe nerve compression, loss of function, or when non-surgical treatments fail.
Pros:
● Can provide immediate relief from nerve pain
Cons:
● Invasive, with risks (infection, nerve damage, etc.)
● Recovery time required
Complementary Treatments
● Chiropractic care: Go to treatment for neck and arm symptoms
● Heat/ice therapy
● Posture correction and ergonomic improvements
When to See a Chiropractor
You should consult a healthcare provider if you have:
● Persistent neck pain lasting more than a few weeks
● Pain radiating to shoulders or arms
● Numbness or tingling
● Weakness in arms or hands
● Loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency)