Tingling and numbness in the leg can be symptoms of nerve compression or irritation, often stemming from spinal issues. One common cause is lumbar spine problems, such as:
● Herniated disc
● Degenerative disc disease
● Spinal stenosis
● Sciatica
● Spondylolisthesis
These conditions can compress spinal nerves that travel down the legs, causing symptoms like tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness.
What Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction therapy that aims to gently stretch the spine, relieving pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. It’s often promoted as a treatment for:
● Herniated or bulging discs
● Degenerative disc disease
● Sciatica
● Posterior facet syndrome (worn spinal joints)
How it works:
● The patient lies on a traction table or similar device.
● A harness is attached around the pelvis and trunk.
● The machine gently pulls and releases the spine in cycles to create negative pressure within the disc.
This negative pressure may help:
● Retract herniated or bulging disc material
● Improve nutrient-rich fluid and oxygen flow into the discs
● Reduce pressure on affected nerves
Is It Effective?
The effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression is debated:
✅ Some patients report reduced pain and improved mobility.
❌ Scientific evidence is limited – Some studies suggest benefits, but others find it no more effective than physical therapy, exercise, or placebo.
It may help as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, especially when combined with:
● Physical therapy
● Postural correction
● Strengthening exercises
● Anti-inflammatory treatments
When to See a Doctor
Tingling or numbness in the leg should not be ignored, especially if it is:
● Persistent or worsening
● Accompanied by weakness
● In both legs (bilateral)
● Incontinence or loss of bowel/bladder control → emergency
Summary
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Spinal Decompression? |
| Tingling/numbness in the leg | Nerve compression (e.g., disc) | May help relieve nerve pressure |
| Weakness or severe symptoms | Advanced nerve damage or cauda equina | Requires immediate medical attention |
| Mild to moderate disc issue | Herniation, stenosis, etc. | Non-surgical decompression may help |
If you’re experiencing leg symptoms, it’s best to get an MRI and consult a neurologist or spine specialist before starting decompression therapy in Lenoir City.