Spinal Decompression

Non-Surgical Relief for Disc-Related Pain

Spinal disc problems are among the most common and debilitating conditions we see at Lakeside Spine and Wellness. Herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica can severely limit your ability to work, exercise, sleep, and enjoy life. For many patients, spinal decompression therapy offers meaningful relief without the risks, costs, and recovery time of surgery.

Dr. Andrew Winger uses spinal decompression as part of our comprehensive corrective care approach, combining it with chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, and other therapies to address both your symptoms and the structural issues driving them.

Understanding Disc Problems

Your spinal discs sit between each vertebra, acting as shock absorbers and spacers that allow your spine to move, bend, and twist. Each disc has a tough outer ring (the annulus) and a gel-like center (the nucleus). When the outer ring weakens or tears — due to injury, poor posture, repetitive stress, or age-related degeneration — the inner material can push outward, creating a bulge or herniation.

This displaced disc material often presses on nearby spinal nerves, causing pain that can radiate into the arms or legs. Sciatica, for example, occurs when a lumbar disc compresses the sciatic nerve, sending sharp or burning pain down the back of the leg. Cervical disc problems can cause similar symptoms in the shoulders, arms, and hands.

Traditional treatment for disc problems often involves pain medication, steroid injections, and eventually surgery. While these approaches have their place, they do not address the underlying mechanical problem. Spinal decompression therapy takes a different approach by working directly on the disc itself.

How Spinal Decompression Works

Spinal decompression therapy uses a specialized table to apply gentle, intermittent traction to the spine. You lie comfortably — face up for lumbar decompression or in a supported position for cervical decompression — while the system applies precisely calibrated pulling forces to the targeted area of your spine.

This traction creates a negative pressure (vacuum effect) inside the disc. The negative pressure serves two important purposes. First, it encourages herniated or bulging disc material to retract back toward the center of the disc, reducing pressure on the surrounding nerves. Second, it draws nutrient-rich fluids into the disc, promoting healing in tissue that otherwise receives very limited blood supply.

Each session typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. The traction is applied in cycles — pulling and releasing — which keeps the muscles from guarding and allows the treatment to reach the disc effectively. Most patients find the experience comfortable and relaxing. Many actually fall asleep during their sessions.

A typical decompression treatment plan involves multiple sessions over several weeks, with the frequency gradually decreasing as symptoms improve and the disc heals. Dr. Winger will determine the appropriate schedule based on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate

Spinal decompression therapy at our Renton office is effective for a range of disc-related conditions:

• Herniated discs — where disc material has pushed through the outer ring
• Bulging discs — where the disc extends beyond its normal boundary
• Degenerative disc disease — age-related wear that thins and weakens discs
• Sciatica — leg pain caused by lumbar nerve compression
• Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves
• Facet joint syndrome — irritation of the small joints along the back of the spine
• Failed back surgery syndrome — persistent pain after a previous spinal surgery

Not every patient is a candidate for decompression. Conditions such as spinal fractures, spinal tumors, advanced osteoporosis, or certain spinal implants may require different approaches. Dr. Winger will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether decompression is appropriate for your specific situation.

Decompression as Part of Corrective Care

At Lakeside Spine and Wellness, spinal decompression is rarely used in isolation. It works best as part of an integrated corrective care plan that also addresses the structural and postural factors contributing to your disc problem.

For many patients, disc problems develop because of long-standing spinal misalignment, poor posture, or muscle imbalances that place excessive stress on certain disc segments. Decompression relieves the immediate pressure on the disc, but without correcting the underlying alignment issues, the disc is likely to be re-injured.

That is why Dr. Winger combines decompression with CBP-based corrective adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, and postural correction. This comprehensive approach not only relieves your current symptoms but also reduces the likelihood of recurrence by addressing why the disc became damaged in the first place.

What to Expect

During your initial evaluation, Dr. Winger will review your health history, perform a physical examination, and may order imaging to assess the condition of your discs. If spinal decompression is appropriate, he will explain the treatment protocol, including how many sessions to expect and what results are realistic for your condition.

Most patients begin to notice improvement within the first few weeks of treatment, though the full benefit typically develops over the course of the complete treatment plan. Progress is monitored throughout, and the plan is adjusted as needed based on your response.

Find Out if Decompression Is Right for You

If you are dealing with disc pain, sciatica, or nerve-related symptoms and want to explore a non-surgical option, spinal decompression therapy at Lakeside Spine and Wellness may provide the relief you have been looking for.

Call (425) 276-8044 or Request Appointment to schedule a consultation at our Renton office.