Non-surgical spinal decompression sounds high-tech, and it is, but the idea behind it is wonderfully simple: gently take pressure off a painful disc so your body can heal. At The Spine and Wellness Center in Coral Springs, Dr. Jared Cohen, DC uses this therapy to help patients across Coral Springs and Parkland find relief from disc-related back and neck pain without drugs or surgery.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

What spinal decompression actually is

Spinal decompression is a motorized traction therapy delivered on a specialized, computer-controlled table. Rather than pulling steadily, the table applies gentle, cyclical stretching to a targeted segment of your spine. This precise, alternating force is what sets modern spinal decompression apart from old-fashioned traction and makes it both effective and comfortable.

You stay fully clothed and lie down while a harness gently secures you. The system then lengthens and relaxes the spine in a controlled rhythm, all programmed to your specific condition, body, and tolerance.

The science: creating negative disc pressure

Here is the core idea. When the table gently separates two vertebrae, it lowers the pressure inside the disc between them, creating what is called negative intradiscal pressure, or a vacuum effect. Research suggests this gentle suction can help draw a bulging or herniated disc‘s displaced material back toward the center and away from irritated nerves.

That same negative pressure also pulls in water, oxygen, and nutrients, the building blocks discs need to repair themselves. Because discs have a poor direct blood supply, this fluid exchange is a meaningful way to nourish tissue that otherwise struggles to heal on its own.

What a session feels like

Most patients are pleasantly surprised. A typical session lasts roughly 20 to 45 minutes, and many people find it so relaxing they nearly fall asleep. You will feel a gentle, comfortable stretch that builds and releases in cycles. There should be no sharp pain; if anything feels uncomfortable, the program is adjusted right away.

Decompression is often paired with complementary therapies. Some patients also benefit from spinal traction with the Triton system, along with adjustments, therapeutic exercise, and muscle work to reinforce results.

Conditions it can help

• Herniated and bulging discs in the neck or lower back
• Sciatica and radiating leg pain
• Degenerative disc disease
• Pinched nerves and certain types of facet syndrome
• Persistent neck or low back pain linked to disc compression
• Some cases of spinal stenosis

Decompression is a frequent recommendation within our herniated disc care because it targets the disc directly rather than only easing surface symptoms.

How many sessions will I need?

Disc healing is gradual, so decompression works best as a series rather than a single visit. Many treatment plans run over several weeks, with frequency tapering as you improve. Dr. Cohen tailors the count to your diagnosis, severity, and response, and reassesses along the way so you are never doing more than you need.

Patients across Coral Springs, Parkland, Tamarac, and Deerfield Beach appreciate this measured approach, and same-day appointments are often available. We accept most major insurance.

Who is a good candidate?

Decompression is a strong fit for many people with disc-related pain who want to avoid surgery. It is not appropriate for everyone, however. People who are pregnant, or who have certain fractures, advanced osteoporosis, spinal hardware, or some tumors, may not be candidates. That is why a thorough evaluation, often including imaging, comes first, so your plan is both safe and effective.

During that first visit, Dr. Cohen reviews your history, examines your spine, and correlates any MRI or X-ray findings with your symptoms. From there he can tell you honestly whether decompression is likely to help, what results to expect, and how it fits alongside other care. The goal is a clear, realistic plan rather than a one-size-fits-all program.

How decompression fits into lasting recovery

Relieving disc pressure is only part of the story. Once your pain eases, the discs and surrounding muscles need support to stay healthy, which is why decompression is most effective as part of a broader plan. Dr. Cohen typically combines it with corrective exercises, posture guidance, and lifestyle adjustments so the relief you gain on the table carries over into daily life.

Many patients also learn simple habits to protect their progress, from improving how they sit and lift to staying hydrated so the discs retain the fluid that decompression helps restore. This combination of in-office therapy and smart self-care is what turns short-term relief into durable results for people across Coral Springs, Parkland, and the surrounding communities.

Self-care that supports your results

• Stay hydrated so your discs can hold the fluid decompression draws in
• Take regular movement breaks instead of sitting for hours
• Strengthen your core to share load off the spine
• Use good lifting mechanics and keep loads close to your body
• Set up an ergonomic workstation with proper screen height
• Follow your home exercise program consistently between visits