Dallas Chiropractor Best Practices Research Commentary;

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression for Back Pain

A review of

Choi E., et al. Effect of Non-surgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. 2022.

Research Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Flaquer

Summarized Review of Conclusion

Disc herniations are one of the leading causes of low back pain and radicular symptoms, affecting millions every year. This study provides strong evidence supporting non-surgical spinal decompression therapy (NSDT) as an effective treatment for reducing pain, improving function, and even reducing herniated disc size on MRI.

In this randomized controlled trial, patients receiving true spinal decompression had significantly greater improvements in leg pain, overall disability, and measurable decreases in disc herniation volume compared to those receiving sham decompression. Over the 6-week treatment period, the group receiving actual NSDT experienced superior outcomes in nearly all clinical categories.

This study demonstrates that spinal decompression is more than just symptom relief — it may directly influence the mechanical environment of the disc, allowing for healing and reduction of herniation size. NSDT is a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective conservative option for patients suffering from lumbar disc injuries.

Quotes from the Article:

“Patients in the decompression group showed significantly greater reductions in leg pain intensity compared with the control group.”

“Herniated disc volume decreased in the nonsurgical spinal decompression group when measured on MRI.”

“NSDT may be a promising non-surgical intervention for managing subacute lumbar herniated disc.”

Introduction to the Research

The researchers designed this study to evaluate whether nonsurgical spinal decompression could meaningfully reduce pain and disc herniation size in patients with subacute lumbar disc herniation. While mechanical traction has been used for decades, few studies have measured actual changes in disc volume — making this research particularly meaningful for clinicians.

Even without a chiropractic-only comparison group, the clear superiority of true decompression therapy demonstrates its value as part of a comprehensive chiropractic care plan for disc injuries.

Research Methodology

This randomized controlled trial included 60 patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation. Participants were assigned to either real nonsurgical spinal decompression or a sham/pseudodecompression group.

The decompression group received graded mechanical traction targeting disc unloading, while the sham group received minimal traction that did not create distraction forces. Outcomes measured included leg pain (NRS), function (K-ODI), and MRI-confirmed disc herniation volume before and after the 6-week intervention.

Research Findings

This study shows that spinal decompression is a clinically powerful tool for reducing disc herniation symptoms and improving function — and uniquely, it demonstrates actual reductions in disc herniation volume. For chiropractors, this supports decompression as a safe, cost-effective option for managing disc injuries and radicular pain.

Research References

As always with these reviews, these are my takeaways from the article and I encourage you to read the article in its entirety. The references used in this article by the authors of this article are listed below.

1. Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P. B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, Article ID 6343837. doi:10.1155/2022/6343837 PMC+2PubMed+2
2. Hartvigsen, J., Hancock, M. J., Kongsted, A., et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. The Lancet., 2018;391(10137):2356–2367. PubMed
3. Chiu, C. C., Chuang, T. Y., Chang, K. H., Wu, C. H., Lin, P. W., & Hsu, W. Y. The probability of spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc: a systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation., 2015;29(2):184–195. doi:10.1177/0269215514540919. PubMed
4. Kim, H. S., Yun, D. H., & Huh, K. Y. Effect of spinal decompression therapy compared with intermittent mechanical traction in lumbosacral disc herniation. Journal of Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine., 2008;32(3):319–323. PubMed
5. Vanti, C., Panizzolo, A., Turone, L., et al. Effectiveness of mechanical traction for lumbar radiculopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical Therapy., 2021;101(3). doi:10.1093/ptj/pzaa231.

Our Message

When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you that you can trust, choose one who will not only get rid of your back pain, neck pain, or headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle to keep you out of pain. Our East Dallas Chiropractors located in Lakewood, near the corner of Mockingbird Ln. and Abrams Rd., are here to teach you that taking care of your mental health and getting the proper nutrients are just as important as the chiropractic adjustment to stay healthy.