Dr. David Kulla, DC provides individualized conservative care using spinal decompression and other treatment approaches at Synergy Wellness Chiropractic & Physical Therapy in New York City. With more than 26 years of clinical experience, Dr. Kulla evaluates patients with back pain, neck pain, disc-related symptoms, sciatica, and other spinal conditions to determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Our Manhattan office at 237 First Avenue near East 14th Street combines chiropractic care, rehabilitation, Cox Flexion-Distraction, spinal decompression, and physical therapy when clinically appropriate.
What Is Spinal Decompression?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a form of mechanical traction in which controlled forces are applied to the spine using a specialized treatment table. The amount and direction of traction can be adjusted according to the area being treated, the patient’s diagnosis, comfort, and response.
Spinal decompression is different from surgical decompression. It does not remove bone or disc material and does not involve an operation.
At Synergy Wellness, spinal decompression may be considered as one component of a broader conservative treatment program rather than as a stand-alone solution for every patient.
Conditions Commonly Evaluated for Spinal Decompression
Dr. Kulla may consider spinal decompression for selected patients with conditions such as:
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Disc-related neck or lower-back pain
- Sciatica and radiating leg symptoms
- Spinal stenosis in appropriate patients
- Degenerative changes affecting spinal discs and joints
- Mechanical back or neck pain associated with restricted movement
Not every MRI finding causes symptoms, and not everyone with a disc bulge, herniation, or degenerative change is an appropriate candidate for decompression. Treatment decisions should be based on the patient’s history, examination, neurological findings, imaging when available, and overall health.
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
During treatment, the patient lies on a specialized table while controlled traction forces gently separate selected spinal segments. Treatment parameters are adjusted according to the region being treated and the patient’s tolerance.
The goal is to temporarily reduce mechanical loading on selected spinal structures and provide a controlled environment in which movement can occur comfortably.
Spinal decompression is commonly combined with rehabilitation, exercise, mobility work, chiropractic care, or physical therapy rather than being used in isolation.
Spinal Decompression vs. Cox Flexion-Distraction
Spinal decompression and Cox Flexion-Distraction both involve controlled distraction of the spine, but they are performed differently.
Spinal decompression uses a mechanical treatment table to apply programmed traction forces.
Cox Flexion-Distraction is a doctor-controlled chiropractic technique performed manually on a specialized segmented table. The chiropractor controls the direction, range, and amount of movement throughout treatment.
Dr. David Kulla, DC is trained in Cox Flexion-Distraction and determines whether decompression, Cox Technique, another conservative approach, or a combination of treatments is appropriate after examining the patient.
Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs
A herniated disc can irritate or compress a nearby spinal nerve root and may produce pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg. Some disc abnormalities, however, cause no symptoms at all.
When disc-related symptoms appear to have a mechanical component and there are no findings requiring urgent medical or surgical treatment, conservative care may be considered.
Most people with symptomatic herniated discs do not automatically require surgery, although progressive weakness, significant neurological loss, or bowel or bladder changes require medical evaluation. Individual treatment decisions depend on the severity and cause of the symptoms.
Spinal Decompression for Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain and other symptoms that travel along the pathway of the sciatic nerve. A lumbar disc herniation, spinal narrowing, or other changes near a nerve root can contribute to these symptoms.
Patients with sciatica should first be evaluated to identify the likely source of nerve irritation. Spinal decompression may be considered for selected patients, but treatment should be individualized rather than prescribed solely because someone has leg pain.
What Does a Spinal Decompression Session Feel Like?
Most treatment is performed with the patient lying comfortably on the decompression table. The traction force is gradually adjusted according to the patient’s condition and tolerance.
Patients may feel a gentle pulling or stretching sensation. Treatment should not produce severe or escalating pain. If symptoms increase significantly during treatment, the procedure can be modified or discontinued.
Dr. Kulla reassesses the patient’s response during a course of care rather than assuming that decompression is appropriate indefinitely.
Is Spinal Decompression Right for Everyone?
No. Spinal decompression is not appropriate for every spinal condition or every patient.
Before treatment, Dr. Kulla reviews the patient’s medical history, symptoms, neurological findings, previous treatment, and relevant imaging when available. Certain conditions may require a different conservative approach or referral for medical evaluation instead.
Progressive neurological weakness, significant loss of sensation, major trauma, suspected fracture, spinal instability, or other serious findings require appropriate medical assessment before routine decompression treatment is considered.
Spinal Decompression Videos
These videos from Dr. Kulla and Synergy Wellness demonstrate and discuss spinal decompression, disc-related conditions, and conservative spinal treatment.