Told you need surgery for a herniated disc? Dr. Rob Kelch's FDA-cleared spinal decompression therapy relieves disc pain, sciatica, and nerve compression without drugs or surgery. Most patients feel relief within the first few sessions.
Spinal decompression therapy uses a computer-controlled motorized table to gently and precisely stretch the spine. Unlike old-fashioned traction, modern decompression alternates between distraction and relaxation phases — creating negative pressure inside the disc that pulls herniated or bulging material back toward center.
This negative pressure also draws in oxygen, water, and nutrients that a damaged disc desperately needs to heal. It's the only conservative treatment that actually addresses disc material itself — not just the surrounding pain and inflammation.
This is why patients who failed injections, physical therapy, and pain medication often finally get lasting relief with spinal decompression. The other treatments were managing symptoms. Decompression treats the disc.
When disc material ruptures through the outer wall and presses on a nearby nerve, it causes intense local pain and radiating symptoms into the arm or leg. Decompression creates the negative pressure needed to draw that material back toward center — the only non-surgical way to directly address the herniation itself.
A bulging disc hasn't ruptured yet, but the disc wall has weakened and is pressing outward into the spinal canal. Left untreated, bulges become herniations. Decompression relieves current symptoms and helps restore disc integrity before the condition progresses further.
As discs dehydrate and lose height with age, the space between vertebrae narrows and nerves become compressed. Decompression rehydrates the disc by drawing in fluid and nutrients, partially restoring disc height and relieving the nerve pressure that creates chronic pain.
When a herniated or bulging lumbar disc presses on the sciatic nerve, it sends searing pain, numbness, and weakness down the leg. Decompression targets the exact disc level compressing the nerve — often producing dramatic relief where stretching and medication have failed.
Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing pain, cramping, and weakness — especially when standing or walking. Decompression gently increases the space within the canal and reduces the compression that drives stenosis symptoms.
When the facet joints that connect vertebrae become compressed and inflamed, they generate deep, aching pain that worsens with extension and rotation. Decompression relieves the compressive load on facet joints while chiropractic adjustments restore proper joint motion.
Each session is comfortable, relaxing, and precisely targeted to your specific disc level. Here's exactly what to expect.
You lie fully clothed on the decompression table. A harness is fitted around your pelvis (for lumbar treatment) or your neck is positioned in a gentle cradle (for cervical treatment). The setup takes just a few minutes and is completely comfortable.
The computer-controlled table gently pulls at a precise angle and force specific to your disc level. This creates negative intradiscal pressure — a gentle vacuum effect inside the disc that draws herniated material back and pulls in healing nutrients.
The table releases to a partial rest position — not fully releasing — which prevents the muscular guarding response that limits old-fashioned traction. This cycle repeats multiple times throughout the session, typically 15 to 30 minutes total.
Decompression sessions are combined with chiropractic adjustments to restore spinal alignment, and therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your spine. This combination produces significantly better outcomes than decompression alone.
Most patients complete 12–20 sessions over 4–8 weeks. Improvement is typically felt within the first 6–8 sessions. Dr. Kelch re-evaluates progress throughout the course and adjusts the protocol based on your response to treatment.
Because decompression promotes actual disc healing rather than just pain relief, results are typically long-lasting. Patients who complete the full protocol and follow home care recommendations maintain improvement for years. Many avoid surgery entirely.
Dr. Kelch has treated disc injuries at every severity level — from early bulges to multi-level herniations in patients told surgery was their only option. His advanced training in spinal biomechanics means he understands not just the disc, but all the surrounding factors driving your pain.
Many clinics offer decompression in isolation. Dr. Kelch combines it with targeted chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue work — addressing the disc, the joint alignment, and the muscular compensation patterns all at once. This integrated approach produces faster and more durable results.
You'll receive a defined treatment plan at your first visit with a clear number of sessions and specific goals. Dr. Kelch re-evaluates regularly and reports progress honestly. The goal is to get you better and keep you that way — not to keep you coming back indefinitely.
"My MRI showed two herniated discs and my surgeon wanted to fuse them. I tried Dr. Kelch's decompression program first. After 16 sessions I had zero pain. That was 18 months ago and I still haven't needed surgery."
— Sandra K., Peoria ★★★★★
Normally $250 — new patients only
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Doctor of Chiropractic · Peoria, IL
Dr. Rob Kelch has been treating disc injuries and spinal conditions at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria, IL for over a decade. He has helped more than 3,000 patients recover from back pain, herniated discs, and sciatica — many of whom were told surgery was their only option. This page was written based on his clinical experience and reflects the protocols he uses in practice every day.
Learn More About Dr. Kelch →Same-day appointments available · $49 new patient special · Most insurance accepted
Disc-related back pain is the most common reason patients need decompression therapy. Herniated discs, bulging discs, and DDD all respond extremely well.
Learn More →When a herniated disc compresses the sciatic nerve, decompression is often the most effective non-surgical treatment available — addressing the disc causing the nerve pain directly.
Learn More →Catch a bulging disc before it herniates. Decompression relieves current symptoms and helps restore disc integrity — stopping the progression before surgery becomes necessary.
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