Spinal Decompression in South Lake Tahoe

We use flexion-distraction, a gentle, hands-on form of spinal decompression for the low back. You lie face-down on a specialized table while the chiropractor slowly flexes and distracts your lower spine in a rhythmic, pumping motion intended to decompress the discs, ease nerve pressure, and improve mobility, all without forceful thrusts.

Flexion-distraction is a gentle, non-invasive, drug-free technique and is generally considered safe when performed by a trained chiropractor. We examine every patient before starting and screen for contraindications such as recent fractures, certain tumors, and severe osteoporosis, so care is appropriate for you.

Many patients find it comfortable or even relaxing, a slow, gentle stretch and release across the low back with no sharp pulling or twisting. Because the force is light and guided by the chiropractor's hands, it is less likely to cause the soreness that sometimes follows high-velocity adjustments. Some people notice mild muscle fatigue afterward, which is normal and usually short-lived.

It depends on how long you've had the problem and how your spine responds. After your exam, we give you a personalized plan with clear goals and check your progress along the way, adjusting the plan as you improve.

Call our office to ask about insurance and payment options. Our front desk team is happy to answer billing questions before your first visit.

It may. Flexion-distraction aims to gently open the disc space and reduce pressure inside the disc, which may take pressure off the nerve and ease the pain, numbness, or tingling it can cause. It is used most often for the lumbar disc problems behind low back pain and sciatica.

It may. Sciatica is commonly caused by pressure on a nerve root in the low back from a disc or a narrowed space around the nerve. By gently opening the disc space and easing that pressure, flexion-distraction aims to address the mechanical source of the leg pain.

No. Motorized decompression and traction machines pull the spine using a computer-controlled table and a harness. Our spinal decompression is flexion-distraction, which is entirely hands-on. The chiropractor controls every movement in real time, which allows precise targeting of individual spinal segments and makes it a gentler option for many patients.

Patients with recent spinal fractures, spinal fusion hardware in the low back, severe osteoporosis, or active cancer in the spine are typically not candidates for this technique. If you're pregnant, let us know at your exam so we can recommend the approach that best fits your stage of pregnancy. Your exam covers all of these, so we only proceed when it's the right choice.

Disc pain often radiates into the buttock or leg (sciatica), worsens when sitting or bending forward, and may include numbness or weakness. An orthopedic and neurological exam helps our chiropractors identify the likely source and tell you whether decompression is the right tool. If you already have imaging, bring the report with you, since it can help us target the right level.

We use it for low back conditions such as herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc changes, sciatica, pinched nerves in the lumbar spine, facet irritation, and chronic low back pain that hasn't responded to other conservative care. We're honest about what to expect and will tell you if surgery or another approach may be the better path.

Stay gently active, and walking is ideal. Avoid prolonged sitting or bending that worsens your symptoms. Our chiropractors will give you specific stretches and posture tips to support your progress between visits.