AVOID BACK SURGERY
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in
Austin, TX
Advanced decompression therapy for herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and chronic neck and low back pain. Relief without surgery, injections, or drugs.
✓ Walk-Ins Welcome ✓ Non-Invasive ✓ Most Insurance Accepted
20+
Years Experience
⭐ 5.0
Google Rating
116+
5-Star Reviews
50K+
Patients Treated
Before You Consider Surgery — Try This First
If you’ve been told you need back surgery for a herniated disc, bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease, you owe it to yourself to explore non-surgical spinal decompression first. This FDA-cleared therapy has helped thousands of patients avoid surgery by gently relieving pressure on damaged discs and allowing them to heal naturally.
Back surgery is expensive, risky, and often requires months of recovery — with no guarantee of success. Studies show that a significant percentage of spinal surgery patients continue to experience pain afterward, a condition known as “failed back surgery syndrome.” Spinal decompression offers an alternative that works with your body’s natural healing mechanisms instead of cutting into it.
At Touch of Life Chiropractic, Dr. Todd Stranahan uses advanced spinal decompression technology to create negative pressure within the disc, drawing herniated or bulging material back into place and promoting nutrient-rich fluid flow to the injured area. The result is reduced pain, restored disc height, and genuine healing — not just symptom management.
Conditions We Treat with Spinal Decompression
Herniated Discs
When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through the outer wall, it compresses nearby nerves and causes severe pain. Decompression creates negative pressure that draws the herniated material back into the disc.
Bulging Discs
A bulging disc extends beyond its normal boundary and can press on spinal nerves. Decompression therapy reduces the bulge by relieving intradiscal pressure and allowing the disc to retract to its normal position.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As discs lose hydration and height over time, they become less effective as shock absorbers. Decompression promotes nutrient and fluid exchange within the disc, slowing degeneration and restoring function.
Chronic Low Back Pain
When back pain persists for months or years despite other treatments, disc-related problems are often the underlying cause. Decompression targets the disc itself rather than just masking symptoms with medication.
Chronic Neck Pain
Cervical disc herniations and degeneration cause persistent neck pain, stiffness, and radiating arm pain. Cervical decompression gently stretches the neck to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves.
Sciatica from Disc Problems
When a herniated or bulging disc in the lumbar spine compresses the sciatic nerve, pain radiates down the leg. Decompression relieves the disc compression that’s causing the nerve irritation at its source.
How Spinal Decompression Works
Precise Positioning
You lie comfortably on the decompression table, fully clothed. Dr. Todd positions you and the equipment to target the specific disc level causing your pain — whether in the lumbar (low back) or cervical (neck) spine.
Controlled Distraction
The table gently stretches your spine using precisely calibrated force. This creates negative intradiscal pressure — essentially a vacuum effect inside the damaged disc. The force is so gentle that most patients find the treatment relaxing.
Disc Retraction & Healing
The negative pressure draws bulging or herniated disc material back toward the center of the disc. Simultaneously, it pulls oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disc to promote healing and regeneration.
Progressive Relief
Each session lasts 25–35 minutes. Most treatment plans involve 15–25 sessions over 4–8 weeks. Many patients notice improvement within the first few sessions, with significant relief building progressively over the full course of treatment.
Decompression vs. Surgery — The Facts
Spinal Decompression
Non-invasive — no cutting, no anesthesia
Spinal Surgery
Invasive procedure requiring general anesthesia
Zero Downtime
Return to normal activities the same day
Months of Recovery
6–12 weeks minimum recovery, often longer
No Risk of Complications
No infection risk, no scar tissue, no nerve damage
Surgical Risks
Infection, nerve damage, blood clots, failed surgery
Fraction of the Cost
A fraction of what surgery costs, even without insurance
$20,000–$100,000+
Hospital, surgeon, anesthesia, and rehab costs
⚠️ Are You a Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
✓ You have a herniated, bulging, or degenerative disc
✓ You experience chronic low back pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
✓ You have chronic neck pain with or without arm numbness/tingling
✓ You’ve been told you need back or neck surgery
✓ Sciatica or radiating leg pain caused by a disc problem
✓ Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or standing
✓ You want to avoid surgery and long-term medication use
✓ Previous back surgery that didn’t fully resolve your pain
Not sure if decompression is right for you? Your free consultation with Dr. Todd will determine if you’re a good candidate based on your specific condition, imaging, and health history.
Why Choose Touch of Life for Decompression
Comprehensive Approach
We combine spinal decompression with chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises for faster, more complete results than decompression alone.
Experienced Provider
Dr. Todd has over 20 years of experience treating disc conditions. He knows which patients will respond best to decompression and will give you an honest assessment.
Affordable Care
Spinal decompression costs a fraction of surgery. We offer affordable treatment plans, accept most insurance, and will discuss all costs upfront before treatment begins.
Don’t Let Surgery Be Your Only Option
Find out if non-surgical spinal decompression can help you avoid the operating table. Your free consultation includes a thorough evaluation of your disc condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does spinal decompression hurt?
No. Most patients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing. You’ll feel a gentle stretching sensation in your spine, but it should never be painful. Many patients actually fall asleep during sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
Most treatment plans involve 15–25 sessions over 4–8 weeks. The exact number depends on the severity of your condition. Dr. Todd will outline a specific plan after your evaluation and adjust as needed based on your progress.
Can I get decompression if I’ve already had back surgery?
In many cases, yes. Patients with failed back surgery syndrome can often benefit from decompression therapy. However, certain types of spinal hardware may be a contraindication. Dr. Todd will evaluate your specific surgical history during your consultation.
Is spinal decompression the same as traction?
No. Traditional traction applies a constant pulling force, which can trigger muscle guarding. Spinal decompression uses computer-controlled, variable force patterns that bypass the body’s natural resistance, allowing true decompression of the disc.
Does insurance cover spinal decompression?
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance plans cover spinal decompression therapy, while others may cover related services like chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises. We verify your benefits before treatment and offer affordable self-pay options.
Related Conditions We Treat
Serving Austin & Surrounding Communities
Touch of Life Chiropractic is located on Balcones Drive in Northwest Austin. We serve patients from Northwest Hills, Far West, Allandale, Rosedale, Crestview, Great Hills, Arboretum, Westlake, Tarrytown, Cedar Park, and the greater Austin metro area.