Now Accepting New Patients

(503) 618-0147

Reader's Choice 2025 1
google review

Let’s Get Social!

Contact Us

How Spinal Decompression Therapy Promotes Natural Healing for Herniated Discs

A person is shown from behind, wearing a blue shirt with a graphical representation of a spine highlighted in bright colors, indicating back pain.

Chronic back pain can be both physically and mentally draining, especially when caused by a herniated or bulging disc. Many people assume surgery is their only option for relief, but advancements in spinal decompression therapy now make it possible to manage and even correct these issues without invasive procedures.

At Aspire Chiropractic, we focus on helping patients restore mobility, reduce pain, and support the body’s natural healing process through non-surgical spinal decompression. This safe, targeted approach offers lasting benefits for individuals struggling with disc-related back and neck pain.

Understanding Herniated Discs and Their Impact

The spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by soft, gel-like discs that act as shock absorbers. These discs help maintain flexibility and protect the spine from everyday stress. A herniated disc occurs when the inner material pushes through a tear in the outer layer, often compressing nearby nerves and causing pain, tingling, or weakness.

Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

  • Sharp or radiating pain in the back, neck, or legs

  • Numbness or tingling in the extremities

  • Muscle weakness or reduced mobility

  • Increased pain with bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting

If left untreated, a herniated disc can lead to chronic discomfort or nerve irritation that affects daily life. That’s why identifying effective herniated disc treatment early is crucial for long-term spinal health.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment designed to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves. During the procedure, patients lie on a specialized table that uses controlled traction to carefully stretch and relax the spine in cycles.

This process creates negative pressure within the spinal discs, allowing bulging or herniated material to retract back into place. The decompression also improves blood flow and nutrient exchange, which supports the body’s natural healing process.

How It Works

  • Step 1: The patient is positioned comfortably on a decompression table.

  • Step 2: The machine gently applies traction to lengthen the spine.

  • Step 3: The pressure alternates between stretching and relaxation phases to promote disc rehydration and healing.

Over a series of sessions, this therapy can help restore spinal alignment, reduce nerve compression, and relieve pain.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Unlike surgery, non-surgical spinal decompression carries minimal risks and requires no downtime. It’s a natural way to restore spinal function while improving comfort and mobility.

Key benefits include:

1. Pain Relief and Pressure Reduction

Decompression helps relieve pressure on nerves caused by disc herniation or degeneration, reducing pain in the back, neck, and limbs.

2. Enhanced Nutrient and Oxygen Flow

By improving circulation within the spinal discs, decompression therapy encourages the exchange of fluids and nutrients that promote tissue repair and healing.

3. Restored Disc Height and Flexibility

The stretching motion helps re-establish normal spacing between vertebrae, reducing friction and stiffness in the joints.

4. Improved Posture and Spinal Alignment

With regular treatment, decompression can support better posture by relieving uneven tension across the spine.

5. Non-Invasive and Comfortable

Most patients find spinal decompression to be a relaxing experience. Each session is customized for individual comfort and treatment goals.

To explore additional options for spinal health and posture improvement, check out our Wellness and Preventive Care page.

Who Can Benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is suitable for individuals experiencing chronic or acute pain caused by disc-related conditions. It’s often recommended for:

  • Herniated or bulging discs

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Sciatica or nerve compression

  • Chronic lower back or neck pain

  • Spinal stenosis or joint stiffness

Those who have not found relief through traditional methods—such as physical therapy or medication—often see significant improvement with spinal decompression therapy.

However, not everyone is an ideal candidate. Individuals with severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, or certain post-surgical conditions may require alternative treatment options. Your chiropractor can determine whether this therapy is right for you after a comprehensive evaluation.

Spinal Decompression vs. Traditional Herniated Disc Treatment

Traditional treatments for herniated discs often involve medications, injections, or surgery. While these approaches can offer short-term relief, they may not address the root cause of the problem.

In contrast, non-surgical spinal decompression focuses on restoring the spine’s natural alignment and creating an environment for healing from within. It aims to correct the underlying pressure imbalance rather than simply masking pain symptoms.

Patients who undergo decompression therapy often report long-lasting results, improved range of motion, and a reduced need for pain management interventions.

What to Expect During Spinal Decompression Sessions

Each session typically lasts 20–30 minutes, depending on your condition and treatment plan. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. You’ll lie fully clothed on a decompression table designed for comfort.

  2. A harness is gently secured around the lower back or neck area.

  3. The machine gradually applies traction to stretch the spine, followed by a relaxation phase.

Most patients describe the experience as soothing and often feel an immediate sense of pressure relief. A full treatment plan may include multiple sessions spread over several weeks to achieve lasting results.

After each session, your chiropractor may recommend gentle exercises or stretches to support spinal stability and prevent future disc issues.

Support Long-Term Spinal Health

Consistent care plays a key role in maintaining a healthy spine. Regular chiropractic adjustments combined with spinal decompression therapy can help prevent future disc problems by keeping your spine aligned and flexible. Maintaining good posture, staying active, and using proper body mechanics when lifting or sitting can further enhance results.

If you’re struggling with chronic back or neck pain due to a herniated disc, non-surgical decompression offers a safe, effective, and lasting solution.

Find Relief with Aspire Chiropractic

Don’t let herniated disc pain limit your mobility or quality of life. Aspire Chiropractic provides safe, effective, and non-invasive care designed to support your body’s natural healing process through spinal decompression therapy.

Contact Aspire Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation and learn how non-surgical spinal decompression can help you experience long-term relief, improved posture, and a stronger, healthier spine.

  • Chiropractor

Dr. Annmarie King

Dr. King has been helping patients improve their health and mobility through chiropractic care since graduating from University of Western States in 2009. With more than 13 years of experience, she is dedicated to providing advanced spinal correction using safe, comfortable, and effective techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. King combines years of training with a patient-centered approach to care. She specializes in chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression, helping patients find relief from pain, restore movement, and support long-term spinal health.

Dr. King earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from University of Western States and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Management and Nutrition from Oregon State University. She is licensed through the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and the Oregon Health Authority.

Dr. King utilizes a variety of proven chiropractic techniques, including Diversified Technique, Drop Table Adjustments, Cox Flexion-Distraction Technique, and Activator Method. These modern methods allow her to deliver precise spinal corrections that are safer, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before.

Education

  • Western States University Portland OR – Doctor of Chiropractic
  • Graduated 2009, 13 years of experience
  • Oregon State University, Corvallis Oregon – Bachelor of Science (Food Management and Nutrition)

Licensure

  • Oregon Stated Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • Oregon Department of Radiology
  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Spinal Decompression

Techniques Used

  • Diversified (most common and its hand on)
  • Drop Table Adjustments
  • Cox Flexion – Distraction
  • Activator Method
  • Chiropractor

Dr. Mark Betsill

Dr. Mark Betsill is a dedicated chiropractor serving patients in Gresham with more than a decade of experience helping individuals move better, feel better, and return to the activities they enjoy most. He earned his undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Health from Boise State University, where his interest in health and human performance first began to take shape.

After experiencing firsthand how chiropractic care helped him recover from an upper back injury that was affecting his golf game, Dr. Betsill discovered the path he wanted to pursue. He went on to attend Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2007.

Dr. Betsill focuses on helping patients recover from neck and back pain, sports injuries, postural stress, auto accident injuries, and workplace-related conditions. He uses gentle, effective techniques including manual adjustments, the Activator Method, and drop-table adjustments to address spinal misalignment and extremity dysfunction. He also has a special clinical interest in neck and lower back disc herniations, often combining chiropractic adjustments with computerized mechanical traction to improve pain relief, mobility, and function.

While many patients first visit because of pain, Dr. Betsill is passionate about helping them move beyond symptom relief. His goal is to help people improve functional movement, maintain spinal health, and support long-term wellness. He treats patients of all ages—including infants, children, teens, athletes, and pregnant women—and believes chiropractic care can play an important role in addressing not only spinal concerns, but also shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot discomfort.

Shortly before graduating in 2007, Dr. Betsill faced a personal health challenge that deeply shaped his philosophy of care. After multiple emergency room visits for dizziness, syncope, and chest pain, he began looking beyond symptoms alone. Through that experience, he came to better understand the effects of physical, chemical, and emotional stress on the body. By combining chiropractic care, massage, exercise, and proper nutrition, he restored his own health—an experience that continues to influence the way he cares for patients today.

Originally from northern Nevada and southern Idaho, Dr. Betsill grew up playing sports, with golf becoming a lifelong favorite. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Today, he and his wife and two sons enjoy life in the Pacific Northwest. When he’s not in the office, you’ll often find him on the course with the men’s club at Gresham Golf Course or staying active and fit with his family.