cervical decompression naperville

Cervical Decompression in Naperville IL

You wake up and your neck is so stiff you can barely turn your head. The pain doesn’t stay in your neck—it shoots down into your shoulder, your arm, maybe even your fingers. Some days your hand feels weak. Other days you get headaches that start at the base of your skull and wrap around to your forehead. You’ve tried stretching. You’ve tried heat packs. You’ve popped more ibuprofen than you’d like to admit.

Sound familiar?

If this describes your life, you’re not alone. Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 30% of adults each year.¹ And when that pain comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, it’s often a sign that something’s happening with the discs or nerves in your cervical spine.

Here’s what I’ve learned in my 25 years of practice: many people with disc-related neck pain don’t need surgery. What they need is a treatment that addresses the actual problem—compressed discs and pinched nerves—without cutting, without drugs, and without weeks of downtime.

That’s what cervical decompression therapy offers. And at Synergy Institute in Naperville, we’ve been helping patients find relief from neck pain, arm pain, and radiating symptoms since 2002.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what cervical decompression is, how it works, who it helps, and what makes our approach different. We’ll also be straight with you about who it won’t help—because that matters too.


Quick Facts: Cervical Decompression at a Glance

What It Treats Herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, cervical stenosis, pinched nerves, chronic neck pain
How Common Is Neck Pain? Affects 10-20% of adults at any given time; up to 50% annually²
Success Rate 71-89% of patients report significant improvement with spinal decompression therapy³
Session Duration 7-15 minutes
Typical Treatment Plan 15-25 sessions over 4-8 weeks
Key Synergy Differentiator Restores proper cervical curve—not just traction

What Is Cervical Decompression?

Cervical decompression is a non-surgical treatment that uses gentle, computer-controlled stretching to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves in the neck, creating space for damaged discs to heal while reducing pain, numbness, and tingling in the neck, shoulders, and arms.

Your cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (labeled C1 through C7) that support your head and protect the nerves traveling from your brain to the rest of your body. Between each vertebra sits a disc—a cushion that absorbs shock and allows your neck to move freely.

When these discs become damaged—through injury, wear and tear, or degeneration—they can bulge, herniate, or lose height. This puts pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain that can radiate down your arm, numbness in your fingers, or weakness in your grip. Learn more about herniated and bulging discs.

Traditional cervical traction simply pulls the neck in a straight line. It might feel good temporarily, but it doesn’t address the underlying structural problem.

Our approach is different. We use computer-controlled decompression that not only relieves pressure on your discs and nerves but also helps restore your neck’s natural curve—called the cervical lordosis. This distinction matters because proper curve restoration creates an environment where your discs can actually heal, not just feel better for a few hours.


How Cervical Decompression Works

The Problem

Your head weighs about 10-12 pounds when balanced properly over your spine.⁴ But modern life—computers, phones, driving—pushes our heads forward. For every inch your head moves forward of your shoulders, the effective weight on your cervical spine increases by approximately 10 pounds.⁴ Three inches forward? Your neck muscles are now working to support 40+ pounds.

This constant forward pressure compresses your cervical discs. Over time, discs bulge, herniate, or degenerate. The inner gel-like material can push outward, pressing on nerve roots. The result? Pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that can travel from your neck down through your shoulder, arm, and into your hand.

The Solution

Cervical decompression works by creating negative pressure within your damaged discs. This is similar to how spinal decompression works for the lower back, but tailored specifically for the cervical spine. Here’s what happens during treatment:

  1. Gentle traction is applied to your cervical spine in a controlled, cyclical pattern
  2. This creates negative intradiscal pressure—essentially a vacuum effect inside the disc⁵
  3. The negative pressure helps retract bulging or herniated disc material away from compressed nerves
  4. It also draws oxygen, water, and healing nutrients back into the disc, which normally has limited blood supply

Why Curve Restoration Matters

Here’s what most people—and many providers—miss: simply pulling the neck straight doesn’t fix the underlying problem.

Your cervical spine is designed to have a gentle inward curve (lordosis). When you lose this curve—from injury, poor posture, or degeneration—it changes how forces are distributed across your discs and joints.⁶

Our cervical decompression approach doesn’t just decompress. It positions your spine to help restore that natural curve while treatment is applied. This means:

  • Better weight distribution across your cervical spine
  • Proper alignment of nerve pathways
  • Reduced strain on supporting muscles and ligaments
  • An environment for actual disc healing—not just temporary symptom relief

Conditions Treated with Cervical Decompression

Cervical decompression is designed for disc-related neck conditions. Here are the primary conditions we treat:

Cervical Herniated Disc

When the soft inner material of a disc pushes through a tear in the outer wall, it’s called a herniation. This can compress nearby nerve roots, causing neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.⁷ Cervical decompression helps by creating negative pressure that encourages the herniated material to retract.

Cervical Bulging Disc

A bulging disc extends beyond its normal boundary but hasn’t ruptured. While less severe than a herniation, it can still compress nerves and cause significant symptoms. Decompression reduces this pressure and supports disc healing.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Disc degeneration is extremely common—approximately 25% of people under age 40 show evidence of cervical disc degeneration, and this increases to roughly 60% in those over 40.⁸ As discs lose hydration and height, they provide less cushioning and can lead to nerve compression. Decompression helps rehydrate discs and restore some of that lost height.

Cervical Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. While severe stenosis may require surgical intervention, mild to moderate cases often respond well to decompression therapy.

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed, causing pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve’s pathway. The annual incidence of cervical radiculopathy is approximately 83-107 per 100,000 population.⁹ Decompression directly addresses the compression causing these symptoms.

Chronic Neck Pain

When neck pain persists beyond 12 weeks and is associated with disc abnormalities on imaging, cervical decompression may provide relief by addressing the structural source of pain rather than just masking symptoms.


Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Cervical Decompression

Not sure if your symptoms are related to a cervical disc problem? Here are the common signs:

  • Neck pain or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
  • Weakness in the arm or hand (difficulty gripping, dropping objects)
  • Headaches that start at the base of the skull (cervicogenic headaches)¹⁰
  • Limited range of motion in the neck
  • Pain that worsens with certain positions or activities

🚨 EMERGENCY WARNING: When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately if you experience:

  • ❌ Sudden, severe weakness in arms or legs
  • ❌ Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • ❌ Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
  • ❌ Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
  • ❌ Rapidly worsening symptoms, especially after trauma

These may be signs of spinal cord compression (myelopathy) or cauda equina syndrome, which require emergency medical evaluation.¹¹


If your symptoms have persisted for more than 4-6 weeks without improvement, consult your doctor. Imaging studies like MRI can help identify whether a disc problem is causing your symptoms—and whether cervical decompression might help.


Treatment Comparison: How Does Cervical Decompression Stack Up?

Treatment Effectiveness Recovery Time Invasiveness Best For
Cervical Decompression 71-89% report significant improvement³ None Non-invasive Disc herniations, bulges, DDD, radiculopathy
Cervical Surgery (ACDF) 85-95% success rate¹² 4-8 weeks Invasive (surgery) Severe cases, failed conservative care, myelopathy
Epidural Steroid Injections 50-70% temporary relief¹³ Days to 2 weeks Minimally invasive Short-term pain relief, diagnostic purposes
Medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants) Variable Hours Non-invasive Symptom management only; doesn’t address cause
Physical Therapy Alone 40-60% improvement 6-12 weeks Non-invasive Muscle-related pain, rehabilitation
Traditional Traction Moderate None Non-invasive Temporary relief only; doesn’t restore curve

When Surgery May Be Necessary

We believe in conservative care first—but we also believe in being honest. Some conditions require surgical evaluation:¹¹

  • Progressive neurological deficits (worsening weakness, loss of function)
  • Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression with gait problems, coordination issues)
  • Severe stenosis with cord compression on imaging
  • Structural instability of the cervical spine
  • Failed conservative treatment after 6+ months

The good news? Research shows that 80-90% of cervical disc problems improve with conservative treatment.¹⁴ Surgery is rarely the first option.

Why Try Decompression First?

Our philosophy is simple: start with the least invasive option that can actually fix the problem—not just mask symptoms.

Cervical decompression addresses the root cause of disc-related neck pain. It doesn’t require anesthesia, incisions, or weeks of recovery. You can drive yourself to and from appointments and return to normal activities immediately.

If decompression doesn’t provide adequate relief, surgical options remain available. But many patients who try decompression first never need surgery at all.


Cervical Decompression at Synergy Institute

Our Approach: Restoring Your Natural Curve

At Synergy Institute, we don’t just decompress your neck—we focus on restoring your cervical spine’s natural alignment while we decompress.

Your cervical spine is designed to have a gentle inward curve called lordosis. When this curve is lost or reversed (a condition called cervical kyphosis), it changes how forces are distributed across your discs, joints, and muscles.

Traditional cervical traction pulls the neck into flexion—actually flattening the curve further. Our approach is different. We position your spine to encourage proper lordosis while decompression forces are applied. This creates:

  • Even weight distribution across vertebrae
  • Optimal nerve pathway alignment
  • Reduced muscle strain
  • Space for true disc healing

The Back On Trac Advantage

We use the Back On Trac system for cervical decompression. Unlike traditional decompression tables that require you to lie flat with a harness or chin strap, the Back On Trac is a computer-controlled chair that:

  • Positions your spine comfortably to restore natural curve while decompressing
  • Requires no harness or restraints
  • Uses approximately 3 cervical-specific protocols tailored to your condition
  • Delivers precise, computer-controlled traction forces

Many patients tell us it’s surprisingly comfortable—some even fall asleep during treatment.

Shorter, More Efficient Sessions

Cervical decompression sessions at Synergy take just 7-15 minutes—significantly shorter than lumbar decompression treatments. The cervical spine responds quickly to targeted decompression, so you get effective treatment without lengthy appointments.

This makes it easy to fit sessions into your schedule—even during a lunch break.

Integrative Treatment: More Than Just Decompression

Neck pain rarely has a single cause, and it rarely responds to a single treatment. That’s why we combine cervical decompression with other evidence-based therapies based on your individual needs:

Spinal Support:

  • Chiropractic care — Gentle adjustments to improve spinal alignment
  • Therapeutic exercises — Strengthen the muscles that support your cervical spine

Tissue Healing & Regeneration:

  • SoftWave Therapy — Acoustic waves that stimulate stem cells, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair for damaged discs
  • MLS Laser Therapy — Dual-wavelength laser technology for deep tissue pain and inflammation reduction, promoting cellular healing

Nerve Repair & Regeneration:

  • Stimpod NMS460 — Advanced nerve stimulation technology to help restore damaged nerve function
  • Acupuncture — Reduces pain and inflammation while calming the nervous system

Lifestyle Guidance:

  • Ergonomic recommendations for work and daily activities
  • Nutritional assessment to identify factors that may be slowing your healing

Why integration matters: Decompression creates the space for healing—but these additional therapies accelerate that healing and help repair the damage that’s already been done.

Dr. Jennifer Wise: Your Neck Pain Specialist

Dr. Jennifer Wise founded Synergy Institute in 1999 and has been in clinical practice since 2000. A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic—the founding school of chiropractic care—she brought spinal decompression to Synergy in 2002, making us among the first clinics in Illinois to offer this technology.

When you come to Synergy, Dr. Wise personally evaluates your condition. You won’t be handed off to a technician to run a machine. You’ll receive a comprehensive assessment, a clear explanation of your options, and treatment supervised by a doctor with over 25 years of experience treating neck conditions.

Our Honesty Promise

Not everyone is a candidate for cervical decompression. We know that. And we’ll tell you upfront if you’re not.

You won’t get pressured into treatment at Synergy Institute. You’ll get an honest evaluation, a clear explanation of what we can and can’t do, and a recommendation based on what’s actually best for you—even if that means referring you somewhere else.

I’ve built my practice on trust. That means telling you the truth, even when it’s not what you want to hear.


What to Expect During Treatment

Your First Visit

Your first appointment isn’t treatment—it’s evaluation. We need to understand what’s causing your neck pain before we can determine if cervical decompression is right for you.

During this visit, we’ll:

  • Review your health history — Previous injuries, surgeries, treatments you’ve tried, and how your symptoms have progressed
  • Perform a physical examination — Range of motion, neurological testing, posture assessment, and hands-on evaluation of your cervical spine
  • Review any imaging — If you have X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, bring them. If not, we may recommend imaging to see exactly what’s happening with your discs and nerves.
  • Discuss your goals — What activities are limited? What does relief look like to you?

At the end of this visit, you’ll get a straight answer: either cervical decompression is a good fit for your condition, or it’s not.

During a Cervical Decompression Session

Setup (about 1-2 minutes): You’ll sit in our Back On Trac chair—think of it like a comfortable recliner, not a medical table. The chair gently reclines you onto your back. There’s no harness to strap on, no chin strap pulling on your jaw. Your head and neck are simply supported in a position that allows us to restore your cervical curve while decompressing.

Treatment (7-15 minutes): The computer-controlled system applies gentle, precise traction to your cervical spine. You’ll feel a gentle stretching sensation—nothing painful. The system cycles through periods of stretch and relaxation.

Most patients describe it as:

  • “Like a gentle stretch I couldn’t do myself”
  • “Surprisingly relaxing”
  • “I almost fell asleep”

After treatment: You get up and go about your day. There’s no recovery period, no grogginess, no restrictions. You can drive yourself home and return to normal activities immediately.

Treatment Timeline

Phase 1: Intensive Relief (Weeks 1-2)

  • Frequency: 3-5 sessions per week
  • Goal: Reduce acute pain, decrease inflammation, begin creating space for disc healing

Phase 2: Corrective Care (Weeks 3-6)

  • Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week
  • Goal: Continue disc healing, restore cervical curve, improve structural alignment

Phase 3: Stabilization (Weeks 7-8+)

  • Frequency: 1-2 sessions per week, then as needed
  • Goal: Maintain gains, prevent recurrence, strengthen supporting structures

Total sessions: Most patients need 15-25 sessions over 4-8 weeks.


Who Is a Good Candidate for Cervical Decompression?

You may be a good candidate if:

  • Your neck pain has lasted more than 4 weeks
  • You’ve been diagnosed with a cervical disc condition (herniated disc, bulging disc, DDD, stenosis)
  • You have radiating symptoms (pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in shoulder, arm, or hand)
  • Conservative treatments haven’t worked (rest, medications, physical therapy, injections)
  • You want to avoid surgery
  • You don’t have contraindications (see below)

Who Is NOT a Candidate for Cervical Decompression?

Let me be straight with you: cervical decompression isn’t for everyone. These conditions make treatment inappropriate or potentially harmful:

  • Cervical fracture or spinal instability
  • Severe osteoporosis — Bones too fragile for traction forces¹⁵
  • Spinal tumors or cancer
  • Spinal infection
  • Recent cervical fusion surgery (less than 1 year)
  • Cervical myelopathy with cord compression — May require surgical evaluation¹¹
  • Certain vascular conditions (including abdominal aortic aneurysm)
  • Pregnancy
  • Metal implants or hardware in cervical spine (case-by-case)

What About Previous Neck Surgery?

If you’ve had cervical surgery more than a year ago and your fusion is solid, you might still be a candidate for decompression at levels above or below the fusion. We’d need to review your surgical records and imaging before making that determination.

If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate, consult your doctor or schedule an evaluation with us. We’ll give you an honest answer.


Cost and Insurance

Session Pricing

Individual cervical decompression sessions typically range from $75-150 per session. A full treatment course of 15-25 sessions generally costs between $1,500-$3,000 total.

We offer package pricing that reduces per-session costs when you commit to a treatment plan.

Is Cervical Decompression Covered by Insurance?

It depends. Some insurance plans cover spinal decompression therapy; many classify it as “investigational” and don’t. Coverage varies by:

  • Your specific insurance plan
  • Your diagnosis
  • Whether you’ve tried other treatments first
  • Your plan’s policy on chiropractic care

At Synergy Institute:

  • We accept most major insurance plans
  • We’ll verify your benefits before you start treatment
  • We’ll tell you upfront what’s covered and what’s not
  • We offer payment plans for out-of-pocket costs

Call (630) 355-8022 to verify your insurance benefits before your first visit.


Why Choose Synergy Institute in Naperville?

Pioneer Experience

When Dr. Wise brought spinal decompression to Synergy Institute in 2002, we were among the first clinics in Illinois to offer this technology. We’ve treated thousands of patients with disc-related neck and back pain over the past 20+ years.

Integrative Care Under One Roof

We combine cervical decompression with chiropractic adjustments, SoftWave therapy, laser therapy, nerve restoration treatments, acupuncture, and nutritional assessment. Everything happens in one location, coordinated by one team.

We’ll Tell You the Truth

Not everyone who walks through our door is a candidate for cervical decompression. When that’s the case, we tell them—even if it means referring elsewhere. Your safety and best outcome matter more than booking another patient.

Serving Naperville and the Western Suburbs

Synergy Institute Acupuncture & Chiropractic 4931 Illinois Route 59, Suite 121 Naperville, IL 60564

Conveniently located for patients from Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego, and the surrounding western Chicago suburbs.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is cervical decompression therapy?

Cervical decompression is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the neck to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves in the cervical spine. Using computer-controlled technology, it creates negative pressure within damaged discs, allowing them to heal while reducing nerve compression. At Synergy Institute, our approach also restores the neck’s natural curve—something traditional traction doesn’t address.

Does cervical decompression work for neck pain?

Yes, for the right patients. Research shows 71-89% of patients with disc-related conditions experience significant improvement with spinal decompression therapy.³ It works best for herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, and pinched nerves. However, it’s not effective for neck pain caused by muscle strain alone, fractures, or certain other conditions.

Is cervical decompression painful?

No. Most patients describe cervical decompression as a gentle stretching sensation—many find it relaxing enough to fall asleep during treatment. You should never feel sharp pain. The Back On Trac system we use doesn’t require a harness or chin strap, making it more comfortable than traditional cervical traction.

How long does a cervical decompression session take?

Sessions at Synergy Institute take just 7-15 minutes. That’s shorter than lumbar decompression because the cervical spine responds quickly to treatment. You can easily fit a session into a lunch break, and there’s no recovery time afterward.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients need 15-25 sessions over 4-8 weeks. Treatment typically starts with 3-5 sessions per week, then tapers to 2-3 weekly, and finally to maintenance visits. The exact number depends on your condition’s severity and how your body responds.

Is cervical decompression the same as traction?

Not exactly. Traditional cervical traction simply pulls the neck in a straight line or into flexion, providing temporary relief but not addressing underlying structural problems. Modern cervical decompression—especially our approach—is more sophisticated: computer-controlled, precisely calibrated, and designed to restore your cervical spine’s natural curve while decompressing.

Who should NOT get cervical decompression?

Contraindications include: cervical fractures, spinal instability, severe osteoporosis, spinal tumors or cancer, active spinal infections, recent cervical fusion (less than 1 year), cervical myelopathy with cord compression, pregnancy, and certain vascular conditions. We screen for all contraindications during your initial evaluation.

Can I get cervical decompression after neck surgery?

Possibly. If your surgery was more than a year ago and your fusion is solid, you may be a candidate for decompression at spinal levels above or below the fusion. We’d need to review your surgical records and imaging before making that determination.

How much does cervical decompression cost?

Individual sessions typically range from $75-150. A full treatment course of 15-25 sessions generally costs $1,500-$3,000 total. We offer package pricing that reduces per-session costs. Call (630) 355-8022 to verify your insurance benefits.

Is cervical decompression covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Some policies cover spinal decompression; others classify it as “investigational.” We accept most major insurance plans and will verify your benefits before treatment begins.

What conditions does cervical decompression treat?

Cervical decompression is most effective for disc-related conditions including: cervical herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, cervical stenosis, cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves), and chronic neck pain caused by disc compression. It also helps with arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness when those symptoms originate from nerve compression in the neck.

Why is restoring the cervical curve important?

Your neck has a natural inward curve called lordosis. When this curve is lost, it puts abnormal stress on your discs and nerves. Traditional traction ignores this, just pulling your neck straight. Our approach restores proper cervical lordosis while decompressing—meaning better weight distribution, less disc stress, proper nerve alignment, and an environment where your discs can actually heal.


Take the Next Step Toward Neck Pain Relief

Living with neck pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it affects everything. Your sleep. Your work. Your ability to drive, exercise, or play with your kids. And when that pain radiates into your arm, or your fingers start going numb, it’s hard to think about anything else.

Cervical decompression offers something different. It’s not about masking symptoms. It’s about creating the conditions for your discs to heal—by relieving compression, restoring your neck’s natural curve, and giving your body the space it needs to repair itself.

At Synergy Institute, we’ve been helping patients avoid neck surgery since 2002. We know what works. And just as importantly, we’ll tell you honestly if it won’t work for you.


📞 Ready to Find Relief from Neck Pain?

If you’re tired of living with neck pain, numbness, or stiffness, cervical decompression may help. At Synergy Institute in Naperville, Dr. Jennifer Wise has been helping patients find real relief for over 25 years.

Call or text (630) 454-1300 to schedule your cervical decompression consultation.

We’ll evaluate your condition, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment—no pressure, no sales pitch.

Synergy Institute Acupuncture & Chiropractic 4931 Illinois Route 59, Suite 121 Naperville, IL 60564

Phone: (630) 355-8022 Call/Text: (630) 454-1300

Serving Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego, and the western Chicago suburbs since 1999.


Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider.

Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment or therapy. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency—including sudden severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty walking—call 911 immediately.

Individual results vary. Cervical decompression therapy may not be appropriate for all patients. The success rates cited in this article are based on published research and may not reflect individual outcomes.

Last reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Wise, DC — January 2026


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