Spinal Decompression for Back Pain Relief in Naperville IL

Quick Facts: Spinal Decompression for Back Pain

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You’ve tried the heating pad. The ibuprofen. Maybe even a round of physical therapy. But that stubborn back pain keeps coming back—and now it’s affecting everything from how you sleep to whether you can play with your kids.

You’re not alone. Nearly 40% of American adults experience back pain in any given three-month period.¹ And for many, the usual treatments just don’t cut it.

Here’s what most people don’t realize: if your back pain stems from a disc problem—a herniation, a bulge, or degeneration—stretching and pills aren’t addressing the actual cause. They’re just masking the symptoms while the underlying issue gets worse.

Spinal decompression therapy offers a different approach. It’s a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches your spine to create negative pressure within spinal discs. This helps herniated or bulging disc material retract, relieves nerve compression, and promotes healing by improving nutrient flow to damaged discs.

At Synergy Institute in Naperville, Dr. Jennifer Wise has been helping patients find relief from back pain since 2000. We were one of the first clinics in Illinois to offer spinal decompression therapy back in 2002—and after more than two decades, we’ve refined our approach to deliver real, lasting results.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how spinal decompression works for back pain, who it helps, who it doesn’t, and what you can realistically expect.

📞 Tired of living with back pain? Call 630-454-1300 to find out if spinal decompression can help.

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Why Does Your Back Hurt? Understanding the Source

Back pain isn’t just one thing. It shows up differently for different people—and understanding what’s causing yours matters more than you might think.

Some back pain comes from muscle strain. You lifted something awkwardly, slept in a weird position, or sat hunched at your desk for too long. This type usually resolves on its own within a few days or weeks.

But chronic back pain—the kind that lingers for months or keeps coming back—often has a deeper cause. And that’s where things get frustrating.

Types of Back Pain Decompression Helps

The back pain that responds best to spinal decompression typically involves your discs or nerves:

Disc-related pain happens when the cushions between your vertebrae become damaged. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material pushes through the outer layer. A bulging disc extends beyond its normal boundary. Degenerative disc disease means the discs are wearing down over time, losing height and hydration.²

Nerve compression pain occurs when something presses on a spinal nerve. This might cause radiating pain down your leg (sciatica), numbness, tingling, or weakness. The culprit is often a disc problem or narrowing of the spinal canal.

Facet joint pain stems from the small joints that connect your vertebrae. When these become irritated or arthritic, you feel localized back pain that worsens with movement.

Acute vs. Chronic: When Does Decompression Make Sense?

Acute back pain—lasting less than six weeks—often improves with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication. Your body handles it.

Chronic back pain is different. When pain persists beyond 12 weeks, or keeps recurring despite treatment, something structural is usually going on.³ That’s when conservative treatments stop working and you need an approach that addresses the underlying problem.

“Most patients who come to see me have already tried everything else,” says Dr. Wise. “The heating pad, the muscle relaxers, maybe some physical therapy. By the time they get here, they’re frustrated—and they’re ready for something that actually works.”

Spinal decompression is designed for exactly these cases: chronic, disc-related back pain that hasn’t responded to simpler treatments.

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How Spinal Decompression Relieves Back Pain

Spinal decompression isn’t just stretching. There’s specific science behind why it works—and why it’s different from regular traction or physical therapy.

The Science of Negative Pressure

When we decompress your spine, we create negative pressure inside your spinal discs. Think of it like a vacuum effect.

Here’s why that matters: your discs don’t have their own blood supply. They rely on movement and pressure changes to pull in nutrients and push out waste. When a disc is compressed—from injury, degeneration, or just years of wear—it gets dehydrated and starts to break down.

Decompression reverses this. Research shows that spinal decompression can create negative intradiscal pressure as low as -110 mm Hg, compared to the positive pressure that normally exists in your discs.⁴ This negative pressure does something standard traction can’t: it creates conditions for actual healing.

Three Ways Decompression Helps Your Spine

1. Reduces Disc Bulging The negative pressure can pull herniated or bulging disc material back toward the center of the disc. This takes pressure off the nerves that are causing your pain.⁵

2. Improves Nutrient Flow Decompression creates a pumping action that draws water, oxygen, and nutrients into the disc. This rehydrates the disc and supports the healing process.

3. Decreases Nerve Pressure By gently separating the vertebrae, decompression creates more space for compressed nerves. Less compression means less pain, numbness, and tingling.

What Makes Our Approach Different

At Synergy Institute, we use the Back On Trac system by Ergo-Flex—and it’s nothing like the traditional decompression tables you might have seen online.

You won’t be strapped into a harness or belt. You won’t lie face-down on a table feeling trapped. Instead, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair that gently reclines you onto your back. Your arms and legs stay supported throughout.

The system combines axial traction with bilateral lateral flexion—that’s side-to-side movement that releases tight muscles—plus built-in heat and vibration therapy. It’s actually relaxing. Many of our patients fall asleep during treatment.

“I’ve tested multiple decompression systems over the past two decades,” Dr. Wise explains. “I chose the Back On Trac because patients are more comfortable—and comfortable patients get better results. No harness, no straps, just relief.”

Each session takes just 15-20 minutes. The computer controls everything, running through 21 different protocols customized to your specific condition.

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Does Spinal Decompression Really Work for Back Pain?

Let me be straight with you: no treatment works for everyone. But the research on spinal decompression for disc-related back pain is solid—and my 25 years of clinical experience backs it up.

What the Research Shows

Multiple studies have examined spinal decompression outcomes:

• A study of 778 patients found that 71% experienced significant improvement in pain, activity, and mobility scores.⁶
• Research published in the American Journal of Pain Management reported 86% of patients with herniated discsachieved “good to excellent” results.⁷
• A 2022 randomized controlled trial found that patients receiving spinal decompression plus physical therapy showed significantly greater improvement than those receiving physical therapy alone.⁸

For properly selected patients—meaning those with confirmed disc problems—success rates typically range from 71-89%.

When It Works Best

Spinal decompression is most effective for:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Sciatica caused by disc compression
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)
• Pinched nerves from disc problems
• Facet syndrome

It works best when your pain is caused by a structural disc issue that’s compressing a nerve or causing inflammation.

Being Honest About Limitations

Decompression isn’t magic, and it’s not for everyone.

If your back pain comes purely from muscle strain, decompression probably isn’t necessary. If you have severe spinal instability, fractures, or certain other conditions, it’s not appropriate.

And let me be clear about the research itself: while the clinical results are promising, some researchers note that larger, more rigorous trials would strengthen the evidence base.⁹ What I can tell you from treating thousands of patients is this—for the right person with the right condition, it consistently delivers results.

“If I didn’t think we could help you, I’d tell you,” says Dr. Wise. “I’d rather point you toward the right solution than waste your time on something that won’t work for your situation.”

That’s exactly why we do a thorough evaluation before recommending treatment.

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What Types of Back Pain Does Decompression Treat?

Spinal decompression works best for back pain caused by specific structural problems. If your pain involves one of these conditions, you may be a strong candidate for treatment.

Herniated Discs — When the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, it often presses on nearby nerves. This causes sharp pain, numbness, or weakness—sometimes radiating into your legs. Spinal decompression for herniated discs can help retract that disc material and relieve the pressure.

Bulging Discs — A bulging disc extends beyond its normal boundary but hasn’t fully ruptured. Decompression can prevent it from worsening while reducing the compression on surrounding structures.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) — As discs lose hydration and height over time, they become less effective shock absorbers. Spinal decompression for DDD helps rehydrate discs and restore some of that lost height.

Sciatica — That shooting pain down your leg? It usually starts in your lower back. When a disc compresses your sciatic nerve, spinal decompression for sciatica addresses the source—not just the symptom.

Spinal Stenosis — Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerves and the spinal cord. Spinal decompression for stenosis creates space where it’s needed most.

Pinched Nerves — Compressed nerve roots cause pain, tingling, and numbness. Spinal decompression for pinched nerves relieves that compression so nerves can function normally.

Facet Syndrome — When the small joints connecting your vertebrae become irritated, decompression combined with chiropractic care can provide significant relief.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome — Even patients who’ve had surgery sometimes continue experiencing pain. With proper screening, decompression can help—typically at least one year after a stable fusion.

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Back Pain Treatment Options Compared

Not sure how spinal decompression stacks up against other treatments? Here’s an honest comparison.

Why Consider Decompression First?

Before injections: Epidural steroids can reduce inflammation temporarily, but they don’t fix the underlying disc problem. And research suggests repeated injections may actually weaken spinal tissues over time.¹⁰

Before surgery: Surgery has higher success rates for severe cases, but it’s permanent, expensive, and carries real risks. Many patients who seem headed for surgery find relief with decompression first.

Beyond medication: Pills mask pain—they don’t heal anything. Meanwhile, the problem often gets worse.

At Synergy Institute, we believe in trying the least invasive effective treatment first. For many patients with disc-related back pain, that’s spinal decompression.

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The Synergy Institute Difference: Why Our Patients Get Results

Plenty of clinics offer spinal decompression. So what makes Synergy Institute different?

Pioneer Experience Since 2002

When Dr. Jennifer Wise introduced spinal decompression to Synergy Institute in 2002, we were among the first clinics in Illinois to offer this technology. That means over two decades of experience—and thousands of patients treated.

We’ve seen what works. We’ve refined our protocols. And we’ve learned which patients respond best.

Equipment That Puts Comfort First

After testing multiple decompression systems over the years, Dr. Wise selected the Back On Trac by Ergo-Flex for one reason: better patient experience means better outcomes.

Here’s what makes it different:

• Chair design, not a table — You sit comfortably, then recline gently onto your back
• No harness or pelvic belt — Nothing strapping you down or making you feel trapped
• Full body support — Arms and legs supported throughout treatment
• Multi-therapy approach — Combines axial traction, lateral flexion, heat, and vibration
• Quick setup — About 35 seconds to get positioned and started

Most patients describe the experience as deeply relaxing. Many fall asleep.

Integrative Treatment Protocol

Decompression alone can deliver results. But we’ve found that combining it with chiropractic care and acupunctureproduces even better outcomes.

Why? Because back pain rarely has just one cause. Disc problems affect spinal alignment. Inflammation irritates nerves. Muscle tension compounds everything.

Our integrative approach addresses:

• Structure through chiropractic adjustments
• Inflammation through laser, softwave and other cellular treatments
• Disc health through decompression
• Healing support through nutritional assessment when appropriate

“We don’t just decompress your spine and send you home,” Dr. Wise explains. “We look at the whole picture—and we build a treatment plan around what you actually need.”

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What to Expect During Spinal Decompression Treatment

Knowing what’s ahead helps you feel prepared. Here’s how the process works at Synergy Institute.

Your First Visit

Before any treatment begins, we need to understand your situation. Your first visit includes:

• A consultation with Dr. Wise
• Review of your medical history
• Physical examination
• Discussion of any imaging (MRI, X-rays) you’ve already had
• Honest assessment of whether decompression is right for you

If you’re not a good candidate, we’ll tell you directly—and help you find a better path forward.

During Treatment Sessions

Each decompression session follows a simple, comfortable process:

1. You sit in the Back On Trac chair
2. The chair gently reclines you onto your back
3. The computer-controlled system begins—gentle stretching, side-to-side movement, soothing heat, mild vibration
4. You relax for 15-20 minutes
5. You get up and go about your day

No harness. No straps. No recovery time needed. Patients drive themselves to and from every appointment.

Treatment Timeline

Most patients need 15-25 sessions over 4-8 weeks. Many notice decreased pain within the first week or two. Significant improvement typically occurs by weeks three to four.

Your specific timeline depends on your condition’s severity and how your body responds to treatment.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression works well for many people—but not everyone. Here’s how to know if you might be a good fit.

You May Be a Good Candidate If You Have:

• Chronic back pain lasting more than six weeks
• Pain that hasn’t responded to rest, medication, or physical therapy
• A diagnosed disc problem (herniated, bulging, or degenerative)
• Sciatica or radiating leg pain
• Numbness or tingling in your legs or feet
• A desire to avoid surgery or injections

Best Results Typically Occur In Patients With:

• MRI-confirmed disc issues
• Pain that worsens with sitting or bending forward
• Symptoms that radiate into the buttocks or legs
• No prior spinal fusion (or stable fusion at least one year old)
• Willingness to complete a full treatment course

A Note About Expectations

Spinal decompression is effective, but it requires commitment. Most patients need multiple sessions over several weeks. Quick fixes don’t exist for chronic disc problems.

That said, many patients notice improvement early—often within the first week or two. The goal is lasting relief, not temporary masking.

If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate, that’s exactly what your initial consultation is for. We’ll evaluate your specific situation and give you a straight answer.

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Who Should NOT Get Spinal Decompression?

Honesty builds trust. So let’s be clear about who isn’t a candidate for this treatment.

🚨 Absolute Contraindications (We Cannot Treat)

• Severe osteoporosis — Bones too fragile for traction forces
• Spinal fractures — Current or recent vertebral fractures
• Spinal tumors or cancer — Any malignancy affecting the spine
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm — Risk of rupture with traction
• Severe spinal instability — Including Grade 3+ spondylolisthesis
• Certain spinal implants — Some hardware is not compatible

Conditions Requiring Evaluation

Some situations require careful assessment before proceeding:

• Pregnancy — Evaluated case by case
• Recent spinal surgery — Typically wait at least one year
• Previous spinal fusion — Can often treat adjacent levels if fusion is stable
• Certain medical conditions — Discussed during consultation

Our Commitment to Honesty

“I’d rather tell someone they’re not a candidate than put them through treatment that won’t help,” says Dr. Wise. “If spinal decompression isn’t right for you, I’ll say so—and I’ll help you figure out what is.”

This isn’t about turning patients away. It’s about making sure every person we treat has a realistic chance of getting better.

During your consultation, we’ll review your history, examine you, and look at any imaging. If there’s a reason decompression won’t work for you, you’ll know before we start.

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Spinal Decompression Cost and Insurance

Let’s talk about the investment—because cost matters, and we believe in transparency.

What Does Treatment Cost?

• Individual sessions: $75-150
• Typical full treatment course: $1,500-3,000 (15-25 sessions)

Compare that to the alternatives:

• Epidural injections: $1,000-2,000 per injection (often needing multiple)
• Spinal surgery: $15,000-50,000+ (plus recovery time and risks)

For many patients, decompression is the most cost-effective path to lasting relief.

Does Insurance Cover Spinal Decompression?

Many insurance plans do cover spinal decompression therapy. Coverage varies depending on your specific plan and diagnosis.

Here’s what we recommend: call us before your first visit. We’ll verify your benefits and let you know exactly what’s covered—no surprises.

Payment Options

We work with patients to make treatment accessible. Ask about our payment plans during your consultation.

📞 Questions about cost or coverage? Call 630-454-1300—we’ll verify your insurance benefits before your first visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Decompression for Back Pain

Does spinal decompression really work for lower back pain?

Research shows 71-89% of patients experience significant improvement with spinal decompression therapy.⁶⁷⁸ A 2022 randomized controlled trial confirmed that decompression plus physical therapy outperformed physical therapy alone.⁸ Results are strongest for disc-related back pain—herniated discs, bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients need 15-25 sessions over 4-8 weeks. Your treatment plan is customized based on your condition’s severity and how you respond to initial sessions. Some patients need fewer; some need more.

Is spinal decompression painful?

No. Most patients describe it as gentle stretching combined with soothing heat and vibration. Many find it so relaxing they fall asleep during treatment. If you ever feel discomfort, we adjust immediately.

How soon will I feel relief?

Many patients notice decreased pain within the first one to two weeks. Significant improvement typically occurs by weeks three to four. Everyone responds differently, but early improvement is common.

What’s the difference between spinal decompression and regular traction?

Traditional traction simply stretches the spine. Spinal decompression uses computer-controlled protocols to create negative pressure inside the disc—something traction can’t achieve. This negative pressure is what allows disc material to retract and promotes actual healing.⁴

Can spinal decompression help after failed back surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Patients with stable spinal fusions (typically one year or more post-surgery) can often benefit from decompression of adjacent spinal levels. We evaluate each situation individually.

How much does spinal decompression cost in Naperville?

Individual sessions range from $75-150. A full treatment course typically costs $1,500-3,000. Many insurance plans cover treatment—call 630-454-1300 to verify your benefits.

Does insurance cover spinal decompression?

Many plans do cover spinal decompression therapy. Coverage depends on your specific plan and diagnosis. We recommend calling us before your first visit so we can verify your benefits.

What should I wear to treatment?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You’ll remain fully clothed throughout the session. Athletic wear or casual clothes work perfectly.

How long do the results last?

Studies show 84% of patients remain pain-free at 90 days after completing treatment.⁷ Long-term results depend on your condition and lifestyle. Some patients benefit from periodic maintenance sessions.

Can I go back to work after a treatment session?

Absolutely. There’s no downtime or recovery period. Patients drive themselves to and from appointments and return to normal activities immediately.

Why should I choose Synergy Institute for spinal decompression?

We’ve been offering spinal decompression since 2002—one of the first clinics in Illinois. Dr. Wise has tested multiple systems and selected the Back On Trac for its comfort and results. Our integrative approach combines decompression with chiropractic and acupuncture for comprehensive care.

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Spinal Decompression for Back Pain in Naperville and Surrounding Areas

Synergy Institute has been serving the Naperville community since 1999. We’re conveniently located on Route 59, near the Naperville-Plainfield border, with easy access and free parking.

Our Location

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

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

Office Hours

Communities We Serve

We welcome patients from throughout DuPage and Will Counties, including:

• Naperville
• Plainfield
• Bolingbrook
• Aurora
• Oswego
• Lisle
• Wheaton
• Joliet
• Romeoville

If you’re dealing with chronic back pain and looking for a non-surgical solution, we’re here to help.

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Take the Next Step Toward Back Pain Relief

Living with chronic back pain isn’t something you have to accept. If you’ve tried the usual treatments without lasting results—and your pain involves a disc problem—spinal decompression may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

At Synergy Institute, we’ve helped thousands of patients find relief since 2002. Dr. Wise and our team will evaluate your specific situation, give you an honest assessment, and build a treatment plan designed for your needs—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

The first step is simple: schedule a consultation. We’ll review your history, examine you, and tell you straight whether decompression can help.

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Ready to Find Out If Spinal Decompression Can Help You?

📞 Call: (630) 355-8022 📱 Call or Text: (630) 454-1300

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

Walk-ins welcome during office hours. Evening and Saturday appointments available.

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About the Author

Written by Dr. Jennifer Wise, DC — Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate, practicing since 2000. Synergy Institute founder and spinal decompression specialist since 2002.

Last Updated: January 2025

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References

1. National Center for Health Statistics. Back, Lower Limb, and Upper Limb Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019. NCHS Data Brief No. 415. July 2021.
2. Mayo Clinic. Back Pain — Symptoms and Causes. 2024.
3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. 2024.
4. Ramos G, Martin W. Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. Journal of Neurosurgery. 1994;81(3):350-353.
5. Eyerman EL. Simple pelvic traction gives inconsistent relief to herniated lumbar disc sufferers. Journal of Neuroimaging. 1998.
6. Gose EE, Naguszewski WK, Naguszewski RK. Vertebral axial decompression therapy for pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs or facet syndrome. Neurological Research. 1998;20(3):186-190.
7. Shealy CN, Borgmeyer V. Decompression, reduction, and stabilization of the lumbar spine: A cost-effective treatment for lumbosacral pain. American Journal of Pain Management. 2005;7(2):63-66.
8. Amjad F, Mohseni-Bandpei MA, Gilani SA, Ahmad A, Hanif A. Effects of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy along with routine physical therapy for patients with lumbar radiculopathy. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2022;23(1):255.
9. North American Spine Society. Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy. 2024.
10. Manchikanti L, et al. Epidural steroid injections in the management of chronic spinal pain: A systematic review. Pain Physician. 2021.
11. Cleveland Clinic. Spinal Decompression Therapy. 2024.
12. Cleveland Clinic. Lower Back Pain. 2024.
13. World Health Organization. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. March 2023.
14. American Chiropractic Association. Back Pain Facts and Statistics. 2024.
15. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Back Pain. 2025.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary, and spinal decompression therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment program. If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek immediate medical attention.