If you’re searching for spinal decompression in Spruce Grove because of sciatica, disc-related back pain, or stubborn neck symptoms, you’re not alone. When pain starts to travel into the leg or arm (nerve pain), everyday activities like sitting, bending, driving, or sleeping can become frustrating fast.
Spinal decompression — also commonly called traction therapy — is a gentle, conservative treatment that may help reduce pressure through the spine, calm irritated nerves, and support your recovery when symptoms are linked to compression or disc irritation.
At Revolution Physiotherapy & Massage in Spruce Grove, spinal decompression is delivered by a licensed physiotherapist as part of a complete plan — not as a “one-off” treatment.
Quick links
- What is spinal decompression (traction therapy)?
- Who is it for?
- What to expect at your appointment
- How many sessions do you need?
- When it may not be appropriate
- FAQs
What Is Spinal Decompression (Traction Therapy)?
Spinal decompression is a treatment that applies a controlled traction force to the neck (cervical spine) or low back (lumbar spine). The goal is to “unload” irritated tissues and reduce sensitivity in a comfortable, measured way.
Depending on your assessment findings, decompression may help:
- Reduce pressure on spinal joints and intervertebral discs
- Calm irritated nerve roots (often linked to sciatica or arm symptoms)
- Decrease muscle guarding and spasm
- Support movement and tolerance to daily activities
Spinal decompression vs. traction therapy: “Traction” is the broader term people use online. “Decompression” often refers to more precise, controlled traction settings tailored to your symptoms and comfort.
Clinical note: Not every back or neck issue is driven by compression. That’s why an assessment matters — to decide if decompression fits your presentation and goals.
Who Might Benefit From Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is commonly considered when symptoms suggest disc irritation, joint compression, or nerve sensitivity. It may be helpful for people experiencing:
- Sciatica (leg pain, tingling, numbness, or burning)
- Disc bulge or disc herniation-type symptoms
- Radiculopathy (nerve root irritation causing arm/leg symptoms)
- Persistent low back pain that worsens with sitting or bending
- Neck pain with symptoms into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Degenerative disc changes that flare with compression
- Stiffness and recurring flare-ups that keep returning
Many people book in thinking they “just need traction,” but the best outcomes usually happen when decompression is paired with the right strengthening, mobility work, and education.
Common Signs Your Pain Could Be Nerve-Related
If you’re unsure what’s going on, these symptoms often suggest nerve irritation and are worth assessing:
- Pain that travels into the buttock/leg/foot or shoulder/arm/hand
- Numbness, tingling, “pins and needles,” or burning
- Symptoms that worsen with sitting, bending, coughing/sneezing, or driving
- A feeling of “compression,” catching, or protective spasm
Important: If you notice worsening weakness, numbness in the groin/saddle region, or changes in bowel/bladder control, seek urgent medical care immediately.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first visit focuses on understanding what’s driving your symptoms and whether spinal decompression is appropriate for you.
Your physiotherapist may assess:
- Your symptom pattern (what makes it better/worse, how it travels)
- Spinal mobility and movement tolerance
- Strength, control, and posture tendencies
- Nerve sensitivity and relevant special tests
If decompression fits, we’ll explain exactly what we’re doing and why, then set you up comfortably for treatment.
What does decompression feel like?
Most people describe it as a gentle pulling or unloading sensation. Settings can be adjusted based on your comfort and response. The goal is for it to feel controlled and tolerable — not aggressive.
In many cases, we’ll also give you a simple plan to support your progress between visits (movement strategies, symptom-calming positions, and targeted exercises as appropriate).
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
It depends — and your response in the first few visits helps guide the plan.
- Some people notice a change quickly (for example: less leg pain, easier sitting, improved movement).
- Others need a short series of visits to build consistency and reduce flare-ups.
We’ll track your progress using meaningful markers (walking tolerance, sitting tolerance, symptom intensity, range of motion, and nerve symptoms) so your plan stays objective and personalized.
When Spinal Decompression May Not Be Appropriate
Although traction therapy is often well-tolerated, there are situations where we may modify care or choose a different approach. During your assessment, your physiotherapist will screen for factors that may make decompression unsuitable, such as certain bone, neurological, or medical conditions.
If decompression isn’t the right fit, we’ll still build a treatment plan that matches your diagnosis and goals.
Why Decompression Works Best With Physiotherapy
Spinal decompression can be a helpful tool — but lasting improvement usually comes from restoring strength, capacity, and confidence in movement.
Your care may also include:
- Hands-on therapy (when appropriate) to improve mobility and reduce guarding
- Targeted exercise to build spinal and hip/shoulder support
- Education on posture, pacing, flare-up control, and safe return to activity
- Progressions for work demands, sport, and daily life
Pricing & Booking Spinal Decompression in Spruce Grove
Spinal decompression sessions at Revolution Physiotherapy & Massage are listed at $90 (pricing can change — if you’d like confirmation, please check booking or contact the clinic).
Learn more about spinal decompression therapy in Spruce Grove, contact our Spruce Grove clinic, or book online.
FAQs About Spinal Decompression (Traction Therapy)
Does spinal decompression work for sciatica?
Sciatica can have multiple causes, but when symptoms are related to nerve irritation and spinal compression, spinal decompression (traction therapy) may help by reducing pressure and calming sensitivity. An assessment is the best way to determine whether decompression fits your symptom pattern.
Is spinal decompression safe?
When delivered by a trained professional and guided by an assessment, decompression is typically a conservative and well-tolerated option. Your physiotherapist will screen for factors that may make traction inappropriate and will adjust settings to your comfort and response.
What if I have a disc bulge or disc herniation?
Disc bulges and herniations vary widely. Some respond well to unloading strategies and graded rehab, while others may need different approaches first. If your symptoms suggest disc-related irritation, decompression may be included as one part of your physiotherapy plan.
Will I need imaging (X-ray or MRI) before starting?
Not necessarily. Many people can be assessed and treated safely without imaging. If your presentation suggests that imaging or medical follow-up is needed, your physiotherapist can guide you on next steps.
How quickly will I know if it’s helping?
We typically look for early, practical changes such as easier sitting, reduced leg/arm symptoms, better movement, or fewer flare-ups. If decompression isn’t producing meaningful progress, we adjust the plan rather than continuing the same approach.
Written for patients seeking conservative care and education. This article is general information and not medical advice.