Spinal decompression in Canton, OH
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that gently and gradually stretches the spine to take pressure off irritated discs and nerves. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we offer cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) decompression after a full exam to see whether it fits your condition.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice
- Cervical and lumbar decompression
- 300+ five-star reviews
Spinal decompression at a glance
| What it is | A non-surgical, computer-guided traction treatment for the neck or low back |
|---|---|
| May help with | Herniated or bulging discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis |
| How a session works | You lie fully clothed on a padded table while a harness applies slow, controlled stretch and release cycles |
| Session length | [confirm with practice] |
| Plan length | Set after your exam, based on your condition and how you respond |
| Comfort | Most people describe a gentle pulling sensation; the stretch is adjusted to your comfort |
| Referral needed? | [confirm with practice] |
| Insurance | [confirm coverage wording] |
What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that slowly lengthens the spine in timed cycles. The goal is to reduce pressure inside a disc and around nearby nerves, which may ease pain and support healing. It is done without surgery, needles or medication.
A computer controls the angle, force and timing of each pull, so the stretch builds gradually and relaxes before your muscles guard against it. Your provider sets these based on your exam and adjusts them as your care goes on.
We use it for both the neck (cervical decompression) and the low back (lumbar decompression), often alongside other care in our office.
Conditions spinal decompression may help
Decompression is most often used when a disc or a narrowed space is pressing on a nerve. Your exam decides whether it fits your situation.
- Herniated disc Lower pressure inside the disc may help the bulging material pull back from the nerve.
- Bulging disc Gradual stretch may relieve strain on the disc wall.
- Sciatica Used when leg pain comes from a low-back disc pressing on the sciatic nerve.
- Pinched nerve Creating space may reduce pressure where a nerve leaves the spine.
- Degenerative disc disease Movement and stretch may support worn discs and nearby joints.
- Spinal stenosis Used in select cases to ease pressure in a narrowed spinal canal.
Is spinal decompression right for me?
Often a good fit
- Neck or back pain linked to a disc
- Pain that travels into an arm or leg
- You want to try non-surgical care first
May not be a fit
- Pregnancy
- Spinal fusion, implants or hardware
- Severe osteoporosis, fracture or tumor
Get urgent care first if
- You lose bladder or bowel control
- You have numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Weakness in a leg is getting worse
- Back pain follows a major fall or crash
Your provider reviews your history before recommending it.
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
What a decompression session is like
Before
You stay fully clothed. We fit a comfortable harness around your hips or neck and position you on the table.
During
The table applies slow stretch-and-release cycles. Many people relax or rest. You can ask to stop at any time.
After
Your plan may pair decompression with adjustments, electrical stimulation, physical rehabilitation or home exercises.
How spinal decompression compares to other options
Many people start with conservative care and move to other options if they need to. Your provider can help you weigh them.
| Option | Approach | Recovery time | Typical role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinal decompression | Non-surgical, no needles | Usually return to normal activity the same day | Early, conservative option |
| Chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation | Non-surgical, hands-on and exercise | Usually the same day | Conservative care, often combined |
| Spinal injections | Minimally invasive, medication by needle | Short rest, per your physician | When conservative care is not enough |
| Spine surgery | Surgical | Longer recovery, per your surgeon | When other options have not helped or a serious problem needs it |
Wondering if this care is right for you?
Your spinal decompression providers
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
What patients say about decompression
“It’s a very intense program, but it’s well worth it. I’m very pleased that it was recommended to me and that I’m following it.”
“They treat you like family. They know your name… they ask how you’re doing. And so, it’s a joy coming in every day and seeing the same faces.”
Spinal decompression FAQs
Most people find it comfortable. You feel a slow, gentle pull that releases on a timer, and the force is set to your comfort.
It depends on your condition and how you respond. Your provider sets a plan after your exam and reviews your progress along the way.
[Confirm coverage wording with practice]
Both stretch the spine. Decompression uses a computer to control the angle, force and timing of each cycle, while basic traction usually applies a steady pull.
For some people, conservative care such as decompression is enough to manage their symptoms. Others still need injections or surgery. Your exam helps decide which path fits you.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center offers cervical and lumbar decompression at 4200 Munson St NW in Canton, near North Canton and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- [parking and entrance notes]
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out if our care fits your pain
Start with a full exam and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.