Decompression allows for a gentle separation of the disc spaces in between the bones to deliver a negative pressure, or suction. This suction is powerful enough to allow herniated or bulging disc material to migrate back toward the center of the vertebral junction so the lesion can heal. This separation also allows irritated nerve roots (ie a "pinched nerve") like in sciatica to have the pressure physically moved off of them so that they can begin to heal. This healing also results in pain relief and the return of function to the body such as return of range of motion or reduction of muscle spasms in the back or the legs. In degenerative disc disease and chronic pain, the decompression re-hydrates the discs and improves the motion of each joint therefore decreasing chronic pain , inflammation and swelling.
