Am I a candidate for spinal decompression (sciatica)?

Most patients ask this question after months of pain that has not responded to whatever they have tried. The short answer is that candidacy for spinal decompression with added oscillation hinges on three things: the structure of the discs, the pattern of your symptoms, and whether anything in your medical history rules the program out. We answer all three at the show-and-tell consultation.

What we look at on imaging

Disc herniations, bulges, protrusions, and prolapse are the strongest indications. Decompression is purpose-built to take pressure off the disc and pump it at maximum load, which is what the patented oscillation does. Degenerative disc disease with decreased disc space is a strong indication too. We use lateral and AP X-rays and, when the case calls for it, MRI.

What the symptoms tell us

Pain that radiates (down the leg for lumbar, down the arm for cervical) typically signals nerve-root involvement. That is the population that responds best. Pain that stays local without radiation is usually muscular or facet-driven and responds better to adjustment alone, sometimes with flexion-distraction.

Who is not a candidate

Severe osteoporosis. Recent spinal fusion. Certain tumors. Progressive neurological loss (these patients need a surgical consult first). We screen for all of this. If we cannot help, we say so and refer.

What the consultation includes

The show-and-tell is $90 and runs about 75 minutes. SOAP intake, postural exam on dual scales, range-of-motion measurement with a protractor, neurological screen with a Wartenberg pinwheel, surface EMG (the EKG of your nervous system), and X-rays. At the Report of Findings visit we review everything together and tell you whether decompression is the right answer for you.

What patients often ask next

The most common follow-up is about insurance. Most insurance does not cover non-surgical spinal decompression, so most of our decompression patients pay cash. The standard 20-visit package is $3,000 with the adjustment included at half-price each visit. A single session is $160. We are transparent about cost so the financial decision is in your hands.

The short version

You are likely a candidate if your imaging shows a disc problem, your symptoms include radiating pain or numbness, and your medical history does not have a ruling-out factor. Schedule the show-and-tell consultation. You will have a yes or no in 90 minutes.