Managing Sciatica — Why Non‑Surgical Spinal Decompression Is the Answer
Managing Sciatica in Burlington, Ontario — Why Non‑Surgical Spinal Decompression Is the Answer
Burlington Spinal Decompression • Dr. Brad Deakin, DC — Best in Burlington, leading technology
If you live in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, or Milton and you’re searching for “herniated disc relief Burlington,” this informational blog explains in clear, evidence‑based terms, how chiropractic‑led, non‑surgical spinal decompression will relieve disc pain, restore movement, and help you get back to a health pain-free day to day life, start to enjoy things like work (if you are lucky enough to love your job), sport, running, gym, golf, dancing and family life again.
Sciatica in Canada: a big problem that deserves a precise solution
Sciatica—radiating leg pain due to pinched or irritated nerve roots in the lower back—is one of the most disabling back‑related problems. Globally, low back pain is the leading cause of disability; it affects hundreds of millions at any given time and is where the largest number of people can benefit from non‑surgical rehabilitation. That’s not our opinion—it’s the World Health Organization’s summary of the burden of back pain and musculoskeletal conditions. World Health Organization+1
In 2023 the WHO released its first guideline focused on non‑surgical care for chronic low back pain—an important reminder that the safest, smartest first step is conservative, clinic‑based care that helps you move, heal, and get your life back. World Health Organization+1
Why non‑surgical spinal decompression for sciatica?
Chiropractor‑directed 4 dimensional spinal decompression uses a computer‑controlled table to gently distract the spine in precise cycles. This is not generic “stretching.” Done correctly, decompression lowers pressure inside the disc, encourages retraction of herniated material, and reduces nerve irritation—the exact pain generator in most sciatica cases.
- Negative intradiscal pressure. A landmark study measured disc pressure directly and showed vertebral axial decompression can reduce pressure inside the disc to a negative range—mechanically encouraging disc material to move away from nerve roots. thejns.org
- Disc retraction on imaging. Classic imaging research demonstrated traction‑induced retraction of lumbar disc herniations on CT and significant reductions in herniation size after decompression‑based protocols—evidence that the structure really does change. Lippincott Journals+1
In plain language: when you reduce internal disc pressure and give the disc space to rehydrate and heal, compressed nerves calm down—and sciatica eases.
Why Burlington Spinal Decompression & Dr. Brad Deakin?
Chiropractic‑led. Your care is directed by Dr. Brad Deakin, a Burlington chiropractor with 20+ years of clinical experience, recognized internationally for leadership in non‑surgical decompression. We place Chiro first—leading diagnosis, strategy, and progressions—so every element of your plan is integrated and accountable. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca+1
Leading technology. We pair chiropractor‑led protocols with Health Canada–cleared and FDA‑registered axial‑traction technology, purpose‑built for non‑surgical decompression. Our platform enables highly specific force, angle, and cycle parameters—so treatment is targeted to your disc levels rather than “one‑speed fits all.” burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
Onsite digital X‑rays—right at your first visit. Burlington Spinal Decompression has digital X‑ray equipment onsite. That means you’re not waiting weeks for imaging; we can assess, measure, and plan your program immediately. We also review any existing MRI/CT you may have. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
A full intake—not just a table session. Before treatment begins, patients are assessed by Dr. Deakin and receive in‑office imaging and testing (including X‑rays, and where appropriate EMG and infrared studies) so your decompression settings and care plan match your spine. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
Individualized patient care plans that resolve the underlying issue. Your plan is not a generic series of pulls. It’s a progression—chiropractic decompression first, with chiropractor‑prescribed mobility and stability work to reinforce gains so pain relief sticks. Plans also address daily‑life mechanics, workstation set‑ups, and restful sleep—all the small things that add up to a lasting result. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
Best in Burlington. Patients choose us for results and service—and we’re proud of our community recognition as Burlington’s go‑to for decompression with leading technology and a chiropractor‑directed approach. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca+1
What a typical 4‑week chiropractor‑led plan can look like
Goal: calm the nerve, reduce disc pressure, shrink herniation volume, restore confident movement—fast.
- Week 1: Comprehensive chiropractic evaluation, onsite X‑rays, and baseline functional testing. First decompression sessions begin with conservative parameters to gauge tolerance and response. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca+1
- Week 2: Decompression settings are individualized (angle/force/cycle) to target the affected level(s). Chiropractor‑directed at‑home movement “snacks” start to support neural mobility and disc nutrition between sessions.
- Week 3: Continued decompression plus progressions for core endurance and posture control (taught by your chiropractor and team). At this stage, many patients report less leg pain and steadier sleep. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
- Week 4: Re‑check outcomes (pain, function, range of motion). Most patients in controlled trials had meaningful gains by the four‑week mark when decompression is delivered as a structured protocol. Your next‑phase plan consolidates changes and prevents relapse. BioMed Central
How many sessions? Research‑based programs typically span 8–12+ visits over 4–6 weeks, with frequency tailored to your imaging, irritability, and goals. In RCTs, 12 sessions in 4 weeks produced clear advantages over routine care. BioMed Central
What the science says—at a glance
- Structure changes on imaging: RCTs and controlled trials show disc herniation size can decrease with decompression/traction‑based care, as verified on CT and MRI. That structural change tracks with less nerve irritation and improved function. PubMed+1
- Measured negative pressure in the disc: Direct intradiscal measurements confirm decompression can create negative pressures that facilitate retraction and hydration. thejns.org
Short‑term relief you can feel: Meta‑analysis of lumbar radiculopathy trials shows short‑term improvements in pain and disability when traction/decompression is added to clinical care—i.e., in the time window that matters most when sciatica is flaring. OUP Academic
Conditions that respond well in our clinic
- Sciatica / lumbar radiculopathy from herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease and chronic low back pain
Spinal stenosis
All evaluated and managed through chiropractor‑led decompression protocols, with onsite X‑rays and a plan that fits your life. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
References (APA)
- Amjad, F., Mohseni‑Bandpei, M. A., Gilani, S. A., Ahmad, A., & Hanif, A. (2022). Effects of non‑surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy… BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23, 255. https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-022-05196-x BioMed Central
- Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P.‑B. (2022). Effect of nonsurgical spinal decompression on intensity of pain and herniated disc volume in subacute lumbar herniated disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 6343837. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36263240/ (Open access: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9553669/) PubMed
- Onel, D., Tuzlacı, M., Sari, H., & Ozcakir, S. (1989). Computed tomographic investigation of the effect of traction on lumbar disc herniations. Spine, 14(1), 82–90. https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/abstract/1989/01000/computed_tomographic_investigation_of_the_effect.17.aspx Lippincott Journals
- Ozturk, B., Gunduz, O. H., Ozoran, K., & Bostanoglu, S. (2006). Effect of continuous lumbar traction on the size of herniated disc material in lumbar disc herniation. Rheumatology International, 26(7), 622–626. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16249899/ PubMed
- Ramos, G., & Martin, W. (1994). Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. Journal of Neurosurgery, 81(3), 350–353. https://thejns.org/view/journals/j-neurosurg/81/3/article-p350.xml thejns.org
- Vanti, C., Panizzolo, A., Turone, L., Guccione, A. A., Pillastrini, P., & Bertozzi, L. (2021). Effectiveness of mechanical traction for lumbar radiculopathy: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Physical Therapy, 101(3), pzaa231. https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article-pdf/101/3/pzaa231/48727556/pzaa231.pdf OUP Academic
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Low back pain — Fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain World Health Organization
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Musculoskeletal conditions — Fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions World Health Organization
- World Health Organization. (2023, December 7). WHO releases guidelines on chronic low back pain. https://www.who.int/news/item/07-12-2023-who-releases-guidelines-on-chronic-low-back-pain World Health Organization
- World Health Organization. (2023). WHO guideline for non‑surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240081789 World Health Organization
Clinic sources (for clinic‑specific details):
- Burlington Spinal Decompression. (n.d.). Home. https://burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca/ (leadership, technology overview, awards). burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
- Burlington Spinal Decompression. (n.d.). Services we provide. (Onsite digital X‑rays). https://burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca/services-we-provide/ burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
- Burlington Spinal Decompression. (2025, Sept 25). What to expect during your first spinal decompression session in Burlington, Ontario. (Assessment steps). https://burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca/what-to-expect-during-your-first-spinal-decompression-session-in-burlington-ontario/ burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
- Burlington Spinal Decompression. (n.d.). Our technology. (Leading tech). https://burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca/our-technology/ burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
- Burlington Spinal Decompression. (n.d.). How decompression helps… (Testimonials note: changes in first few weeks). https://burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca/how-decompression-helps-with-back-pain-why-non%E2%80%91surgical-spinal-decompression-is-the-answer-in-burlington-ontario/ burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
- Burlington Spinal Decompression. (n.d.). Book appointment / contact. https://burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca/book-appointment/ and contact info. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca+1
- Amjad, F., Mohseni‑Bandpei, M. A., Gilani, S. A., Ahmad, A., & Hanif, A. (2022). Effects of non‑surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy… BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23, 255. https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-022-05196-x BioMed Central
Burlington Spinal Decompression: Where to find us & how to start
Burlington Spinal Decompression (Dr. Brad Deakin)
Address: 1‑3350 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7N 3L5
Phone: (289) 337‑9969
We provide on‑site digital X‑rays, advanced nerve scans, and 4‑Dimensional decompression with individualized chiropractic‑led care plans to resolve the underlying issue—so you can get back to what you love. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca+1
Ready to get started? Book your initial exam today—our team will review your imaging and map a plan to herniated disc relief that fits your schedule and goals. burlingtonspinaldecompression.ca
