What to Expect During Your First Spinal Decompression Session
What to Expect During Your First Spinal Decompression Session in Burlington, Ontario
Here at Burlington Spinal Decompression, we know that trying spinal decompression for the first time will bring up questions such as: What will it feel like? How does it work? What makes this clinic different? When will my back feel better? How long does it take? How long is each appointment?
Many patients have questions about the process, especially because for many it is new, so I’d like to walk you through the initial assessment process, what you’ll experience during your first decompression session, and how Dr. Brad Deakin and our team use the most advanced technology and rehabilitation care plan to help resolve underlying issues — not just cover up symptoms.
Why Choose Spinal Decompression?
Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment that gently and gradually decompresses the spine to relieve pressure on discs and nerves.
Before we even start the Spinal Decompression Treatment, each patient is accessed by Dr Brad and receives:
- In office X-Rays
- Electromyography
- Infrared Therapy Studies and
- A treatment plan is developed specifically to their trauma/injury.
The Decompression process will:
- Reduce herniated or bulging discs
- Improve nerve function
- Decrease inflammation
- Relieve sciatica and chronic back or neck pain
- Improve posture and spinal health
- Help you get back to yourself and do the things you love.
Research shows spinal decompression can significantly reduce pain and disability for patients with disc-related conditions (Choi et al., 2022).
Why Burlington Spinal Decompression?
- Dr. Brad Deakin has over 20 years experience in his field and is recognized as the leading chiropractor in Burlington, Ontario. He has won several international awards and has served on several research and advisory boards such as; the Chiropractic Awareness Council (Now the Alliance for Chiropractic). Halton Doctors Association and The Australian Spinal Research Foundation.
- Here at our Burlington Clinic we use profession leading spinal decompression technology for precision, comfort, and results.
- Our clinic provides onsite digital X-rays, with measurements down to 1/10th of a millimeter. This is a true advantage for our patients as it means they don’t need to go off site to get X-Rays taken.
- Every patient receives a personalized care plan that focuses on addressing the root cause of pain.
- Personal rehabilitation plan that provides a comprehensive stretching and exercise program to support and stabilize the improvements that Non- Surgical Spinal Decompression can bring.
Step 1: The Initial Assessment (Two Appointments)
Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment process that sets the foundation for care.
First Appointment
- Health History & Body Systems Review
- We take time to understand your overall health background and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your spinal issues.
- We take time to understand your overall health background and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your spinal issues.
- Profession Leading Nerve Scans
- Electromyography & Infrared Therapy Scans that measure how well your nervous system and muscular system are functioning. These precise tests provide invaluable insights into your condition.
- Electromyography & Infrared Therapy Scans that measure how well your nervous system and muscular system are functioning. These precise tests provide invaluable insights into your condition.
- Digital X-Rays
- We capture in-office Digital X-rays that allow for an incredibly detailed look at spinal alignment and disc spaces. This ensures your care plan is based on accurate, objective data.
- We capture in-office Digital X-rays that allow for an incredibly detailed look at spinal alignment and disc spaces. This ensures your care plan is based on accurate, objective data.
- Preliminary Care Discussion
Dr. Deakin begins to outline a personalized treatment plan, tailored to your condition and goals. The customized care plan combines functional rehabilitation exercises, stretches, chiropractic and Non-surgical Spinal Decompression to correct and stabilize the spine on a permanent basis.
Second Appointment
Your second visit is focused on education and results:
- Learn to Read Your Own X-Rays
- We teach you how to read your scans and X-rays, so you fully understand your spinal health.
- We teach you how to read your scans and X-rays, so you fully understand your spinal health.
- Review of Nerve Scans & Findings
- You receive a complete review of your nerve scans and digital X-rays.
- You receive a complete review of your nerve scans and digital X-rays.
- Customized Care Plan
- Dr. Deakin finalizes your care plan, including spinal decompression settings and complementary therapies such as chiropractic adjustments, posture coaching, or targeted exercises and other forms of rehabilitation.
- Dr. Deakin finalizes your care plan, including spinal decompression settings and complementary therapies such as chiropractic adjustments, posture coaching, or targeted exercises and other forms of rehabilitation.
This two-visit approach ensures your treatment is precise, evidence-based, and collaborative.
Step 2: Your First Decompression Session
- Setup on the Decompression Table
- You’ll be gently put on a computerized 4 Dimensional Spinal Decompression table designed to target your specific area of concern.
- You’ll be gently put on a computerized 4 Dimensional Spinal Decompression table designed to target your specific area of concern.
- Personalized Calibration
- We used your digital X-Rays to program specifically determined cycles of decompression and relaxation. Patients often describe the sensation as a comfortable, relieving “pull.”
- We used your digital X-Rays to program specifically determined cycles of decompression and relaxation. Patients often describe the sensation as a comfortable, relieving “pull.”
- Treatment Time
- Sessions usually last 30–45 minutes, which decompresses the spine, re-engages the metallurgical discs and stretches the paraspinal musculature and ligaments.
- Sessions usually last 30–45 minutes, which decompresses the spine, re-engages the metallurgical discs and stretches the paraspinal musculature and ligaments.
- Immediate Response
- Many patients notice immediate relief, while others experience significant improvement across multiple visits.
- Many patients notice immediate relief, while others experience significant improvement across multiple visits.
Step 3: After Your Session
- Relief and Adjustment: You may feel lighter, looser, and less restricted, or occasionally mildly sore like after a workout.
- Hydration Is Key: Drinking water helps keep spinal discs nourished and supports recovery.
Consistency Matters: Following your customized plan is essential for long-term improvement.
Backed by Research
- Clinical studies demonstrate spinal decompression can improve disc height, reduce pain, and restore function (Nagda et al., 2011).
- Combining decompression with stabilization exercises enhances outcomes compared to passive care alone (Elnaggar et al., 2022).
Final Thoughts
Your first spinal decompression session at Burlington Spinal Decompression, guided by the Profession Leader Dr. Brad Deakin, is the start of a carefully structured process designed to provide answers, education, and lasting relief.
With detailed assessments, advanced technology, and personalized care plans, our clinic helps patients across Burlington restore spinal health, reduce pain, and regain mobility.
If you’ve been living with back pain, sciatica, or disc-related conditions, it may be time to experience the difference for yourself.
References (APA)
Choi, E., Kim, J., & Kim, S. (2022). Effects of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy on lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(18), 5471. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9553669/
Easy Reach Chiropractic. (2023). What to expect during your spinal decompression session. Retrieved from https://www.easyreachchiro.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-your-spinal-decompression-session
Elnaggar, I. M., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of spinal decompression therapy with core stabilization exercise for chronic lumbar disc prolapse: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23(1), 880. https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-022-05196-x
Nagda, D. A., Lu, D. S., & Wu, C. (2011). Clinical and imaging outcomes of non-surgical spinal decompression for lumbar intervertebral disc lesions: A case series. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 1(1), 32–40. https://journal.parker.edu/article/131983-clinical-and-imaging-outcomes-of-non-surgical-spinal-decompression-for-lumbar-intervertebral-disc-lesions-a-case-series