Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for Herniated & Bulging Discs
At Stow Family Chiropractic, we help patients throughout Stow, Maynard, and Acton find lasting relief from neck and back disc pain using non-surgical spinal decompression, a gentle, technology-driven treatment that addresses the root cause of your condition.
If you've been diagnosed with a herniated, bulging, or degenerating disc, you may feel like surgery is your only option. It's not.
Spinal decompression offers a non-invasive approach designed to reduce pressure on damaged discs and promote natural healing.
Herniated, Bulging, or Slipped Disc? Non-Surgical Relief Is Possible.
A herniated disc, bulging disc, or slipped disc can develop in the neck or lower back, causing pain that radiates into your arms or legs, numbness, tingling, and significant limitations in daily activity. For many patients, the natural next step seems to be injections or surgery — but there's often a better option.
Spinal decompression gently stretches the spine to reduce disc pressure and encourage the disc to rehydrate and reposition. Our KDT Neural Flex table allows us to customize each session to your anatomy and condition — treatment is comfortable, controlled, and drug-free.
Degenerative Disc Disease & Spinal Stenosis
Disc degeneration and spinal stenosis develop over time in the neck or lower back, gradually narrowing the space around your spinal nerves and reducing disc height. This can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and radiating symptoms that worsen with activity.
Spinal decompression creates gentle negative pressure within the affected disc space, helping to relieve pressure on compressed nerves and support the disc's natural hydration and healing process — without surgery or long-term medication use.
Already Explored Other Options?
Many of our patients come to us after trying physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments alone, cortisone injections, or medication — without lasting relief. Some have already been told surgery is their next step.
Every treatment plan at Stow Family Chiropractic begins with a clinical evaluation. We'll review your diagnosis, imaging, and symptoms to determine honestly whether decompression is the right fit for your specific condition.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on herniated, bulging, or degenerating discs.
Using gentle, computer-controlled traction, the treatment creates negative pressure within the disc. This can help:
- Reduce nerve compression
- Improve disc hydration
- Decrease inflammation
- Support natural healing
Treatments are comfortable and typically last 8–16 minutes.
Advanced Technology + Customized Care
At Stow Family Chiropractic, decompression is delivered using the KDT Neural Flex Spinal Decompression Table, allowing precise, controlled treatment tailored to your condition.
Every session also includes cold laser therapy, which helps:
- Reduce inflammation
- Accelerate tissue repair
- Enhance pain relief
- Support faster recovery
Your treatment plan is customized based on your symptoms, exam findings, and clinical evaluation.
Conditions Treated
- Herniated discs
- Bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Radicular arm or leg pain
- Whiplash
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic low back pain
Benefits
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Designed to address the root cause (not just mask symptoms)
- Comfortable, controlled treatment sessions
- No downtime
- May reduce the need for injections or surgery
- Integrated cold laser therapy included
Real Patients. Real Results.
Miles R. ★★★★★
In Spring 2025, I was suffering from severe neck, shoulder, and back pain, which was contributing to weakness in my legs, forearms, and hands. Given this, I got an MRI, and I visited with an orthopedic and spine specialist who diagnosed me with cervical spinal stenosis leading to significant compression of several cervical vertebrae. The specialist recommended immediate surgery. Given the severity of the diagnoses and the risk inherent in any surgery, I got a second opinion from Dr. Whittemore, who recommended decompression treatment as a viable alternative. I started decompression treatment soon after and experienced almost immediate symptomatic relief. This improvement allowed me to get back into the gym, and on the golf course, to recover the strength in my limbs and continue my life at a quality level I was accustomed to prior to experiencing the pain.
Karen R. ★★★★★
I had been struggling for almost a year with extreme lumbar and hip pain due to 5 bulging discs caused by Degenerative Disc Disease and Osteoporosis in my spine. My range of motion was poor and I was experiencing chronic daily pain. My primary care provider suggested my next step would be nerve ablation. It was at this point that I sought the care of Dr. Whittemore. He assessed my situation and created a tailored treatment plan of Therapeutic Laser and Decompression Therapy. It's been 6 months and I feel that Decompression Therapy has been critical in improving my range of motion and decreasing my chronic pain. I would highly recommend Dr. Whittemore and Decompression Therapy — it has truly provided me tremendous relief.
Kara T. ★★★★★
After a serious car accident, I was in a tremendous amount of pain — the kind that affects sleep, mood, and overall ability to function as a mother to two young children. An MRI disclosed multiple disc issues and spine specialists suggested surgery as my best bet. Dr. Todd provided a life changing alternative: decompression therapy. Treatments provided relief I was not seeing from any other therapies. My only wish is that I started it sooner. I highly recommend this option for those seeking relief without going the surgical route.
Frank K. ★★★★★
I have been a patient of Dr. Todd's since December 2021. I was experiencing back pain for 3-4 years due to a lumbar disc bulge and spinal stenosis and it was affecting my day-to-day work and social life. I am a carpenter with a labor-intensive job, and after cortisone shots didn't reduce the pain enough to work, I was ready to schedule surgery before my wife convinced me to try decompression therapy. I completed 3 rounds of 12 decompression sessions and can honestly say I am almost in no pain. I've returned to daily walking, exercise, and working at full capacity. I highly recommend decompression therapy!
Transparent Pricing — No Surprise Fees
Spinal decompression is a specialized service not typically covered by insurance. We offer straightforward, all-inclusive session pricing — and we'll walk you through your options during your consultation so there are no surprises.
| Option | Price |
| Single Session | $155 |
| 12-Session Program | $1,674 (savings of $186) |
| 24-Session Program | $3,162 (savings of $558) |
Each session includes spinal decompression and cold laser therapy. Most treatment plans are recommended 2-4 times per week for 3-6 weeks depending on your condition.
Find Out If Decompression Can Help You
Tell us about your diagnosis and we'll help determine if spinal decompression is right for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinal decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on herniated, bulging, or degenerating discs. Using gentle, computer-controlled traction, it creates negative pressure within the disc to reduce nerve compression, improve disc hydration, and support natural healing.
What conditions does spinal decompression treat?
Spinal decompression is commonly used to treat herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, radicular arm or leg pain, and chronic disc-related neck or lower back pain.
How is spinal decompression different from a chiropractic adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments restore proper joint motion and alignment. Spinal decompression specifically targets disc compression by creating negative pressure within the disc to promote healing and relieve nerve pressure. At Stow Family Chiropractic, both are often used together for the best outcomes.
Is spinal decompression covered by insurance?
Spinal decompression therapy is not covered by insurance and is billed as an out-of-pocket service. Single sessions are $155. Package options are available: 12 sessions for $1,674 or 24 sessions for $3,162.
How many sessions will I need?
Most treatment plans are recommended 2 to 4 times per week for 3 to 6 weeks, depending on your specific condition. Dr. Todd will recommend a plan based on your diagnosis, imaging, and symptoms during your consultation.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If neck or back disc pain is limiting your movement, sleep, or quality of life, it may be time to explore a non-surgical solution.
Call 978-897-1770
or complete the form above to request a consultation.
Serving Stow, Maynard, Hudson, Bolton, Acton, Sudbury, Boxborough, Concord, Harvard & Marlborough