Pain that shoots from your neck toward your hand, or from your back into a leg, can make it hard to work, drive or sleep. That’s often when people start searching for spinal decompression Brewster NY providers, especially if surgery has come up. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR) treats both the neck and the low back on a DTS table at 1620 Brewster Town Center.
Cervical decompression for neck and arm symptoms
When a neck disc bulges or the nerve openings narrow, you may feel neck pain plus tingling or aching down one arm. For cervical decompression, you lie on your back with a padded cradle supporting the base of your skull while the table applies a light pull and release in slow cycles.
The pull is far gentler than for the low back and increases only as you tolerate it. Most people feel a mild, rhythmic stretch at the back of the neck, meant to ease pressure on irritated nerve roots.
Lumbar decompression for back pain, sciatica and stenosis
For the low back, hip and chest harnesses direct a gentle pull through the lower spine. It may help with a herniated or bulging disc and can be part of sciatica treatment. Some people with spinal stenosis, whose legs ache when they stand or walk, also try it, though it isn’t suitable for severe narrowing or an unstable spine.
Weighing surgery? Where decompression may fit
Many people reach our Brewster office after a doctor mentions an operation. Disc problems often improve with conservative care, though surgery is sometimes the right choice.
Non-surgical spinal decompression may be a reasonable step to try first when your physician agrees. Evidence is thin and outcomes vary, so we set clear checkpoints and will tell you if you need a surgical opinion. Our spinal decompression therapy overview covers the research.
Screening before spinal decompression in Brewster, NY
We start with your history and an exam of strength, reflexes, sensation and movement. Decompression isn’t used during pregnancy or if you have:
- Significant bone thinning (osteoporosis) or a recent fracture
- A spinal fusion, surgical hardware or an artificial disc
- A spinal tumor or infection, or an abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Instability or rheumatoid arthritis in the upper neck (neck sessions)
- Known artery problems in the neck (neck sessions)
Your plan at our Brewster office
Spinal decompression in Brewster, NY involves a series of visits, with plans ranging from about 6 weeks to 5 months. A chiropractor programs and supervises every session, and most plans add chiropractic care and physical therapy exercise for the muscles that support your neck or back. Our Brewster office chiropractors are Paul Ciatto, DC, and Chris Shay, DC.
Coverage depends on your plan. Our billing office at (203) 744-8014 can check your benefits before you begin.
When to get urgent care
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for:
- Sudden weakness in an arm or leg, new clumsiness in your hands, or trouble walking
- Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or numbness between the legs
- Face drooping, slurred speech or a sudden severe headache (possible stroke)
- Neck pain with a high fever and stiff neck, or after a fall or crash
Frequently asked questions
Can decompression help pain that runs down my arm?
It may. When arm pain or tingling comes from an irritated nerve root in the neck, cervical decompression can sometimes ease pressure there. Arm symptoms can also start in the shoulder, elbow or wrist, so we examine the whole arm first and refer you to a physician when needed.
Should I try decompression before spine surgery?
Make that decision with your surgeon or physician. For many people without warning signs, trying conservative care first is reasonable, and decompression can be part of it. Progressive weakness or worsening pain may mean discussing surgery sooner; loss of bladder or bowel control is an emergency.
How will I know if it’s working?
We track how far your pain spreads, your strength and reflexes, and how long you can sit, stand or walk. Pain that retreats from the arm or leg toward the spine is often a good sign. If you aren’t improving at a checkpoint, we change the plan instead of adding sessions.
Schedule your visit in Brewster
An evaluation can show whether spinal decompression in Brewster, NY suits your neck or back.
- PMR of Brewster, NY: 1620 Brewster Town Center, Brewster, NY 10509
- Phone: (845) 279-1135
Prefer to book online? Use our appointment request form.