A disc problem in your lower back can make sitting, driving and sleeping a careful negotiation. If you’ve been looking into spinal decompression Danbury CT options because a bulging disc or sciatica won’t settle down, you probably want straight answers. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR) offers non-surgical spinal decompression at 1 Padanaram Road, always as part of a broader plan.
How DTS spinal decompression works
Decompression is computer-controlled traction. You lie on a padded DTS table with harnesses around your pelvis and lower ribs. The table pulls gently along your spine, holds, then eases off in repeating cycles. A chiropractor sets the program for your condition and supervises each session.
The aim is to ease pressure on irritated discs and nerves so your back can move more comfortably. Research is limited and results vary, so we use decompression as one tool within a plan. Our main spinal decompression therapy page covers the research.
Is spinal decompression in Danbury, CT right for you?
For herniated disc treatment or a worn disc, it may be worth discussing if you have:
- Low back pain linked to a bulging or herniated disc
- Sciatica: pain, tingling or numbness that travels into the buttock or leg
- Degenerative disc disease that keeps flaring up
- Disc pain that hasn’t eased with several weeks of other conservative care
When decompression isn’t a good fit
Pulling on the spine isn’t safe for everyone, so we screen for:
- Pregnancy
- A spinal fracture or severe osteoporosis
- Screws, rods, plates or an artificial disc in the spine
- A tumor, cancer or infection involving the spine
- An abdominal aortic aneurysm or significant spinal instability
Your evaluation includes a history, exam and checks of strength, reflexes and sensation, plus imaging when needed. If symptoms point outside our scope, we coordinate with your physician.
What a session feels like
Most people describe a slow, steady stretch through the lower back. The pull builds gradually, so you shouldn’t feel jolts or sharp pain. If symptoms increase, tell the clinician so the settings can be changed or the session stopped. Mild soreness afterward usually passes within a day.
Your treatment plan in Danbury
Plans usually run about 6 weeks to 5 months, depending on your progress. Most people who have spinal decompression in Danbury, CT, also receive chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy for core and hip strength, massage therapy or cold laser therapy.
As pain settles, the focus shifts to exercises you can continue at home, and we change course if you’re not improving.
Insurance and cost
Coverage for decompression varies by plan. We explain your benefits at your first appointment, and our billing office can help at (203) 744-8014.
When to get urgent care
Call 911 or go to the ER if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- New or quickly worsening weakness in a leg or foot
- Back pain with a fever, or after a serious fall or car accident
Frequently asked questions
Does spinal decompression hurt?
It shouldn’t. Decompression is designed to feel like a gentle stretch, and the force builds gradually so your muscles don’t tense against it. Mild soreness afterward is possible. If a session increases your leg pain or numbness, your clinician will adjust the settings or reassess whether decompression suits you.
Do I need an MRI before I start?
Not always. A history, exam and neurological testing often tell us enough to decide whether decompression is reasonable. Imaging may be recommended if you have warning signs, significant trauma or symptoms that don’t match the exam. If you already have imaging reports, bring them to your first visit.
Is a DTS table the same as an inversion table?
No. An inversion table relies on your body weight while you hang head-down, and the stretch isn’t measured. A DTS table applies a set amount of pull while you lie on a padded surface, with force and timing programmed by a clinician who supervises and can stop the session quickly.
Book an appointment
To see whether spinal decompression in Danbury, CT is a sensible path to back pain relief, start with an evaluation at our office.
- PMR of Danbury, CT: 1 Padanaram Road, Danbury, CT 06811
- Phone: (203) 744-8013, open until 7:00pm Monday through Thursday
You can also request an appointment online.