Axial Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to improve herniated discs as well as degenerative discs (arthritis of the spine) in the neck and low back. It is also effective in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The discs of the spine are made of a firm outer covering called the Annulus Fibrosus, and a soft, jelly-like substance on the inside called the Nucleus Pulposus. The purpose of each disc is to act as a cushion between the vertebrae, and to separate the vertebrae so there is enough room for the nerves to exit the spine and travel to the different parts of the body.

When a disc herniates, the firm, outer covering (Annulus Fibrosus) tears and the jelly-like fluid (Nucleus Pulposus) starts to push through the outer layer. This creates a "bulge", which usually compresses the nerves of the spine or the spinal cord, causing severe pain and loss of normal function.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD - one form of arthritis of the spine) occurs when the jelly-like fluid (Nucleus Pulposus) begins to evaporate and shrink. This condition progressively becomes worse with time.

In both cases (the herniated disc and DDD), the disc becomes shorter (compresses), which pinches nerves of the spine and causes pain and other symptoms, depending on the disc involved.

Axial Decompression Therapy is designed to decompress the herniated / degenerated disc, utilizing a series of traction / relaxation cycles with increasing strength over a period of approximately 30 minutes. The treatment itself is very relaxing, and has a very high success rate (86%) in correcting these types of conditions.