Back on Trac decompression
- Computer-controlled force per session
- Sustained traction that addresses the disc itself
- Non-invasive, non-surgical
- Combines with adjustment and laser in a coordinated plan
- Minimal side effects, mild soreness early on
Featured technology · St. Augustine, FL
Spinal decompression that gives discs room to heal.
Spinal decompression is a non-invasive mechanical procedure performed within our office to help alleviate back pain. It involves gently stretching the spine to take pressure off the spinal discs. Serving St. Augustine, St. Johns, Nocatee, World Golf Village, Ponte Vedra, and Jacksonville.
What sets Back in Motion decompression apart
Computer-controlled tractionNon-surgical, in-officeOn-site digital X-rays5.0 stars · Google & Zocdoc
How it works
What spinal decompression actually does to a disc.
← CompressedReleased →
Disc height: 2.0 mmNerve pressure: High
When a disc compresses, it pushes outward and presses on the nerve next to it. That's what causes the burning, the tingling, the pain that radiates down your leg or arm.
- 1Gentle traction.The Back on Trac chair stretches the spine in a slow, computer-controlled cycle.
- 2Disc decompresses.Pressure inside the disc drops. The disc pulls back into place. Fluid and nutrients flow back in.
- 3Nerve unloads.Without the bulging disc pressing on it, the nerve calms down. Pain, tingling, and numbness ease over a series of sessions.
Watch
Disc decompression explained.
🔊 This video has sound. Click play and adjust volume in the player.
Disc anatomy 101
What is actually happening inside the disc.
Tap a stage to see what changes inside the disc and how decompression responds.
Healthy disc
A healthy disc is plump, hydrated, and absorbs your body's load.
The nucleus in the middle of the disc is mostly water in a young, healthy spine. It works like a cushion between vertebrae, transferring load and letting your spine bend without grinding bone on bone.
Where decompression fits: Prevention. Decompression helps keep mobility and hydration on your side as you age.
Quick check
Is decompression right for me?
Six quick questions. We do not diagnose online, but this can help you decide whether to come in for an evaluation.
Question 1 of 6
Where is your pain worst?
Question 2 of 6
How long has the pain been going on?
Question 3 of 6
How bad is it right now? 3
Question 4 of 6
Does the pain shoot, burn, tingle, or go numb down an arm or leg?
Question 5 of 6
Has anyone told you that you have a herniated, bulging, or degenerative disc?
Question 6 of 6
Any of these apply to you? Pregnancy, recent spinal surgery, spinal hardware, recent fracture, severe osteoporosis, or a known spinal tumor.
A typical decompression course
What the recovery curve usually looks like.
Every plan is personalized. This is the general shape of how most decompression patients move through care. Your real plan comes from your exam and X-rays.
Phase 1
Visits 1 to 3
Calm the nerve
Sessions are gentle and short. Goal is to ease acute pain and inflammation, get the body comfortable with the chair, and start unloading pressure on the irritated nerve.
Phase 2
Visits 4 to 8
Open the disc space
Stretch parameters adjust as the body tolerates more. Disc space opens, fluid and nutrients move back into the disc, and most patients start noticing real relief between sessions.
Phase 3
Visits 9 to 16
Stabilize the gain
Decompression continues at a maintenance cadence while we layer in corrective exercise, posture work, and adjustment to lock in the improvement.
Phase 4
Graduation
Stay out of the chair
Reassessment, a home plan you can actually do, and a long-term schedule. Most patients shift to maintenance, not lifelong weekly visits.
Who it helps
Conditions decompression supports.
If any of these sound like you, decompression is worth asking about.
Sciatica
Pain radiating from the low back into the buttock and down the leg, often caused by a disc pressing on a nerve root.
Herniated & Bulging Discs
When the soft center of a disc pushes outward and irritates surrounding nerves. Decompression gives the disc space to retract.
Chronic Low Back Pain
Stiffness and ache that has not responded to standard adjustment alone. Decompression unloads compressed segments and gives the tissue room to settle.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related disc thinning and dehydration. Decompression helps fluid and nutrients flow back into the disc.
Pinched Nerves
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs caused by nerve root compression at the spine.
Posture-Related Stiffness
Compression from prolonged sitting, repetitive loading, or postural strain that has built up over time.
Why we chose Back on Trac
Decompression vs the other things you've tried.
Most patients come to us after trying a long list. Here's how decompression compares.
Inversion table
- Gravity only, no controlled force
- Partial decompression, uncontrolled
- Non-invasive, non-surgical
- Home device, doesn't combine with care plan
- Dizziness and raised eye pressure possible
Pain medication
- No force applied (N/A)
- Masks symptoms, doesn't address the disc
- Non-invasive
- Doesn't combine with structural care
- Dependency, GI, and liver risk
Decompression is not a fit for every patient or every condition. Dr. Colby will tell you honestly if a different tool is the better starting point for your case.
First session
What to expect your first time in the chair.
01
Quick reassessment
Dr. Colby checks in on how you are feeling that day and confirms decompression is still the right call for today's session.
02
Settle into the chair
You sit in the Back on Trac chair. We position the harness and dial the settings for your case. You stay clothed in something comfortable.
03
20 to 30 minute cycle
The chair runs a slow, computer-controlled traction cycle. Most patients describe it as one of the most relaxing parts of the week. Many fall asleep.
04
Layer in the other tools
If your plan includes adjustment, soft tissue work, laser, or e-stim, those usually pair with the session. You leave moving better than you walked in.
Common questions
Decompression, explained.
If your question isn't here, send us a message and we will get back to you.
No. Most patients describe a session as gentle and relaxing. The stretch is slow, computer-controlled, and stays within a comfortable range. Many patients fall asleep during their sessions.
A typical decompression session runs about 20 to 30 minutes. Dr. Colby will outline a recommended series of sessions for your condition during your initial exam.
It depends on your condition, how long you have had it, and how your body responds. Most decompression plans run as a multi-session course of care. Your real plan comes from your exam and imaging.
It is best suited for disc-related pain, sciatica, and chronic low back stiffness. Some conditions, including pregnancy, recent spinal fracture, severe osteoporosis, spinal instrumentation, and certain tumors, are not appropriate. Dr. Colby will tell you honestly if it is the right tool for your case.
A chiropractic adjustment restores motion to a specific joint with a quick, controlled movement. Decompression uses sustained, gentle traction to unload pressure inside the disc itself. Many patients benefit from both, used together.
No. Inversion tables use your body weight by hanging upside down. Back on Trac uses computer-controlled cycles to apply a specific, measured force at the right angle, with the patient comfortably seated. The control is what makes it safe and effective for disc cases.
Spinal decompression is used for sciatica, herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, posture-related stiffness, and chronic lower back pain that has not responded to standard care alone. See disc herniation care for the full multi-tool plan.
Not always. We can usually start with on-site digital X-rays and a thorough exam. If we think you need an MRI, we will tell you. If you already have one, please bring it to your first visit.
We accept auto insurance for accident-related injuries and Veterans Affairs (VA) referrals. We do not accept other health insurance, but our self-pay rates for decompression are designed to be affordable and transparent. Send us a message and we will walk you through the options.
Usually yes, with modifications. Dr. Colby will give you a personal recommendation based on your exam, what activity you are doing, and where you are in the recovery curve. The goal is to keep you moving, not shut you down.
At Back in Motion decompression is rarely used alone. It is part of a coordinated plan that can include adjustment, soft tissue work, Class IV laser, focused shockwave, and corrective exercise. Each tool addresses a different piece of the recovery. See all services.
Some patients feel relief within the first few sessions. Most see meaningful change inside the first two to three weeks. Chronic and severe cases take longer. Your timeline depends on the condition and how soon you started care.
See if decompression is right for you
Schedule your evaluation.
Dr. Colby will examine you, review imaging if available, and tell you honestly whether decompression should be part of your plan.