Can a Chiropractor Help with Cervical Disc Decompression?

FAQs: Cervical Disc Decompression & Chiropractic Care

What is a cervical disc and why does it get compressed?

Cervical discs sit between the vertebrae in your neck. They act like cushions, allowing your neck to move smoothly while absorbing impact.

When one of these discs becomes compressed, herniated, or bulging, it can press on nearby nerves—causing symptoms like:

• Neck pain
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Weakness in the hands or shoulders
• Limited neck movement

Can a chiropractor actually help with a compressed disc in my neck?

Yes — a chiropractor can absolutely help with a compressed cervical disc. At Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine, we use gentle chiropractic techniques designed to:

• Relieve pressure on the affected disc
• Realign the cervical spine
• Reduce inflammation and nerve irritation
• Restore range of motion

This isn't aggressive or risky—our approach is targeted, safe, and personalized to your condition.

What’s spinal decompression therapy and how does it help the neck?

Spinal decompression therapy uses a specialized table to gently stretch your spine. This can create space between vertebrae, which helps:

• Take pressure off the damaged disc
• Promote nutrient flow and disc healing
• Relieve pain caused by pinched nerves

Yes, it’s often used for lower back issues, but it’s just as effective for the neck (cervical spine) when done properly.

Learn more here: Spinal Decompression Therapy

What’s the difference between chiropractic care and decompression therapy?

Think of chiropractic care as the manual part—hands-on adjustments that restore alignment.

Spinal decompression is the tech-assisted part—a machine-guided process that gently relieves pressure over time.

Combined together, they tackle both the cause (misalignment) and the result (disc compression), giving you a stronger, longer-lasting outcome.

What causes cervical disc problems in the first place?

Common causes include:

• Poor posture (especially from tech/screen use)
• Aging and degenerative disc disease
• Repetitive neck strain
• Past injuries (whiplash, falls, etc.)
• Lack of movement or exercise

Basically, modern life is rough on the neck—and many people are dealing with this without even knowing it.

How do I know if I need cervical decompression treatment?

Here are a few signs it might be time to get checked out:

• Pain that radiates from your neck into your shoulder or arm
• Tingling or numbness down one arm
• Chronic neck stiffness or loss of motion
• You’ve been told you have a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease
• You’re not ready for surgery (or trying to avoid it)

Is this treatment safe? Does it hurt?

Our methods are non-invasive, gentle, and completely drug-free.

Most people describe spinal decompression as a “relieving stretch” and adjustments as light and precise. There's no cracking or twisting if that’s not your vibe—we tailor everything to your comfort level.

How long does it take to feel better?

Everyone’s healing timeline is different, but many of our patients start noticing relief within:

• 3–6 spinal decompression sessions
• 1–2 weeks of chiropractic care

That said, we focus on long-term correction, not quick fixes. We’ll give you a personalized treatment plan with expected milestones and outcome goals.

What else do you include in treatment?

Our integrative approach might also include:

• Corrective exercises
• Postural coaching
• Soft tissue therapy
• Nutrition or lifestyle tips that support disc healing

Everything we do works together to make your results last.

Do I need a referral or MRI first?

Not at all. You can book a consultation with our team and we’ll do a full evaluation.

If imaging is needed, we’ll let you know. But you can absolutely start your recovery journey with us without a referral or prior imaging.

Book a Consultation

How do I get started?

Easy — just schedule a visit at our Vacaville clinic. We'll:

• Review your symptoms and history
• Do a complete spinal assessment
• Recommend a care plan based on what we find

Our goal is to help you move better, feel better, and avoid surgery—all with safe, natural methods.