San diego spinal decompression

Non-surgical relief for herniated discs, sciatica, and chronic back and neck pain. Call us to schedule or speak directly with a doctor.

Call us (858) 452-7770

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment for herniated discs, sciatica, and chronic back and neck pain, using a motorized table (the DRX9000) that stretches and decompresses the spine in a controlled cycle. Dr. Jeffers has used this specific system for nearly 20 years, one of the longest-running decompression practices in the region.

Who is a candidate For Spinal decompression?

Diagram showing three types of spinal disc issues: bulging disc, herniated disc, and degenerative disc, with labels and detailed illustrations of each condition.

You may be a candidate for
spinal decompression if you have:

  • A herniated or bulging disc, confirmed or suspected

  • Chronic sciatica

  • Radiating weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Facet syndrome

  • Chronic neck or lower back pain without a clear structural cause yet identified

HOW IT WORKS

Getting started with spinal decompression is straightforward: an initial exam determines whether you're a candidate and outlines your treatment plan, then regular sessions follow based on that plan. Here's what to expect at each stage.

    • The doctor does a thorough evaluation of your specific condition and medical history

    • Imaging is reviewed, an MRI, in most cases, is the clearest way to confirm whether decompression is appropriate and to calibrate the DRX9000 for your specific issue

    • If you don't have recent imaging, how we guide you may depend on your insurance or injury type, such as a personal injury case, we have the expertise to help you get the best and quickest path to that care

    • Your treatment plan is determined, our doctors typically recommend 2 to 3 visits per week, with most patients averaging 12 to 20 total visits, based on general research on non-surgical spinal decompression and what we've seen work best for our own patients.

    • Sessions can be booked weeks in advance or the day before, though same-week availability may be limited.

    • Spinal decompression is offered at both office locations, strictly by appointment.

    • A session typically lasts around 45 minutes, about 30 of which are spent on the DRX9000 table.

    • Dressing comfortably is recommended, you'll lie on the table with a wedge pillow under your knees.

    • Spinal decompression is billed at time-of-service and is not covered by insurance in most cases

    • We also offer a discounted package for patients who want to commit to a full course of treatment upfront

    • Neither option requires ongoing maintenance visits, some patients return on an as-needed basis once their initial plan is complete

    • The full plan and total cost are communicated clearly after your exam, before any commitment is made

“If you have back pain and are being told you need cortisone shots or even surgery, don’t do it, go see Dr. Jeffers first! I came to him with lower back/sciatica pain that my doctors and PT therapists couldn’t fix. He started me on the DRX-9000 machine which decompresses your spine and I started improving right away. I then brought my mom to him who was being told she needed back surgery. She is doing amazing now and no surgery!”

— Autumn Gray, Google Review

  • No. Insurance generally doesn't cover spinal decompression, regardless of provider. We're upfront about the full cost before you commit to treatment.

  • An MRI gives the doctor the clearest picture of your disc's current condition, and it's used to calibrate the DRX9000 specifically for your issue. Come in for your exam first, if imaging is needed based on your specific condition, we'll help guide you through that process.

  • Our doctors typically recommend 2 to 3 visits per week. Most patients average 12 to 20 total visits, based on general research on non-surgical spinal decompression and what we've seen work best for our own patients. You'll get a personalized treatment recommendation during your exam.

  • Your first visit is a full examination, and typically does not include time on the decompression table. An examination is required before any patient begins treatment. Once your plan is determined, sessions are scheduled separately, each lasting around 45 minutes, with about 30 minutes on the DRX9000.

  • Our goal is to help you feel better, reduce your pain, and get back to your normal activities. Completing the full treatment protocol is generally recommended, based on research and clinical experience. If you purchased a package and don't use all of your visits, unused visits are refundable after speaking with the doctor. Please call our office to discuss.

  • Same-day appointments are typically available. Call our office to schedule.

frequently asked questions

Read ALL FAQs →