What causes low back pain?

Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging.The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Herniations, or bulging of the disc are protrusions from the disc that press on surrounding nerves, causing pain or numbness.

If I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see results?

Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. Typically, significant improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.

How long does it take to complete Spinal Decompression treatment?

Patients remain on the system for 30-45 minutes, daily for the first 2 weeks, three times a week for the following 2 weeks, and followed up by two times a week for the last 2 weeks.

Do I qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment?

Since I began using Spinal Decompression spinal disc decompression unit, I’have been inundated with questions from both doctors and patients as to which cases it will best help. Obviously proper patient selection is essential to favorable outcomes, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you may make the right decision since not everyone qualifies for Spinal Decompression treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than four weeks old
Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old.
Persistent pain from degenerated disc not responding to four weeks of therapy.
Patients available for four weeks of treatment protocol.
Patient at least 18 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

Appliances such as pedicle screws and rods
Pregnancy
Prior lumbar fusion less than six months old
Metastatic cancer
Severe osteoporosis
Spondylolisthesis (unstable)
Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1 (recent).
Pars defect
Pathologic aortic aneurysm.
Pelvic or abdominal cancer
Disc space infections
Severe peripheral neuropathy
Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Most patients do not experience any side effects. Though, there have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a short period of time.

How does Spinal Decompression separate each vertebra and allow for decompression at a specific level?

Decompression is achieved by using a specific combination of spinal positioning and varying the degree and intensity of force. The key to producing this decompression is the gentle pull that is created by a logarithmic curve. When distractive forces are generated on a logarithmic curve the typical proprioceptor response is avoided. Avoiding this response allows decompression to occur at the targeted area

Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on Spinal Decompression?

NO. Spinal Decompression is totally safe and comfortable for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches (a requirement of the FDA) terminate the treatment immediately thereby avoiding any injuries.

How does Spinal Decompression treatment differ from ordinary spinal traction?

Traction is helpful at treating some of the conditions resulting from herniated or degeneration. Traction cannot address the source of the problem. Spinal Decompression creates a negative pressure or a vacuum inside the disc. This effect causes the disc to pull in the herniation and the increase in negative pressure also causes the flow of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body’s natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disc. Traction and inversion tables, at best, can lower the intradiscal pressure from a +90 to a +30 mmHg. Spinal Decompression is clinically proven to reduce the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg. Traction triggers the body’s normal response to stretching by creating painful muscle spasms that worsen the pain in affected area.

Can Spinal Decompression be used for patients that have had spinal surgery?

In most cases Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. In fact many patients have found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery.

Who is not a candidate for Spinal Decompression therapy?

Anyone who has recent spinal fractures, surgical fusion or metallic hardware, surgically repaired aneurysms, infection of the spine, and/or moderate to severe osteoporosis.

Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Anyone who has been told they need surgery but wishes to avoid it, anyone who has been told there is nothing more available to help, anyone who failed to significantly respond to conservative options (medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic, acupuncture), or anyone who still has pain but wishes to obtain the type of care they want.

Do I qualify for financing?

Now you can get the care you need and pay over time.
Disc Centers of America Bellevue has coordinated Health Financing through ClearGage.
No one is denied financing through ClearGage regardless of credit rating, this way EVERY patient can get the care they need/require. Call us now and set up your complimentary visit at 425-310-4297

Resources

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 101 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. By far the best chiropractic clinic around.  Dr Lotey and Dr Brar are extremely knowledgeable and passionate.  I highly recommend coming here if you only want to deal with the best!
     
   Parminder Dhillon 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was in a great deal of pain when I first came to the Disc Centers of America in Bellevue. The decompresion therapy was effective and Dr Leena guided me carefully through the process. Thank you!
     
   Dan Nygaard 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place. I am pain free after 3 years of doing everything without success but with your help I am pain free.
     
   faranak sabet 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After a car accident, I’ve been struggling with persistent back and neck pain. I wasn’t sure where to turn, but from my very first visit to Disc Centers of America Bellevue, Dr. Kobata made me feel heard and cared for. He takes the time to really understand your situation, explains everything clearly, and never feels rushed. His treatments have made a huge difference — my pain has significantly improved, and I finally feel like I’m on a real path to recovery. What really stood out to me was how supportive and thoughtful he and the whole team are. When I needed a doctor’s note for work, they helped me right away without any hassle. The other doctors and staff here are also incredibly friendly and helpful. Also, Ann at the front desk is always warm and welcoming.
     
   F Chu (Frankie) 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff are very warm and welcoming. Amazing bedside manners especially for the all the patients coming in sometimes really grumpy or sometimes crying out in pain. Both Dr Leena and Dr Harp are extremely competent healers and I’m very happy to have found them for my disc herniations. Despite steroids, the disc compression was the only therapy that helped me as I continue to work a high stress desk job. I keep coming here for maintenance now and feel so much better than just 8 weeks ago. Thank you to the entire team at Disc centers of America, Bellevue 🤗🫶🏻✨
     
   amrutha maddala 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Dr harp since the end of Dec ‘25 doing his spinal decompression therapy and I literally couldn’t imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t taken his advice and did something sooner than later to fix my lower back problems. His staff and him are excellent to work with and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I highly recommend anyone else experiencing chronic back pain to come in and see how he can help. 10/10.
     
   Chris Heskin 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Doctor Harp is very knowledgeable and has very good techniques of manual adjustments for neck and lower back pains. He treat patients with outmost care and attention. I am struggling with car whiplash from 6 months, started visiting Harp 2 months ago I could see very much improvement and faster recovery. Best place to get heal quickly from chronic pains.
     
   Sampath Kumar 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been visiting Dr. Koki Kobata over the past month for adjustments to fix my headaches and neck pain.
He's been incredibly helpful and friendly, both in advice to fix my posture and in his physical adjustments to my neck and back.
Front desk associates are also friendly and easy to talk with.
Recommend!
     
   Andrew Stephens 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Disc Centers of America has been fantastic. Dr. Barr and Dr. Lotey are both extremely knowledgeable and take a very thoughtful approach to treatment. Joe and I have both had a great experience working with them. They explain everything clearly and make sure you understand the “why” behind what they’re doing, which makes a big difference in feeling confident about your care.

You can tell they truly care about helping people feel better and get back to living life without pain. The staff is friendly, the office runs smoothly, and the whole experience has been very positive. If you’re dealing with back or disc issues and looking for a team that truly cares, I would absolutely recommend Disc Centers of America. We’re really glad we found them.
     
   Jessica McLellan

We accept most major insurance plans that include coverage for chiropractic care, examinations, and radiographic images. You can select your provider from our list of accepted insurances. Even if you don’t see your insurance listed, contact us to confirm whether your plan is accepted. Additionally, we offer discounted cash rates for seniors and patients without insurance.

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