What Makes Manual Spinal Decompression Different from Machine-Based Treatment?

Millions of people suffer back pain every year, looking for various solutions. One treatment that’s become more and more popular over the years is spinal decompression. Unfortunately, spinal decompression encompasses two entirely different types of treatment – with very different efficacy – one manual and one performed by a machine. Understanding how they differ could make all the difference for you getting the best treatment possible.

How Does Manual Spinal Decompression Work?

Manual spinal decompression involves a chiropractor’s hands, body position, knowledge of spinal mechanics, and knowledge of your spinal anatomy. The goal is to create negative pressure within the spinal discs to relieve nerve compression and potentially aid in disc healing.

This takes practice for different spinal physiologies. Your chiropractor will need to assess the pain location and approach and redirect based on what’s best. Some methods are fast, and some methods are slow, sometimes requiring compression between each vertebra (sometimes with that audible popping sound) or a slow pull to separate the vertebrae.

One well-known manual method is called the ring dinger, which has gained popularity for more full-spine decompression instead of a focus on one area. Manual techniques are geared toward a space or two in which the problems exist, giving a precision that a machine may not be able to accomplish.

Potentially the best thing about this approach is adaptability. A manual decompression practitioner can adjust instantly based on how you’re feeling. They can feel resistance, note tension lines and respond accordingly. A machine cannot do this – even if it claims to be made with cutting-edge technology.

How Does Machine-Based Treatment Work?

Mechanical spinal decompression involves a computerized traction table designed to pull the spine. The patient is strapped onto the table face up or down, and the practitioner uses controls to set how much pull is felt.

These machines are quite impressive in what they can do. They can pull at a specific weight, maintain a position for a particular duration, and rhythmically pull and release tension and pressure. The theory behind this is that if a negative pressure within the disc space can be created, herniated or bulging material can retract along with nutrient uptake.

Sessions generally last 20-45 minutes, as the machine will slowly increase the pull, hold it, release it. Treatment plans often involve multiple sessions – 20 to 30 – over several weeks.

The experience is typically comfortable – the pulling sensation is gentle enough where many people fall asleep. Because it’s machine-generated, computer-contracted force won’t cause injuries from sudden movements; instead, it’s released so that any power won’t be extreme.

The Cost Implications Few Realize

This is where it gets most expensive, and the difference between manual treatment and mechanical treatment becomes quite significant.

Manual adjustments run anywhere from $30-$200 per visit, based on location and insurance mediation. Many people receive many adjustments, but typically this total investment is on the lower side because practitioners often pair visits together for package deals that lower per visit costs.

Machine-based decompression is potentially $100-$200 per session. Remember that with this treatment option, you’re looking at anywhere from 20-30 sessions for complete treatment. Therefore, you’re talking about out-of-pocket expenses ranging from $2,000-$6,000 – and many insurance plans don’t cover anything machine-based because it’s experimental or unnecessary.

Also, each chiropractor or facility will need to make their money back from their decompression table – which is $50,000-$100,000. This cost investment trickles down to the patient. Manual decompression does not have such high equipment prices; thus, manual techniques are more likely to be less expensive.

Treatment Duration

Manual treatment sessions take less time. The adjustment portion might only take a few minutes – the overall visit may take 15-30 minutes if it’s a consultation, but these appointments can get slotted during lunchtime.

Machine-based treatment takes longer – getting positioned on a table can take time, the adjustment cycle itself takes time, and any ancillary therapies provided by the facility take time too (30-60 minutes). When you’re doing this three to five times weekly over weeks for the volume of sessions needed, it adds up dramatically.

At the same time, schedule differences do exist as well: machines tend to run on an intensive schedule and need 3-5 visits weekly until there’s enough progress made to reduce. Manual adjustments might be weekly or biweekly in the same fashion from session one onward. This intensive schedule may be difficult for someone with a full-time job or family obligations – but it might present as aggressive relief from pain.

What Conditions Respond Better to Each

Manual decompression tends to work best for more acute problems with specific joint restrictions. If a particular vertebra locks up or if there’s one area of a disc that’s compressed in a specific area, it makes sense that manual work could be better focused on this area.

Manual decompression also works better for those newer to their injury who respond well to immediate changes through joint manipulation.

Mechanical decompression is recommended in chronic conditions regardless of herniation/reduction or degeneration status – or if multiple levels are involved. This is because of its sustained pressure in a slow fashion that can help otherwise stubborn herniated discs that haven’t responded elsewhere.

Still, there are no surefire ways – or rules – that one works better than another. Some people respond well to mechanical treatment; others can’t stand it – and vice versa. Age, diagnosis and other confounding comorbidities will play a part as well.

How They Feel

People report manual decompression versus machine decompression with very different descriptions.

Manual decompression involves that audible cracking or popping of bones – some find satisfaction in this; others find it revolting. Yet immediately after successful treatment – you might feel taller or more mobile – and this isn’t a bad thing.

Machine-based treatment is calmer. It might take weeks – or longer – to feel changes as they accumulate instead of an immediate gratifying release like manual decompression provides some people.

Additionally, your relationship differs. Manual changes require trust – someone literally has their hands on your spine moving it. You have to appreciate their knowledge and background. With machines, less man power is involved and more technologically driven; some find this reassuring; others find it non-personalized.

The Best Fit for You

All of these treatments are valuable – and they’re not always mutually exclusive. Many professionals employ both methods to help achieve results: manual adjustments to get rid of stuck places; mechanical traction afterward for sustained decompression.

Patients should note their specific diagnosis but should also include budgetary opportunities, time afforded and their body’s response thus far in the realm of conservative treatments before making their choice.

Don’t hesitate to ask new providers about their working statistics using your diagnosis/condition – can they share comparable patients’ cases? Before and after evidence?

Ultimately spinal decompression – manual or machine – should be considered a non-invasive option if you’re dealing with chronic back pain or neck pain – and preferably by a qualified professional who can advocate making an informed choice rather than on whatever best equipment they have lying around.