Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the insurance company and the specific policy. Some insurance plans may or may not cover non-surgical spinal decompression as a treatment option for certain conditions. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. Remember to be specific because insurance companies may tell you that decompression in covered when the provider bills for traction, however it is not the same procedure being performed. The provider is obligated to bill the correct code for the procedure and should not be billing for traction when performing non-surgical spinal decompression.

Depending on the state you live in, non-surgical spinal decompression may be covered by your insurance company.

When a patient has workers comp insurance the providers must get the service approved by the workers compensation board prior to receiving any non-surgical spinal decompression procedures. They must also qualify and be a good candidate for the procedures. A board authorized workers compensation provider can request the procedures from the board after they evaluate the patient’s condition and deem it medically necessary. If this is done carefully and the board approves non-surgical spinal decompression, than the patient will not have any out-of-pocket expense.

These are just some key differences between traction and non-surgical spinal decompression:
1. Mechanism of Action: Non-surgical spinal decompression procedure uses a computer-controlled table or device to gently stretch the spine and create negative pressure within the discs, which promotes the flow of nutrients and fluids into the affected area and helps to relieve pressure on the nerves. Traction, on the other hand, uses a device or harness to stretch the spine and create additional space between the vertebrae, which can reduce pressure on the nerves and ease pain.
2. Level of Control: With a non-surgical spinal decompression procedure, a qualified healthcare professional can adjust the settings of the table or device to precisely target a specific disc level of the spine and ensure that the patient is comfortable and safe throughout the procedure. Traction, however, may be more difficult to control, especially if the patient is using a home device or harness that is not supervised by a healthcare professional.
3. Effectiveness: Both non-surgical spinal decompression and traction have been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of certain spinal conditions. However, research suggests that non-surgical spinal decompression may be more effective than traction for the diagnosis and treatment of herniated discs, sciatica, and other spinal conditions.
4. Cost: Non-surgical spinal decompression is generally more expensive due to the training involved, doctors expertise, and the cost of the machinery. Traction on the other hand is far less expensive and the machines are a fraction of the cost to buy and maintain. Traction may be less expensive or more readily available at a home-use level, but it may not be nearly as effective.
Overall, both non-surgical spinal decompression and traction can provide relief for certain spinal conditions, but non-surgical spinal decompression may offer a diagnostic component due to the computers ability to display patient feedback and research studies available. Also non-surgical spinal decompression has a greater level of control and effectiveness in certain cases. It is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine which treatment is best suited for an individual’s condition.