How Spinal Decompression Therapy Can Help With Sciatica and Pinched Nerves

If you’ve ever experienced sharp, shooting pain that travels down your leg—or a deep ache in your low back or glute that just won’t quit—you may be dealing with sciatica or a pinched nerve. These conditions can seriously interfere with daily life, affecting everything from sitting and standing to sleep and movement. But there’s good news: Spinal Decompression Therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive way to relieve nerve pressure and promote lasting healing.

What Is Sciatica and What Causes It?

Sciatica is a term that describes pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg. It’s often caused by compression of the nerve root, usually due to a herniated disc, bulging disc, or spinal degeneration.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain down one leg
• Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes
• Weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or movement

These symptoms are often rooted in mechanical compression—where spinal structures are pressing on the nerve, causing irritation and inflammation.

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve happens when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues—like discs, joints, or muscles. This can occur in both the lumbar spine (lower back) and cervical spine (neck), leading to symptoms in the legs, arms, or hands.

How Spinal Decompression Therapy Works

Spinal decompression therapy is a modern, non-surgical approach that gently stretches the spine using a motorized traction table. At Boulder Sports Clinic, we use the HillDT Decompression Table—a state-of-the-art system that uses real-time sensor feedback to safely and effectively reduce spinal pressure.

Here’s how it helps:

• Creates negative pressure inside spinal discs, which can reduce disc bulges and pull herniated material away from nerves.
• Improves disc hydration, promoting natural healing and shock absorption.
• Reduces joint and soft tissue compression, decreasing inflammation around nerve roots.
• Relieves pain without surgery or medication, making it an ideal conservative care option.

Why the HillDT Table Is Different

Unlike older traction devices that use static force and risk triggering muscle guarding, the HillDT table gradually ramps tension up and down, adjusting in real time to your body’s needs. This creates a smoother, more comfortable experience and allows for deeper decompression without resistance from tight muscles.

Who Can Benefit?

Spinal decompression therapy is ideal for people with:

• Sciatica or radiating leg pain
• Pinched nerves in the neck or low back
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Chronic low back or neck pain

Most treatment plans include 12–20 sessions over a few weeks, often combined with chiropractic care, massage therapy, or physical therapy for optimal results.

Is It Safe?

Yes — spinal decompression therapy is FDA-cleared and considered safe when performed by trained professionals. However, it’s not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, or metal implants from recent surgery.

Ready to Find Relief?

If you’re tired of living with sciatica, a pinched nerve, or chronic back pain, spinal decompression may be the missing piece in your recovery. At Boulder Sports Clinic, our expert team will assess your condition and create a personalized plan using the latest technology to help you heal — and stay pain-free.

📍 Now accepting patients at our new location:
3101 Iris Ave, Suite 220, Boulder, CO 80301
📞 Call today or book online to schedule your evaluation.

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