Boulder Sports Clinic

Spinal Decompression Therapy for
Low Back Pain & Sciatica in Boulder, CO

Non-Surgical Relief for Disc-Related Back Pain and Nerve Compression

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Lower back pain

Spinal Decompression Therapy for
Low Back Pain & Sciatica
in Boulder, CO

Low back pain and sciatica can make sitting, standing, driving, and sleeping miserable — especially when pain travels into the hip or leg. If you’ve tried rest, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or injections with limited success, spinal decompression therapy may be the next step.

At Boulder Sports Clinic, we use advanced spinal decompression therapy to help patients in Boulder reduce nerve pressure, improve disc health, and relieve pain — without surgery.

If you’re searching for spinal decompression therapy for low back pain or sciatica in Boulder, our team offers conservative, evidence-informed care focused on long-term relief.

📍 Helping Boulder, Longmont, Louisville and Surrounding Area
📅 Same-Day appointments often available

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along the sciatic nerve — typically from the low back, through the hip or glute, and down the leg.
It’s not a diagnosis itself, but a symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.  
To learn more about sciatica, click here.

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Quick Answer: Can Spinal Decompression Therapy Help Low Back Pain and Sciatica?

Yes. Spinal decompression therapy can help certain types of low back pain and sciatica by gently reducing pressure on spinal discs and nerves. It’s most effective for disc bulges, disc herniations, degenerative disc changes, and nerve-related leg pain when conservative care alone hasn’t resolved symptoms.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, motorized traction treatment designed to reduce pressure within the spine. Unlike traditional traction, modern decompression systems apply precise, controlled forces that allow spinal discs to unload and rehydrate.
This can help:
  • Reduce pressure on irritated spinal nerves
  • Improve disc nutrition and hydration
  • Decrease disc bulging or herniation-related symptoms
  • Reduce radiating leg pain (sciatica)
Learn more about our full spinal decompression therapy services in Boulder .

What Causes Low Back Pain and Sciatica?


Low back pain and sciatica are rarely random. They’re often caused by a combination of mobility limitations, muscle weakness, and repetitive stress over time. They often occur when spinal structures are overloaded or compressed.

Sciatica can develop for several reasons, including:

  • Disc bulges or herniations
  • Spinal stenosis or arthritis in the lumbar spine
  • Joint stiffness or irritation in the lower spine
  • Facet joint irritation
  • Tight hip flexors, glutes, or hamstrings
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Weak core or hip muscles
  • Poor posture or prolonged sitting
  • Old injuries, lifting injuries, or car accidents
When discs lose space or hydration, nearby nerves can become irritated — leading to pain that stays in the back or travels down the leg. A comprehensive approach to low back pain and sciatica treatment in Boulder may include spinal decompression when disc pressure or spinal stenosis is a major driver.

Conditions Spinal Decompression Therapy Can Help

Disc Bulges and Herniations

Low back pain or sciatica caused by disc material irritating nearby nerves.

Sciatica

Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling traveling from the low back into the hip, leg, or foot due to sciatic nerve irritation.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc height loss and chronic back pain related to spinal compression.

Spinal Stenosis or Arthritis

Pain that originates from excess bone impingeing on nerve roots

Postural or Sitting-Related Back Pain

Pain that builds throughout the day or Leg pain worsened by desk work, driving, or prolonged sitting.

Recurrent or Chronic Back Pain

Pain that keeps returning despite rest, stretching, or medication.

How Spinal Decompression Therapy Works

Spinal decompression therapy creates negative pressure within the disc space, which may help:
  • Reduce nerve compression
  • Improve fluid movement into the disc
  • Decrease mechanical stress on spinal tissues
  • Increase space in spinal canal to relieve pinching of nerve
Your treatment plan may also include:
  • Chiropractic care to improve joint motion
  • Physical therapy to restore strength and movement
  • Laser therapy to decrease inflammation
This integrated approach aligns with our broader spinal decompression therapy services in Boulder and helps support long-term results. The goal is not just pain relief — it’s .

What Makes Our Spinal Decompression Care Different?

We are the only office in town to use the state of the art Hill-DT decompression table. This table uses 7 built in sensors that adapt in real time to your body for a safer, more comfortable experience. It will sense if your muscles are spasming or guarding and will not continue to pull through that. By being able to sense your body's response to treatment, it can deliver a more effective and deeper decompression moment than a traditional traction table. This makes it the most comfortable table on the market.

At Boulder Sports Clinic, decompression therapy is never used in isolation.

Many people with sciatica have tried rest, stretching, or medication with limited success.
At Boulder Sports Clinic, we:
  • Identify why your back pain or sciatica keeps returning
  • Perform a thorough exam to confirm decompression is appropriate
  • We are one of the only offices in Boulder to have the advanced Hill-DT Spinal Decompression table to relieve disc pressure.
  • Integrate chiropractic, massage, and physical therapy when appropriate
  • Treat athletes, desk workers, and active adults
This integrated approach helps patients recover more fully and confidently.

This team-based strategy is part of our comprehensive low back pain and sciatica treatment in Boulder.

What to Expect During Spinal Decompression Therapy

Your first visit includes:
  • Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes
  • Treatment is comfortable and non-invasive
  • Most patients feel gentle stretching or relief during sessions
  • Normal daily activity usually resumes immediately
  • A personalized treatment plan
A typical plan involves multiple sessions over several weeks, depending on the condition and response.If appropriate, treatment often begins the same day.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Some patients notice improvement within the first few weeks, especially in leg pain or pressure-related symptoms. Disc-related issues often improve gradually as tissue health and nerve irritation change over time.

Who We Help

We commonly help people who:
  • Have low back pain with leg pain, numbness, or tingling
  • Were told they have a disc bulge or herniation
  • Feel worse with sitting, driving, or bending
  • Have trouble exercising or sleeping due to leg pain
  • Want a conservative, non-surgical option first

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Decompression Therapy

Can spinal decompression really help disc herniations?

Yes. Many patients with disc bulges or herniations experience symptom improvement when decompression reduces disc pressure and nerve irritation.

How many spinal decompression sessions will I need?

Treatment plans vary, but many patients complete a series of sessions over several weeks for optimal results. Most people start feeling relief quickly.

Is spinal decompression therapy safe?

Yes, when performed on appropriate candidates and supervised by trained providers.

Do I need imaging before starting decompression therapy?

No. A thorough exam often determines next steps. Imaging may be recommended if needed. We can send you for x-rays or an MRI if needed.

Is spinal decompression better than surgery for back pain?

For appropriate candidates, spinal decompression offers a non-surgical option before considering invasive procedures.

Is spinal decompression therapy painful?

Most patients find decompression comfortable and relaxing. Treatment is adjusted to your tolerance and condition.
We can help

Spinal Decompression Therapy for Low Back Pain & Sciatica
Boulder Sports Clinic


You don’t have to live with back or leg pain.
Book your Treatment with Boulder Sports Clinic today and take the first step towards a pain-free life!

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