Spinal Decompression in Surprise, AZ

Non-surgical spinal decompression in Surprise, AZ is a gentle, computer-guided traction that eases the pressure on a disc and the nerve it is pressing. It is used for the kind of pain that runs down a leg or an arm when a disc is involved, and it is one tool in a plan, not a miracle machine. Dr. Derek M. Legg decides whether it fits your case from your examination and your imaging, and he is honest when it does not.

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What Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

It is a motorized, computer-guided form of traction. You lie comfortably on a table that gently stretches the spine in a controlled way, which is thought to create a small negative pressure inside the disc. The idea is that this eases the pressure a bulging or herniated disc puts on the nerve, and helps fluid and nutrients move back into the disc. Most patients find it relaxing, and many fall asleep. It is non-surgical and there is no recovery time.

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Can Decompression Help a Herniated Disc or Sciatica?

It may. Some research suggests that non-surgical decompression can reduce pain and improve function for people with a lumbar herniated disc, and sciatica from a compressed nerve is one of the situations it is used for. The honest caveat is that study quality varies and it does not work for everyone, so we do not promise a result. Dr. Legg uses your examination and imaging to judge whether your case is the kind that tends to respond, and he tells you plainly if it is not. See how this connects to sciatica and radiating pain and back pain.

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What We Use Spinal Decompression For in Surprise, AZ

Decompression is aimed at disc-related and nerve-related pain: a bulging or herniated disc behind stubborn back pain or neck pain, the compressed nerve behind sciatica and radiating pain, and some of the disc changes that follow auto accident injuries. It is not for every kind of pain, and muscle or joint problems are usually better served by the adjustment and the other tools. Your examination decides. See the full list of conditions we treat.

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How Decompression Fits Your Treatment Plan

Decompression is rarely used alone. It eases the pressure on the disc, the adjustment restores motion to the joints around it, and therapeutic exercise rebuilds the support so the relief holds. Dr. Legg builds it into a plan aimed at your cause, rather than selling a package of sessions before he knows whether it fits. You get an honest read on whether it belongs in your care at all.​

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Does Medicare Cover Spinal Decompression?

No. Medicare covers the medically necessary spinal adjustment, which we bill directly, but it does not cover spinal decompression performed by a chiropractor, which is billed as self-pay. Most commercial plans treat it the same way. We verify your benefits and quote the cost in writing before any decompression, so you can decide with the full picture. More detail is on our Medicare page and our insurance page.

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What to Expect on Your First Visit

Your first visit covers a consultation, a full examination, digital X-rays if they are clinically necessary, and a plan. Decompression is not started blindly on day one. Dr. Legg first confirms your problem is the kind it helps and rules out the reasons it should not be used. If it fits, a session is comfortable and relaxing. New self-pay patients can start with the $49 first visit, and more detail on the day is on the first visit page. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Thursday.

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Spinal Decompression: Common Questions

Does spinal decompression replace surgery?

No, and we do not present it that way. For some people with a disc problem it is a non-surgical option worth trying first, but it is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is truly needed. Dr. Legg gives you an honest read and refers you on if your case calls for it.

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Does it hurt?

No. Most patients describe a gentle stretch and find the session relaxing. You tell Dr. Legg if anything is uncomfortable and he adjusts it.

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Is decompression right for everyone?

No. It is not used in certain situations, such as some fractures, advanced osteoporosis, certain implants, or during pregnancy. That is why the examination comes first and why we do not start it on day one.

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How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the problem and how you respond, and results vary. Dr. Legg gives you a realistic plan after the examination, not an open-ended package.

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Who You Will See

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Dr. Derek M. Legg, D.C., M.P.H., earned his Doctor of Chiropractic at Logan University and a Master of Public Health, and reads your imaging with you himself. You see the same doctor at every visit, which is why your plan stays consistent, and nothing gets handed off between providers.

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Serving Surprise and the West Valley

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We are on West Bell Road in Surprise, inside Sheitelman Physical Medicine, minutes from Sun City West, Sun City, El Mirage, Litchfield Park, Waddell, Peoria and Goodyear. You can also see chiropractic care in Surprise, AZ. We are at 13757 W Bell Rd #101, Surprise, AZ 85374, and we see patients Monday through Thursday. Call (623) 214-7600 to get started.​​

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Related care: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Acupuncture

​Explore our other services: Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Dry Needling, Digital X-Ray, MRI Review, Postural Evaluation, Electrical Stimulation, Therapeutic Exercise, and Spinal Decompression.