Spinal Decompression

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in Holland, MI — McAlpine Chiropractic

The Treatment That Helps Patients Avoid Back and Neck Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, or cervical radiculopathy — and you are looking for a real alternative to surgery — non-surgical spinal decompression may be the answer you have been searching for.

At McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI, we use the FDA-cleared SpineMed decompression table to treat spinal disc conditions without surgery, without injections, and without medication. This is not basic traction. The SpineMed is one of the most advanced non-surgical spinal decompression systems available, and it has helped thousands of patients avoid surgery by treating disc conditions at their structural source.

Schedule Your Consultation | Call 616-392-7031

Serving Holland, Zeeland, Saugatuck, and West Michigan | Over 30 years of experience | 4.8+ stars on Google

What Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a motorized therapy that gently stretches the spine using a specialized table. The goal is to create negative pressure inside damaged spinal discs — a vacuum effect that encourages herniated or bulging disc material to retract, relieves compression on spinal nerves, and promotes the flow of oxygen, water, and healing nutrients into discs that have become dehydrated and damaged.

This is a fundamentally different approach from pain medication (which masks symptoms), cortisone injections (which reduce inflammation temporarily but do not fix the disc), and surgery (which removes disc material but does not restore it). Spinal decompression addresses the disc itself — creating the conditions for it to heal.

The treatment is non-invasive. There are no incisions, no anesthesia, and no recovery period. Patients walk in, undergo a 30-minute session, and walk out — often feeling better than when they arrived.

The SpineMed Decompression Table — How It Works

Not all spinal decompression is created equal. At McAlpine Chiropractic, we chose the SpineMed system because its engineering solves the problems that limit other decompression systems and basic traction devices. Here is what makes it different.

FDA-Cleared for Both Cervical and Lumbar Decompression

The SpineMed table is FDA-cleared for treating conditions of the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (low back). Many decompression tables only address the lumbar spine. The SpineMed’s dual capability means we can treat disc herniations, bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease in both regions with a single, purpose-built system.

Precision Angle Targeting

The SpineMed table tilts to precise angles to isolate the exact disc that is injured — not the discs above or below it.

• Lumbar decompression: angles between 0 and 25 degrees
• Cervical decompression: angles between 0 and 30 degrees

By targeting the specific disc level identified on your MRI, the SpineMed concentrates the decompression force exactly where it is needed. This precision is what separates effective decompression from the generalized stretch of traditional traction.

Patented Pelvic Restraint System — 60% Less Force

Here is the engineering breakthrough that makes the SpineMed superior to other decompression systems.

When your spine is stretched, your body’s natural response is to guard — your paraspinal muscles contract to resist the force. This guarding reflex is the reason basic traction often fails: the muscles fight the stretch, and the targeted disc never receives adequate decompression.

The SpineMed solves this with a patented pelvic restraint system that secures the patient directly to the table at the pelvis. Because the force is distributed through the pelvis rather than through the torso, the paraspinal muscles do not trigger a guarding response. The result: the SpineMed achieves effective disc decompression using approximately 60% less force than other systems.

Less force means less muscle resistance, deeper decompression, and a more comfortable treatment experience.

Gel-Padded Cervical Brackets — No Jaw Pressure

For cervical (neck) decompression, the SpineMed uses gel-padded brackets that cradle the head by positioning behind the skull — specifically at the occiput. There are no chin straps. There are no jaw harnesses. There is no pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

This is a critical design feature. Many patients who need cervical decompression also have TMJ sensitivity, jaw pain, or dental work that makes chin-strap systems painful or impossible to tolerate. The SpineMed eliminates this problem entirely. Patients consistently describe the cervical treatment as comfortable and relaxing.

Cycling Protocol — Stretch and Release

Each decompression session follows a programmed cycling protocol: the table gradually increases the stretch force, holds it, then partially releases it before stretching again. This rhythmic cycling prevents the muscles from adapting and guarding, and it creates repeated waves of negative pressure inside the targeted disc — maximizing the decompression effect over the full 30-minute session.

What Conditions Does Spinal Decompression Treat?

Non-surgical spinal decompression on the SpineMed table is clinically effective for:

• Herniated discs — The negative pressure draws herniated material back toward the disc center, away from the compressed nerve
• Bulging discs — Reduces the outward protrusion and takes pressure off nerve roots
• Sciatica — When caused by disc herniation or bulging, decompression addresses the structural source of sciatic nerve compression
• Degenerative disc disease — Restores hydration and nutrient flow to dehydrated, thinning discs
• Cervical radiculopathy — Pinched nerves in the neck caused by disc herniations or foraminal narrowing
• Spinal stenosis (mild to moderate) — Creates space in the spinal canal by reducing disc bulging and restoring disc height
• Post-surgical patients who have not improved — Some patients who had prior disc surgery and still have pain may benefit from decompression at adjacent levels
• Chronic back pain and neck pain that has not responded to other conservative treatments

Who Is NOT a Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is not appropriate for every patient. Contraindications include:

• Spinal fractures
• Severe osteoporosis
• Spinal tumors or metastatic cancer
• Spinal hardware (fusion rods, artificial discs)
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Pregnancy
• Severe spinal instability

This is why every patient undergoes a thorough examination and imaging review before we begin decompression therapy. Safety is not negotiable.

How Spinal Decompression Differs From Traction

This distinction matters, because the terms are sometimes used interchangeably — and they should not be.

| Feature | SpineMed Decompression | Traditional Traction |

|———|———————-|———————|

| Force targeting | Precise angle targets specific disc | Generalized stretch across multiple segments |

| Muscle guarding | Patented pelvic restraint prevents guarding | Muscles guard and fight the stretch |

| Force required | ~60% less than traction | Higher force needed to overcome guarding |

| Intradiscal pressure | Creates true negative pressure (-150 mmHg) | Rarely achieves negative intradiscal pressure |

| FDA cleared | Yes | Varies — many traction devices are not |

| Cervical capability | Yes — gel-padded, no jaw pressure | Often uses chin straps with jaw pressure |

| Treatment comfort | Patients frequently fall asleep | Often uncomfortable due to muscle resistance |

The practical difference is this: traction stretches the spine. Decompression heals the disc. They are not the same treatment, even though they may look similar from the outside.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your First Visit

Your first appointment at McAlpine Chiropractic includes a comprehensive evaluation: detailed health history, orthopedic and neurological examination, and review of existing imaging. Our chiropractors — Dr. Phillip Maletta, Dr. Ben De Young, and Dr. Ann McAlpine — can order X-rays and MRI directly if you do not have recent imaging. We need to know exactly which disc is involved, how severe the damage is, and whether decompression is appropriate for your condition.

A Typical Decompression Session

• You remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on the SpineMed table
• The pelvic restraint (lumbar) or cervical brackets (neck) are positioned
• Your doctor programs the precise angle and force based on your targeted disc
• The table begins its cycling protocol — gradually stretching and releasing
• Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes
• Most patients describe the sensation as a gentle stretch — many fall asleep

Treatment Plan

A typical spinal decompression course consists of 20 to 30 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks, often combined with chiropractic adjustments and Class IV laser therapy to maximize results. Adjustments restore proper vertebral alignment around the healing disc. Laser therapy reduces inflammation and accelerates cellular repair. Together, these three treatments form a comprehensive disc recovery protocol.

Your specific plan is based on your diagnosis, your imaging findings, and your response to treatment. We re-evaluate regularly and adjust the plan as you improve.

Schedule Your Consultation | Call 616-392-7031

Why Choose McAlpine Chiropractic for Spinal Decompression

• SpineMed technology — Our FDA-cleared SpineMed table is one of the most advanced decompression systems available. It is not standard equipment at most chiropractic or physical therapy offices in Holland, MI.
• Cervical AND lumbar treatment — We treat both neck and low back disc conditions on the same system, with specialized cervical brackets that eliminate jaw pressure.
• In-house diagnostic imaging — Our chiropractors order X-rays and MRI directly, ensuring accurate diagnosis before treatment begins.
• Three experienced chiropractors — Dr. Phillip Maletta, Dr. Ben De Young, and Dr. Ann McAlpine have decades of combined experience treating disc conditions conservatively.
• Comprehensive approach — Decompression combined with adjustments, laser therapy, and corrective exercises addresses every dimension of disc injury and recovery.
• Over 30 years in Holland, MI — An established, trusted practice with a 4.8+ star Google rating.

Learn more about our team.

Patient Results

“Dr. Ann has a gift in figuring out what hurts and why and how. Second to none, hands down the best.” — Verified Google Review

[PLACEHOLDER — Add a spinal decompression-specific patient testimonial here — ideally a patient who avoided surgery after SpineMed treatment. Requires signed Testimonial and Consent Form or pull from Google reviews. Check `4-Marketing/Testimonials/`.]

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(All testimonials from verified patient reviews. Individual results may vary.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Decompression

Does spinal decompression actually work?

Yes. Non-surgical spinal decompression is supported by clinical research for treating herniated discs, bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease. The treatment creates true negative intradiscal pressure, which is measurable on intradiscal pressure studies. At McAlpine Chiropractic, we see patients every week who have avoided surgery through spinal decompression combined with chiropractic care and laser therapy.

Is spinal decompression painful?

No. Treatment on the SpineMed table is gentle and comfortable. The patented pelvic restraint prevents muscle guarding, and the system applies approximately 60% less force than other decompression devices. For cervical decompression, the gel-padded brackets eliminate jaw pressure entirely. Most patients find the sessions relaxing, and many fall asleep.

How many spinal decompression sessions will I need?

A typical treatment course is 20 to 30 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. Some patients notice improvement within the first few sessions; others require the full course before experiencing significant relief. Your treatment plan is based on the severity and location of your disc condition, your imaging findings, and your response to treatment.

Is spinal decompression covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance plans cover spinal decompression, while others classify it as an out-of-network or non-covered service. If your disc condition resulted from a car accident, Michigan no-fault auto insurance PIP benefits typically cover treatment. Call our office at 616-392-7031 and we will help you verify your benefits.

What is the difference between spinal decompression and traction?

Spinal decompression on the SpineMed table uses precise angle targeting, a patented pelvic restraint that prevents muscle guarding, cycling protocols, and approximately 60% less force than traction — creating true negative intradiscal pressure that promotes disc healing. Traditional traction applies a sustained, generalized pull that often triggers muscle resistance and rarely achieves the negative pressure needed to affect the disc. They are not the same treatment.

Can I do spinal decompression if I have had back surgery?

It depends. Patients with spinal hardware (fusion rods, cages, artificial discs) at the treatment level are not candidates for decompression. However, patients who had surgery at one level and are now experiencing problems at an adjacent level may benefit from decompression at the new problem area. We evaluate each case individually with a thorough examination and imaging review.

How long do spinal decompression results last?

When combined with chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, and a home exercise program, the structural improvements from spinal decompression are lasting for most patients. The key is completing the full treatment course and following through with the corrective exercises that maintain spinal stability. We build a maintenance plan for every patient to protect the gains achieved during treatment.

Stop Living With Disc Pain. There Is a Real Alternative to Surgery.

You do not have to keep managing disc pain with medication. You do not have to accept injections as a long-term strategy. And you do not have to agree to surgery before you have explored the most effective non-surgical option available.

Non-surgical spinal decompression at McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI has helped patients with herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease avoid surgery and recover — comfortably, safely, and effectively.

Schedule Your Consultation Now

Call us: 616-392-7031

Visit us: McAlpine Chiropractic, Holland, MI

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