Neck pain, arm pain & nerve compression — non-surgical support with spinal decompression
What Is Chronic Lower Back Pain?
Chronic lower back pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks, whether constant or recurring. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain that affects work, sleep, movement and quality of life.
While some people know the exact cause (disc injury, arthritis, stenosis), many experience long-term pain due to a combination of:
-
Facet joint irritation - Muscle guarding
- Repetitive strain
- Reduced mobility
- Nerve irritation (radiculopathy)
Chronic pain is often multi-factorial, meaning the problem rarely comes from one structure alone.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Lower Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain can present in various ways. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent ache or stiffness
- Sharp pain during certain movements
- Pain worse with prolonged sitting or standing
- Difficulty bending, lifting or twisting
- Pain referring into buttocks, hips or thighs
- Morning stiffness
- Pain that fluctuates throughout the day
- Decreased flexibility or endurance
If nerve involvement is present, symptoms may include tingling, numbness or leg weakness.
What Causes Chronic Lower Back Pain?
Chronic lower back pain usually develops when the spine is exposed to repeated stress over time, rather than from a single injury. Common contributing factors include:
Degenerative Disc Disease
As discs lose hydration and height, the spine becomes less cushioned, increasing mechanical stress and inflammation.
Bulging or Herniated Discs
Disc protrusions may intermittently compress nerves, especially during sitting, bending or lifting.
Facet Joint Irritation
When discs thin, more load transfers to the facet joints, causing localised pain and stiffness.
Poor Posture & Prolonged Sitting
Extended desk work, driving and working from home increase compressive forces through the lower spine.
Muscle Imbalances & Weak Core
Poor spinal support leads to overuse of muscles and ongoing tightness.
Previous Injuries
Old injuries that never fully healed can leave lasting movement restrictions and pain patterns.
Stress & Nervous System Overload
Chronic stress can increase muscle tension, pain sensitivity and delayed healing.
Most people with chronic lower back pain have more than one contributing factor, which is why single-treatment approaches often fail.
Why Chronic Back Pain Persists
Many people try rest, medication, massage, heat, occasional chiropractic or physiotherapy — yet the pain keeps returning. This often happens because:
- Discs remain dehydrated and inflamed
- Nerve irritation continues under load
- Stabilising muscles are not retrained
- Posture and daily stressors remain unchanged
- Underlying mechanical issues go unaddressed
- Pain becomes centrally sensitised over time
When compression, poor mechanics and inflammation persist, the nervous system becomes sensitised. Over time, pain signals can become more easily triggered — even by simple movements or prolonged sitting.
This is why chronic lower back pain requires a structured, multi-layered approach, rather than isolated or short-term treatment.
How Spinal Decompression May Help Chronic Lower Back Pain
Spinal decompression therapy targets one of the most overlooked contributors to chronic pain: ongoing spinal compression.
What does the research suggest?
Clinical research investigating non-surgical spinal decompression has explored its potential role in managing chronic lower back pain, particularly where disc degeneration, disc bulge or mechanical spinal compression are contributing factors.
Findings from published studies and case reports (including Carmona et al., Arumugam et al., Di Modica et al., and Kasimovich et al.) suggest that spinal decompression may be associated with:
Reduced disc pressure
Lower intradiscal pressure has been reported during decompression protocols, which may help reduce mechanical stress on spinal structures.
Improved disc hydration
Decompression has been shown to facilitate fluid exchange within intervertebral discs, supporting disc nutrition and resilience.
Reduced nerve irritation
By increasing space around nerve roots, decompression may assist in reducing nerve-related pain patterns in some individuals.
Improved spinal mobility
Gentle, computer-controlled traction may help restore movement between spinal segments.
Reduced muscle guarding
As spinal loading decreases, surrounding muscle tension may also reduce in some patients.
Spinal decompression appears most relevant in cases of chronic lower back pain linked to disc degeneration, bulging or herniated discs, facet joint overload or long-term postural compression. Individual results vary, and a thorough assessment is required to determine suitability.
Referenced studies include Vicari et al. (JSRS), Arumugam et al. (PMRJ), Carmona et al. (Spine Research), and Di Modica & Sciarrone (JCDR).
Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression?
Many treatments focus only on symptom relief. Decompression addresses mechanical load — a key driver of chronic pain. It works best when combined with:
- Chronic pain not responding to conventional care
- Diagnosed disc issues (bulge, herniation, degeneration)
- Referred leg pain, buttock pain or stiffness
- Wanting to avoid or delay surgery
This combination supports long-term improvement, not just temporary relief.
Your First Visit: What to Expect
Comprehensive Assessment
Your chiropractor will assess:
- • spinal mobility and posture
- • neurological function
- • muscle strength and flexibility
- • disc loading patterns
- • movement tolerance
- • imaging (MRI or X-ray if available)
Identifying Pain Drivers
We determine whether your pain is driven primarily by:
- • disc compression
- • facet joint overload
- • nerve irritation
- • muscular imbalance
- • movement dysfunction
Personalised Treatment Plan
Your plan may include:
- • lumbar spinal decompression
- • gentle chiropractic care
- • stabilisation and mobility exercises
- • ergonomic guidance
- • gradual activity progression
Is Decompression Right for You?
You may be suitable if you have:
- Persistent lower back pain for 3+ months
- Recurring flare-ups
- Pain worse with sitting or standing
- Stiffness and reduced movement
- Pain that hasn't resolved with standard care
We do not offer decompression if you have:
- Spinal fractures
- Advanced osteoporosis
- Spinal infection or tumour
- Spinal infection
- Severe instability
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
While it varies, most people require a structured program of:
- 2–3 sessions per week
- 6–10 weeks, depending on severity
Disc healing is gradual, and ongoing compression must be relieved consistently. We incorporate chiropractic care, decompression and rehabilitation to improve long-term stability — not just short-term pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — many people with chronic pain see meaningful improvement when mechanical causes are properly addressed. Decompression targets disc compression, which is often a key driver of long-term pain.
Yes — when properly assessed and supervised by a trained chiropractor. Manufacturer-provided clinical information and published research relating to BTL spinal decompression systems indicate that, when appropriately prescribed and supervised, spinal decompression is generally well tolerated in eligible patients.
No. Most people find it relaxing. You should not feel pain during treatment.
Most people complete an initial intensive phase (6–10 weeks), followed by periodic maintenance or corrective care to maintain improvements and reduce recurrence risk.
MRIs are helpful but not required. Your chiropractor will determine whether imaging is needed before proceeding.
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If you're experiencing chronic lower back pain, our chiropractors can assess whether spinal decompression may be suitable for you.
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