Decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that helps relieve back pain caused by pressure in your spine. During non-surgical spinal compression, your healthcare provider may use traction to slowly stretch and relax your back. This stretching may help your spine reposition itself, which may reduce your pain.

There are different techniques for decompression therapy. Some healthcare providers place a harness around the hips. The harness may be attached to a motorized table that slowly moves the lower part of your body back and forth to relax your spine.