Tag Archive for: herniated disc

Weighing spinal decompression vs back surgery for a herniated disc, sciatica, or degenerative disc disease? 

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Weighing spinal decompression vs back surgery for a herniated disc, sciatica, or degenerative disc disease? A 2025 chart review of 267 patients found pain scores dropped from 6.9 to 2.5 on a 10-point scale. In fact, 90.5% reported improvement (Schueren et al., Military Medicine, 2025).

Why “conservative first” matters

Back surgery isn’t always reversible, and it doesn’t always work. In fact, failed back surgery syndrome affects roughly 1 in 5 patients within a few years of their procedure (Inoue et al., 2017, as cited in Schueren et al., 2025). This includes ongoing pain, numbness, or the need for repeat surgery. Of patients who’ve had one back surgery, only around 30% get adequate relief. Up to 70% end up having another (Thomson & Jacques, 2009, as cited in Connolly et al., 2025). Because of this, many patients choose to try conservative care first. Doing so doesn’t close the door on surgery later if it’s still needed.

What the 2025 research shows

Two separate peer-reviewed studies published in 2025 looked directly at non-surgical spinal decompression outcomes.

Pain and neurological outcomes

A retrospective chart review in Military Medicine analyzed 267 patients across seven clinics (Schueren et al., 2025). The researchers, at the University of South Florida, are not affiliated with Los Angeles Spinal Decompression®. Pain dropped from 6.9 to 2.5 on average. Patients also improved in muscle strength (74.8%), sensation (77.6%), and reflexes (60.9%).

MRI-confirmed structural changes

A separate case series in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic followed 13 patients for 20 sessions of DRX9000 treatment — the same technology used at LASD (Connolly et al., 2025). Follow-up MRI scans showed measurable increases in disc height and spinal canal space. As a result, 77% of patients had a visible reduction in disc herniation size.

Additionally, 28 clinical studies have now examined the DRX9000, and 20 of them are peer-reviewed (per DRX9000 manufacturer-compiled research summary).

Spinal Decompression vs Back Surgery: Side-by-Side Comparison

Non-Surgical Spinal DecompressionBack Surgery (e.g., fusion)
Incision/anesthesiaNoneRequired
Typical recoverySame-day return to activityWeeks to months
ReversibilityNon-permanentPermanent change to spinal biomechanics
Approximate costA fraction of surgical costAverages ~$22,890 per level, up to $110,000 (Beckerman et al., 2020, as cited in Connolly et al., 2025)
2025 research90.5% reported pain improvement, n=267 (Schueren et al., 2025); MRI-confirmed disc height increase, n=13 (Connolly et al., 2025)~20.6% risk of failed back surgery syndrome (Inoue et al., 2017)
When it’s not appropriateFracture, instability, tumor, infectionSometimes still necessary once conservative care fails

How Dr. Karr evaluates candidacy

Dr. Michael Karr is a UCLA Kinesiology graduate who has treated patients in West LA since 1989. He personally reviews your MRI or X-rays before recommending non-surgical spinal decompression. Not every patient qualifies. That’s exactly why this evaluation matters — it determines whether conservative care is a safe, appropriate first step for you.

✅ FDA-cleared DRX9000 — 28 clinical studies, 20 peer-reviewed
✅ Dr. Karr personally reviews your MRI or X-rays
✅ $149 first treatment with an approved MRI
✅ We accept most PPO insurance (Medicare does not cover spinal decompression)

We’re located at Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160 — ground floor, free parking, near the 405 and 10. We serve West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Bel Air, Venice, and Westwood.

Call Betty: 310-914-9422

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spinal decompression proven to work, or is this just a claim?

Two separate peer-reviewed studies measured outcomes directly in 2025. One tracked pain and neurological function across 267 patients (Schueren et al., Military Medicine, 2025). The other confirmed structural disc changes on MRI (Connolly et al., J Contemp Chiropr, 2025). So while every patient responds differently, the research base has grown substantially.

What happens if I go straight to surgery without trying decompression first?

Surgery is sometimes necessary, and you can’t always avoid it. However, research shows roughly 1 in 5 back surgery patients develop ongoing complications (Inoue et al., 2017). Only about 30% get adequate relief from a single procedure (Thomson & Jacques, 2009). That’s why trying conservative care first doesn’t eliminate surgery as an option later. It simply gives you a lower-risk option to try before a higher-risk one.

Does insurance cover spinal decompression?

We accept most PPO plans. Medicare does not cover spinal decompression, so call Betty to verify your specific coverage.

What if spinal decompression doesn’t relieve my pain?

Dr. Karr reassesses your progress throughout treatment. If you’re not responding, that becomes part of the conversation about next steps — including, if appropriate, a referral for surgical consultation.

Do I need an MRI first?

Yes. The $149 first-treatment offer requires an approved MRI, which also helps confirm candidacy. Dr. Karr reviews it personally.

Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program. Spinal decompression candidacy determined by clinical evaluation.

Sources:
Schueren S, Luginsland LA, Ariza Medina G, Schilaty ND. Retrospective Chart Review of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression as a Therapeutic Modality for Low Back Pain. Military Medicine 2025;190(Suppl 2):134–140.
Connolly JA, Luginsland LA, Welsh S, et al. Clinical and Imaging Outcomes of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression for Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Lesions: A Case Series. J Contemp Chiropr 2025;8:81–87.

📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9422
🌐 LosAngelesSpinalDecompression.com
📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90064
📘 facebook.com/LosAngelesSpinalDecompression
📸 instagram.com/losangelesspinaldecompression
▶️ youtube.com/@LosAngelesSpinalDecompression
🐦 twitter.com/ladecompression
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Spinal Decompression Near Me | Los Angeles Spinal Decompression®

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Searching for spinal decompression near me? FDA-cleared DRX9000, 2025 peer-reviewed research, $149 first visit. Call Betty: 310-914-9422.

Spinal Decompression Near Me: What 2025 Research Shows

Searching for spinal decompression near me because sciatica, a herniated disc, or chronic back pain isn’t improving? Two 2025 peer-reviewed studies and a randomized controlled trial add real weight to non-surgical spinal decompression as a conservative option — and one of them shows it works even better when paired with therapy.

What the research shows

A 2025 chart review in Military Medicine analyzed 267 patients across seven clinics using non-surgical spinal decompression (Schueren et al., 2025; researchers at the University of South Florida, not affiliated with Los Angeles Spinal Decompression®). Pain dropped from 6.9 to 2.5 on average, and 90.5% of patients reported improvement. Neurological function improved too — 74.8% in muscle strength, 77.6% in sensation, and 60.9% in reflexes.

A separate 2025 case series in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic followed 13 patients treated with DRX9000 technology — the same technology used at LASD — for 20 sessions (Connolly et al., 2025). Follow-up MRI scans confirmed measurable increases in disc height, not just symptom relief.

Decompression works best combined with therapy

A randomized controlled trial published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders compared patients with lumbar radiculopathy who received non-surgical decompression plus routine physical therapy against patients who received physical therapy alone (Amjad et al., 2022). After four weeks, the decompression-plus-therapy group showed significantly greater improvement in pain, disability, and range of motion, with effect sizes ranging from medium to very large. In other words, decompression isn’t meant to replace therapy — it’s meant to strengthen it. That’s exactly the approach LASD uses.

The DRX9000 has now been the subject of 28 clinical studies, 20 of them peer-reviewed (per DRX9000 manufacturer-compiled research summary).

Spinal Decompression Near Me: Find Care in Los Angeles

Dr. Michael Karr, a UCLA Kinesiology graduate treating patients in West LA since 1989, personally reviews your MRI or X-rays before recommending non-surgical spinal decompression. He combines DRX9000 treatment with other conservative therapies rather than using it in isolation — the same approach the 2022 research above supports.

✅ FDA-cleared DRX9000 — 28 clinical studies, 20 peer-reviewed
✅ Dr. Karr personally reviews your MRI or X-rays
✅ $149 first treatment with an approved MRI
✅ Most PPO insurance accepted (Medicare does not cover spinal decompression)

We’re located at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160 — ground floor, free parking. We serve West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Bel Air, Venice, and Westwood.

Call Betty: 310-914-9422

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if spinal decompression is available near me in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® is located at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, serving West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Bel Air, Venice, and Westwood. Dr. Karr reviews your MRI or X-rays before confirming candidacy.

Is spinal decompression better with physical therapy, or on its own?

A 2022 randomized controlled trial found decompression added to physical therapy produced significantly greater improvement in pain and disability than physical therapy alone (Amjad et al., 2022). That’s why decompression here is used as part of a broader treatment plan, not a standalone fix.

Does insurance cover spinal decompression?

We accept most PPO plans. Medicare does not cover spinal decompression — call Betty to verify your specific coverage.

Do I need an MRI first?

Yes — the $149 first-treatment offer requires an approved MRI, which also helps confirm candidacy. Dr. Karr reviews it personally.

Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program. Spinal decompression candidacy determined by clinical evaluation.

Sources:
Schueren S, Luginsland LA, Ariza Medina G, Schilaty ND. Retrospective Chart Review of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression as a Therapeutic Modality for Low Back Pain. Military Medicine 2025;190(Suppl 2):134–140.
Connolly JA, Luginsland LA, Welsh S, et al. Clinical and Imaging Outcomes of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression for Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Lesions: A Case Series. J Contemp Chiropr 2025;8:81–87.
Amjad F, Mohseni-Bandpei MA, Gilani SA, Ahmad A, Hanif A. Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy… a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022;23:255.

📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9422
🌐 LosAngelesSpinalDecompression.com
📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90064
📘 facebook.com/LosAngelesSpinalDecompression
📸 instagram.com/losangelesspinaldecompression
▶️ youtube.com/@LosAngelesSpinalDecompression
🐦 twitter.com/ladecompression
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Herniated Disc From Sitting? Spinal Decompression LA

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Sitting All Day Is Hard on Your Spine — Here’s How a Herniated Disc Develops, and What Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Can Do About It

Prolonged sitting significantly increases pressure on the lumbar discs — up to 40% more than standing — and over years of desk work, that added load can contribute to a herniated or bulging disc. When disc material presses on a nearby nerve, the result is often sciatica: shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the lower back down the leg.

Why Sitting Is So Hard on Your Discs

The lumbar spine is designed to bear weight most efficiently when standing or moving. Sitting — especially in a forward-leaning position, hunched toward a monitor — flattens the natural curve of the lower back and concentrates pressure on the front of the disc. Held for eight or more hours a day, that repeated pressure can gradually push disc material outward, weakening the outer wall until it herniates or bulges.

Professionals across Playa Vista, Culver City, Santa Monica, and West LA — many working long hours at tech, entertainment, and studio jobs — are especially susceptible, simply because of how much of the workday is spent seated.

From Disc Herniation to Sciatica

Once a disc herniates or bulges, the escaped material can compress the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine through the buttocks and down each leg. That compression is what produces the hallmark symptoms of sciatica: sharp or burning leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that often gets worse the longer you sit.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: Addressing the Disc Itself

Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® uses the DRX9000 — FDA-cleared, non-surgical spinal decompression technology, the subject of 28 clinical studies, 20 published in peer-reviewed journals. The DRX9000 applies gentle, computer-controlled traction to the spine, creating negative pressure inside the affected disc. This is designed to help retract herniated or bulging disc material away from the nerve, encourage disc rehydration, and support the disc’s own healing process — without surgery, without injections, and without medication.

Dr. Michael Karr, a UCLA Kinesiology graduate who has treated patients in West LA since 1989, personally reviews your MRI or X-rays before determining whether spinal decompression is right for your specific condition.

Is Spinal Decompression Right for You?

Your situationConsideration
Diagnosed herniated or bulging discStrong candidate for evaluation
Sciatica that worsens with sittingStrong candidate for evaluation
Degenerative disc diseaseOften appropriate — evaluated case by case
Recent spinal fracture or instabilityTypically not a candidate — Dr. Karr will advise
Pain without imaging-confirmed disc involvementMRI/X-ray review needed first

What to Expect

  • Dr. Karr reviews your MRI or takes in-office digital X-rays, read the same day
  • A DRX9000 session lasting 30–45 minutes, applying cyclical traction targeted to the affected disc level
  • A treatment plan built around your specific imaging and presentation — not a generic protocol

We accept most PPO insurance plans, MedPay, Workers’ Comp, and approved personal injury liens. First treatment: $149 with an approved MRI.

We’re located at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160 — ground floor, free parking, near the 10 and 405 freeways. Serving West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Westwood, Playa Vista, and Mar Vista.

Call Betty: 310-914-9422

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sitting at a desk really cause a herniated disc?
Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the lumbar discs and can contribute to disc herniation over time, particularly with poor posture or long, uninterrupted hours at a desk.

How is a herniated disc from sitting different from one caused by injury?
The disc damage itself is similar — the difference is the cause. Repetitive pressure from sitting tends to develop gradually, while injury-related herniation is typically sudden. Both can be evaluated for spinal decompression candidacy.

Is spinal decompression covered by insurance?
Most PPO plans are accepted. Medicare does not cover spinal decompression. Our staff verifies your specific benefits before your first appointment.

How many DRX9000 sessions will I need?
This depends on your diagnosis and how your body responds to treatment. Dr. Karr outlines a plan after reviewing your imaging and completing your evaluation.

Do I need an MRI before starting treatment?
An approved MRI is required for the $149 first-treatment offer and helps confirm you’re a candidate. Dr. Karr reviews it personally before treatment begins.

📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9422
🌐 LosAngelesSpinalDecompression.com
📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90064
📘 facebook.com/LosAngelesSpinalDecompression
📸 instagram.com/losangelesspinaldecompression
▶️ youtube.com/@LosAngelesSpinalDecompression
🐦 twitter.com/ladecompression
📝 losangelesspinaldecompression.blogspot.com

Individual results vary. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning treatment. Spinal decompression candidacy determined by clinical evaluation.

Golf Disc Herniation: A Non-Surgical Treatment Option in West LA

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Golf Disc Herniation: A Non-Surgical Treatment Option in West LA

Golf-related disc herniation is one of the most common reasons West LA players stop playing mid-season. The rotational forces of the swing place repetitive compressive stress on the lumbar discs — particularly at L4–L5 and L5–S1. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the FDA-cleared DRX9000 is designed to address the disc injury directly, without surgery or injections.

How the Golf Swing Causes Disc Herniation

The golf swing is one of the most biomechanically demanding motions in recreational sport. At the moment of impact, the lumbar spine experiences a combination of compression, rotation, and lateral bending — generating significant forces through the lower discs on every shot.

Over 18 holes, a golfer repeats this motion dozens of times. Over a summer season of regular play in West LA, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Culver City, that cumulative stress is often how disc injuries develop — not from a single dramatic moment, but from accumulated rounds.

The most vulnerable levels are L4–L5 and L5–S1 — the lowest segments of the lumbar spine, where rotational and compressive forces are greatest and disc herniation most commonly occurs in golfers.

What Happens When a Golf-Related Disc Herniates

When a disc herniates, the outer disc wall — the annulus fibrosus — is compromised and inner disc material can shift toward nearby spinal nerves. Depending on the direction and severity of the herniation, this can cause:

  • Sharp or shooting pain in the lower back
  • Pain radiating into one leg or buttock (sciatica)
  • Numbness or tingling down the leg
  • Weakness in the leg or foot
  • Stiffness that makes the golf swing painful or impossible

Many golfers experience early warning signs — tightness on the back nine, stiffness the day after a round — and continue playing until the pain becomes acute. By that point, the disc involvement is typically more significant and recovery takes longer.

Why Standard Treatments Often Fall Short for Disc Injuries

Rest, anti-inflammatories, and general stretching can reduce symptoms temporarily — but they do not address the disc itself. If a disc herniation is the source of your pain, the structural problem remains even when symptoms subside between rounds.

Physical therapy focused on muscular stabilization can play a role in recovery, but for disc-related compression, a more targeted approach is often needed.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for Golf Disc Injuries

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000 is specifically designed to target the herniated disc directly.

The DRX9000 applies precisely calibrated traction forces to the spine, creating negative intradiscal pressure — designed to:

  • Help retract herniated disc material away from the nerve
  • Promote rehydration and nutrient flow to the damaged disc
  • Create conditions that may support healing of the disc wall

The goal is not simply to mask the pain. It is to address the structural disc damage that the golf swing caused — reducing the herniation and supporting the disc’s own healing process.

Individual results vary. Candidacy is determined by clinical evaluation and review of diagnostic imaging.

The DRX9000 — Research and FDA Clearance

The DRX9000 is FDA-cleared for non-surgical spinal decompression and is the most researched technology of its kind:

  • 28 clinical studies on DRX9000 spinal decompression
  • 20 published in peer-reviewed journals
  • Developed and refined over decades of clinical use

Thousands of patients across the country have used DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression as a conservative alternative before considering epidural injections or spinal surgery.

Who Is a Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Good candidates typically have:

  • A herniated or bulging disc confirmed by MRI
  • Degenerative disc disease at one or more lumbar levels
  • Sciatica or nerve compression from disc involvement
  • Pain that has not fully resolved with rest, medication, or general physical therapy

An approved MRI is required before beginning treatment. Dr. Michael Karr reviews your imaging and clinical history to determine whether you are a candidate. Not everyone qualifies — and Dr. Karr will tell you honestly after reviewing your case.

If you do not yet have an MRI, we can advise on next steps.

What Your First Visit Looks Like

Your first visit at Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® includes:

  • Review of your MRI and clinical history
  • Orthopedic examination to identify the exact levels involved
  • A clear explanation of your diagnosis and what is causing your pain
  • A specific treatment plan — not a generic protocol

First treatment: $149 with approved MRI.

We accept most PPO insurance plans, Workers’ Comp, MedPay, and CareCredit. Note: Medicare does not cover non-surgical spinal decompression.

Call Betty to verify your coverage before your first visit — at no cost to you.

Our office is at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90064 — ground floor, free parking, near the 405 and 10 freeways. We serve patients from West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Westwood, Venice, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, and West Hollywood. Open Saturdays.

Call Betty: 310-914-9422

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the golf swing cause a herniated disc? Yes. The combination of rotational torque, compression, and lateral bending at impact — repeated over 18 holes and across multiple rounds — places significant cumulative stress on the lumbar discs, particularly at L4–L5 and L5–S1. Disc herniation in golfers typically develops gradually from this accumulated load rather than from a single incident.

What is the difference between spinal decompression and surgery for a golf disc injury? Spinal decompression is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment designed to address disc herniation using calibrated traction forces. Surgery involves structural alteration of the spine under anesthesia, with recovery time measured in weeks to months. Many patients use Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression as a conservative alternative before considering surgery. Individual results vary.

How many spinal decompression sessions are needed for a golf disc injury? The number of sessions depends on the severity and duration of the disc injury. Dr. Karr provides a specific treatment plan after reviewing your MRI and examination findings on the first visit. He will give you a clear prognosis and timeline before treatment begins.

Can I keep playing golf during spinal decompression treatment? This depends on the severity of your condition. Dr. Karr advises each patient specifically based on their imaging and clinical findings. Many patients modify their activity during treatment while avoiding the movements that aggravate the disc.

Does insurance cover spinal decompression for a golf injury in Los Angeles? Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® accepts most PPO insurance plans, Workers’ Compensation, MedPay, and CareCredit. Medicare does not cover non-surgical spinal decompression. Call Betty at 310-914-9422 to verify your specific coverage before your first visit.

Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression candidacy is determined by clinical evaluation and review of diagnostic imaging. Medicare does not cover spinal decompression.

📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9422 🌐 LosAngelesSpinalDecompression.com 📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90064 📘 facebook.com/LosAngelesSpinalDecompression 📸 instagram.com/losangelesspinaldecompression ▶️ youtube.com/@LosAngelesSpinalDecompression 🐦twitter.com/LADecompression 📝 losangelesspinaldecompression.blogspot.com

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in Los Angeles — What You Need to Know Before Considering Back Surgery

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Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in Los Angeles — What You Need to Know Before Considering Back Surgery

Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® provides FDA-cleared, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy using the DRX9000 at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90064 — serving patients from West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Westwood, Playa Vista, Mar Vista, Venice, Pacific Palisades, and surrounding Westside communities. Dr. Michael C. Karr, a UCLA graduate with postgraduate honors in radiology, personally reviews every patient’s MRI and determines whether spinal decompression is the right course of treatment.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, drug-free treatment that uses motorized traction to gently stretch the spine, relieving pressure on damaged intervertebral discs. The DRX9000 — the gold standard in spinal decompression technology — creates precise negative pressure within the disc space, allowing herniated or bulging material to retract away from compressed nerves while drawing in oxygen, water, and nutrients that promote natural disc healing.

Unlike surgery, spinal decompression carries no anesthesia risk, no recovery downtime, and no permanent structural alteration to the spine. Unlike pain medication, it addresses the structural source of pain rather than masking symptoms.

Conditions Treated With the DRX9000 at LA Spinal Decompression®

Dr. Karr uses the DRX9000 to treat a wide range of spinal conditions, including:

Herniated discs — one of the most common causes of back and leg pain, occurring when the soft inner core of a disc pushes through its outer casing and presses on nearby nerves. The DRX9000 creates the negative intradiscal pressure needed to draw that material back toward the center of the disc.

Bulging discs — similar to herniated discs but with the disc wall still intact. Decompression reduces the outward pressure that causes the disc to bulge and compress surrounding nerve tissue.

Sciatica and sciatic nerve pain — the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, running from the lower spine through the buttocks and down each leg. When a herniated or bulging disc compresses the sciatic nerve, patients experience shooting leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. DRX9000 decompression relieves that compression directly at the source.

Degenerative disc disease — over time, intervertebral discs lose hydration and height, narrowing the space between vertebrae and increasing pressure on spinal nerves. Decompression therapy helps restore disc height and hydration while reducing nerve compression.

Pinched nerves and radiculopathy — nerve compression in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine can cause radiating pain, weakness, or sensory changes in the arms or legs. Decompression therapy addresses the structural cause of nerve compression.

Failed back surgery syndrome — patients who have undergone spinal surgery but continue to experience pain are often candidates for decompression therapy. Dr. Karr evaluates each case individually to determine whether decompression can provide relief.

How the DRX9000 Works — Step by Step

A typical DRX9000 session at Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® begins with Dr. Karr reviewing your MRI or X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific disc levels requiring treatment. You are then positioned on the DRX9000 treatment table, which is fully adjustable to target the precise spinal segment involved.

During treatment, the DRX9000 applies gentle, computer-controlled traction in a cyclical pattern — alternating between distraction (stretching) and relaxation phases. This cycling motion creates the negative pressure within the disc without triggering the muscle guarding reflex that can limit the effectiveness of manual traction. Sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes and are comfortable enough that many patients fall asleep during treatment.

A standard treatment protocol at LA Spinal Decompression® consists of multiple sessions over several weeks, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to care. Most patients report noticeable improvement within the first few sessions.

Why Choose Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® for DRX9000 Treatment in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® is one of the few practices in the greater Los Angeles area with the DRX9000 — the most clinically validated spinal decompression system available. Many practices offer generic traction tables marketed as “decompression” — but only the DRX9000 uses the patented logarithmic decompression curve that prevents muscle guarding and achieves true intradiscal negative pressure.

Dr. Michael C. Karr brings over 35 years of clinical experience to every case. As a UCLA graduate with advanced training in radiology and biomechanics, Dr. Karr evaluates every patient’s imaging personally — not a technician, not a physician assistant. You meet with the doctor, review your MRI together, and receive an honest assessment of whether decompression can help your specific condition. If it can’t, Dr. Karr will tell you — and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

We Treat ALL SPINES of People® — from professional athletes and active professionals to seniors managing degenerative disc disease and patients recovering from work or auto injuries.

Insurance, Payment Options, and First-Visit Offer

Many patients ask about coverage for spinal decompression. Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® accepts most PPO insurance plans, Medicare (for covered services), MedPay, Workers’ Compensation, and approved personal injury liens. Our staff verifies your benefits before your first appointment so there are no billing surprises.

For patients exploring whether spinal decompression is right for them, your first treatment is just $149 with an approved MRI report and doctor’s approval. This includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays if needed, MRI review with Dr. Karr, and your first DRX9000 session.

Serving All of West Los Angeles and the Westside

Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® is conveniently located at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90064 — on the ground floor with free parking and easy access from the 10 and 405 freeways. We serve patients from West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Westwood, Century City, Bel Air, Venice, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, Pacific Palisades, West Hollywood, and Marina del Rey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Decompression in Los Angeles

Is spinal decompression painful? No. Most patients find DRX9000 sessions comfortable and relaxing. The computer-controlled cycling motion is designed to avoid triggering muscle guarding, which makes it gentler than manual traction.

How many treatments will I need? The number of sessions depends on your diagnosis, the severity of disc damage, and how your body responds. Dr. Karr will outline a treatment plan after reviewing your MRI and completing your examination.

Am I a candidate for spinal decompression? The best way to determine candidacy is to bring your MRI to Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® and have Dr. Karr review it. General indicators of candidacy include herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, or pinched nerves without significant spinal instability or fracture.

How does spinal decompression differ from chiropractic adjustment? Chiropractic adjustment restores joint mobility and alignment through manual manipulation. Spinal decompression uses mechanical traction to reduce intradiscal pressure and promote disc healing. The two therapies are complementary and are often used together at our affiliated practice, West Los Angeles Chiropractic®.

Does insurance cover spinal decompression? Coverage varies by plan. Our staff verifies benefits before your first appointment. We also accept MedPay, Workers’ Comp, approved liens, and self-pay options.

Schedule Your DRX9000 Consultation Today

If you are living with herniated disc pain, sciatica, or chronic back pain — and want to know whether non-surgical spinal decompression can help — call Los Angeles Spinal Decompression® today.

📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9422 🌐 LosAngelesSpinalDecompression.com 📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (Ground floor · Free parking · Near the 10 & 405)

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Page last updated: June 2026