Spinal Decompression · Salisbury, MANon-surgical spinal decompression in Salisbury, MA for herniated discs and chronic back pain
For herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatica, and pinched nerves that have not responded to adjustments, PT, or injections. We target the exact joint causing the problem, decompress it on the Triton DTS decompression system, and track every step with your Spinal Health Score, so you have a clear finish line before you start.
We can often get you in the same day or the same week, no waiting on insurance approvals.
★★★★★ 143+ Five-Star Google Reviews • Out-of-network direct-pay • HSA & FSA Accepted
Measured Progress
Your Spinal Health Score tracks real progress monthly. As the number moves, you feel the relief and see the underlying correction.
Defined Finish Line
Your goal determines your program. The start, the milestones, and the end are clear from day one, tracked by your Spinal Health Score.
Out-of-network, no surprises
Full program cost is reviewed before care begins. No daily transactional visits, no insurance limits, no surprise bills. HSA/FSA eligible.
190+ five-star reviews across all platforms
Five-star reviewed chiropractor in Salisbury. Patients keep coming back and bring their families
OverviewHow does non-surgical spinal decompression work?
Spinal decompression uses a computer-controlled table to apply gentle, cycled force to one segment of your spine at a time. The table slowly unloads and releases the targeted joint, creating negative pressure inside that disc.
That negative pressure does three things. It helps a bulging or herniated disc pull back off the nerve. It draws in the fluid and nutrients the disc needs to heal. And it takes direct pressure off the nerve roots causing your pain.
Your low back has five joints and your neck has seven. Decompression works one joint at a time, not across the whole spine. That targeting is the reason it works where older approaches did not. It is also why we X-ray every new patient first and ask to review any prior MRIs. Most patients have never had a doctor sit down and walk them through their own imaging. We do that every time, so your program is built around what your spine is actually showing us.
We deliver decompression on the Triton DTS decompression system, one of the more researched non-surgical decompression devices available. Hold time, tension, and settings are matched to your condition and body, and they change as your spine responds over the course of care.
Decompression is rarely used on its own. We pair it with targeted chiropractic adjustments, Class IV Medical Grade laser for inflammation, and, when it is the right call, Focused Shockwave for the surrounding soft tissue. The combination is what moves your Spinal Health Score, not any single tool.
Research Evidence"Lumbar radiculopathy is an extensively common complaint reported by patients of low back pain (LBP), resulting in several impairments. A comparatively novel technique, non-surgical spinal decompression (NSD), is introduced, which uses a sensitive computerized feedback mechanism and decompresses the spinal nerve roots through segmental distraction."
F. Amjad, 2022. Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life.
Why Spinal DecompressionWhat does spinal decompression help you feel?
By lowering pressure inside the disc, decompression pulls fluid and nutrients back in, gives the nerve room to calm down, and takes load off the joints that are flared up. Most patients feel something in the first three to six sessions. Lasting results come from the full program, not the first visit.
Patients who came to us after they had tried everything tend to notice:
Less radiating pain into the arms, legs, or feet
Relief from sciatica that has not responded to other care
Easier standing, walking, and sitting for longer stretches
Reduced stiffness in the neck, mid-back, or lower back
Better range of motion tracked in your monthly Spinal Health Score
A non-surgical option for patients who have been told to consider surgery
Conditions TreatedWho is non-surgical spinal decompression for?
Decompression is most effective for conditions driven by pressure on a disc or nerve root. These are the disc and nerve conditions we treat most often. See the full list on our conditions page.
-
Herniated Disc
When the outer wall of a disc tears and the softer inner material pushes out, pressing on a nerve. Decompression helps reduce pressure on the nerve and supports the disc's ability to pull the material back in. Responds well to combined decompression and Class IV laser for the inflammation around the nerve root.
-
Bulging Disc
The disc has lost height and pushed outward without fully tearing. Common from years of compression, poor mechanics, or repeated lifting. Decompression directly addresses the pressure issue that caused the bulge and gives the disc room to rehydrate.
-
Sciatica
Pain that radiates from the low back down through the hip and leg, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve (usually from a disc issue at L4-L5 or L5-S1). Decompression combined with targeted adjustments and focused shockwave on the involved soft tissue is one of the most effective non-surgical options.
-
Pinched Nerve
Whether in the neck (causing arm or hand symptoms) or low back (causing leg symptoms), a pinched nerve means something is physically pressing on it. Decompression addresses the structural cause. Laser therapy addresses the inflammation.
-
Degenerative Disc Disease
Discs lose height and hydration over time. Decompression does not reverse age, but it can reduce the symptom load, slow progression, and keep patients functional without surgery or long-term medication.
-
Post-Surgical and Failed Back Surgery
Most chiropractors avoid patients with prior discectomy, laminectomy, or fusion. Newman Chiropractic does not. We have had strong success treating failed back surgery cases and now treat a number of fusion patients on a modified protocol. Every post-surgical patient gets prior imaging reviewed and updated imaging in office, then a decompression plan tuned to what your spine can safely tolerate.
What to ExpectWhat does a spinal decompression session feel like?
Most patients are surprised by how easy a session is. Here is what to expect, from the table itself to how many sessions you will need and how soon you should feel a change.
The session itself
You lie face up on the Triton DTS table (both lumbar and cervical decompression are performed face up). Soft harnesses are placed across the pelvis and chest, or around the neck for cervical work. The table applies cycled decompression, unloading and releasing at the exact joint Dr. Jeff identified on your X-rays. Most patients find the sensation relaxing, some fall asleep. Hold time and tension change across the course of care as your spine responds.
How many sessions most patients need
Decompression is rarely used on its own. It is built into a corrective program that usually includes 16 to 20 decompression sessions, paired with adjustments and other therapies when they are clinically indicated. The number of sessions and the length of your program are set during your two-visit evaluation, based on your imaging and your Spinal Health Score baseline.
How quickly you should expect to feel something
Most patients notice reduced pressure or pain within the first three to six sessions. The disc itself takes longer to change. That is why the Spinal Health Score tracks functional markers (range of motion, orthopedic tests, posture) monthly alongside subjective pain. You see both types of progress, not just the feeling.
Who should not get decompression
Decompression is not right for every patient. We screen for that during your two-visit evaluation, and we are honest with you if it is not the right fit. See exactly who it helps and who it does not just below.
EligibilityWho decompression helps, and who it does not
Decompression is not for everyone, and being honest about that is part of how we build trust. Your two-visit evaluation, including imaging and orthopedic testing, is where we decide whether decompression belongs in your program.
Decompression is often a fit when patients have:
Sciatica or nerve pain radiating into the arms, legs, or feet
Chronic back and neck pain that has not responded to PT, adjustments, or meds
Herniated or bulging discs confirmed on imaging
Recurrent back and neck flare-ups
Sports injuries involving disc or nerve root involvement
Pain after a recommendation for surgery, when the patient wants to try non-surgical care first
Decompression is not appropriate when patients have:
Severe osteoporosis
Active spinal fractures
Spinal tumors or active cancer in the spine
Pregnancy
Recent spinal surgery without imaging review and clearance
Certain spinal implants or hardware
Why Newman ChiropracticWhy choose Newman Chiropractic for spinal decompression?
The Spinal Health Score
Every patient gets a measurable score at baseline, from 0 to 100, updated monthly. It combines range of motion, X-ray findings, orthopedic testing, posture, and functional movement into one number. If your score is not moving, your program changes. No other local practice tracks decompression outcomes this way.
Out-of-network, no surprises:
Insurance does not cover spinal decompression, which creates surprise bills at offices that bill hybrid. Newman Chiropractic is fully out-of-network. Your full investment is reviewed before care starts. HSA and FSA accepted. No visit caps, no prior-auth delays.
Everything Under One Roof
Decompression works best combined with adjustments, Class IV laser for nerve inflammation, and focused shockwave for surrounding soft tissue. Newman Chiropractic is the only local practice that offers all of these in one program.
Two-Visit Evaluation Before Any Plan
Every new patient gets two unhurried visits with Dr. Jeff and the clinical team before we recommend a decompression program. We review imaging, test orthopedic and functional markers, and establish your Spinal Health Score baseline. Between visits, our team sits down with your findings to figure out the root cause and whether decompression is the right call. Visit two walks you through everything we found and what your program would look like.
Real OutcomesPatients who came in with disc pain, sciatica, and “tried everything”
5.0 stars across 143+ Google reviews
"From someone who was a total non-chiropractor person, I can honestly say this guy is amazing. I kick myself for not finding them sooner."
"My back pain was so terrible in the middle of my pregnancy, I could not move. Within just 1 visit with him I already felt drastically better."
"He quite literally gave me my life back. I did not need surgery. He treats the cause rather than just masking the pain."
How the Pieces Work TogetherHow do decompression, laser, and shockwave work together?
Decompression is rarely the only therapy in a program. Each tool does something different, and the combination is what moves your Spinal Health Score on disc, nerve, and soft tissue cases.
| Therapy | What it does | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted spinal decompression | Cycled, logarithmic decompression on the Triton DTS table that creates negative pressure inside one targeted joint at a time, not across the whole spine. | Takes pressure off the nerve root and helps the disc rehydrate and pull material back in. |
| Class IV Medical Grade laser | The only therapeutic laser powerful enough to target the deep tissue and disc of the spine, not the surface-level reach of a cold laser. | Gets you out of pain faster and into the right exercises sooner, so the decompression work holds. |
| Focused Shockwave | Powerful, deep shockwave used in professional sports rehab rooms, aimed at the soft tissue, scar tissue, and tendons around the affected segment. Not the broad, surface-level radial pulsewave used in most clinics. | Breaks up scar tissue and stimulates regeneration in structures decompression alone does not reach. |
Two-visit Evaluation
Two unhurried visits with Dr. Jeff and the care team. We collect the full story, run digital X-rays, check range of motion, test orthopedic and functional movement, and calculate your baseline Spinal Health Score. Between visits, the clinical team sits down with your imaging and exam results to figure out the root cause and what it would take to correct it. Then we walk you through everything on visit two. You came in with a problem. You'll leave with an answer and a clear path forward.
Relief & Rebuild
01. Relief you can feel. Visits are more frequent at first to calm pain, restore motion, and take pressure off the tissues that are flared up. Advanced therapies (decompression, Class IV laser, focused shockwave) are used where they accelerate progress. Most patients feel noticeably better in the first one to two weeks.
02. Build the foundation back. As symptoms settle, we shift toward rebuilding stability. Adjustments stay at the center. Corrective exercises get introduced. Advanced therapies taper as your body holds the work longer. Your Spinal Health Score is updated monthly so you can see progress, not just feel it.
03. Hold it for real life. The last stretch is about making the gains stick. Advanced therapies taper off. Exercises get more progressive, including anti-rotation and stability work that protects your spine through lifting, hiking, sports, and everything else you want back. End-of-program reassessment includes repeat imaging when clinically appropriate.
Ongoing care, your next chapter
When corrective care is complete, you have a choice. Graduate out entirely, or continue with optional Ongoing Care to protect the progress during the 12 to 16 month soft tissue remodeling window. Either way, your Spinal Health Score keeps tracking. Decisions stay data-driven, not pressure-driven.
our approachHow care actually works at Newman Chiropractic
Every patient starts with two visits before we present any care plan. Most corrective plans run 3 to 6 months, customized to your condition and goals.
Before You BookCommon questions about working with Dr. Jeff
How long has Dr. Jeff been practicing?
Over 15 years in Salisbury. He graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic after completing his Biology degree at Salve Regina University.
Does Dr. Jeff still adjust patients himself?
Dr. Jeff designs every care program and conducts every new-patient evaluation. Day-to-day adjusting is handled by Dr. Jake, who works the programs Dr. Jeff designs.
What towns does Newman Chiropractic serve?
The practice serves the Greater Newburyport area and the North Shore, including Salisbury, Newburyport, Amesbury, Merrimac, Newbury, Rowley, Ipswich, and Haverhill in Massachusetts, plus Seabrook, Hampton, Exeter, and Nashua in New Hampshire.
Why is Newman Chiropractic out-of-network?
We're out-of-network. Insurance pays per adjustment, not for the time, testing, and tracking that corrective care actually takes, and it caps visits in ways that cannot deliver lasting results. Being out-of-network gives us back that clinical time and lets us build care around your goal. HSA and FSA are accepted, and your full program cost is reviewed before anything starts.
What makes the Spinal Health Score different?
It is a single measurable number from 0 to 100 that combines range of motion, X-ray findings, orthopedic testing, posture, and functional movement. We update it monthly. If the score is not moving, your program changes. No other local practice has anything like it.
Does insurance cover spinal decompression?
No. Insurance does not cover spinal decompression. Because we are out-of-network, there are no surprise bills and no prior-auth delays. Your full program cost is reviewed before care begins, HSA and FSA are accepted, and we provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Is spinal decompression painful?
No. Most patients find it relaxing, and some fall asleep on the table. You lie face up while the table gently unloads one targeted joint at a time. You should feel a slow unloading and release, not pain.
How many sessions will I need?
Most corrective programs include 16 to 20 decompression sessions, paired with adjustments and other therapies when they help. The exact number is set during your two-visit evaluation, based on your imaging and your Spinal Health Score baseline.
Can spinal decompression help after failed back surgery?
Often, yes. Most offices avoid patients with prior discectomy, laminectomy, or fusion. We do not. We have had strong success with failed back surgery cases and treat a number of fusion patients on a modified protocol, after reviewing your prior and current imaging.
Ready to StartSee your progress, month after month.
Book your first visit. Across two visits with dedicated clinical review between them, you will know exactly what is going on, what it will take to correct it, and what the investment looks like, before you commit to anything.
Or call (978) 961-9099