Slipped Disc, Sciatica & Spinal Decompression Therapy in Essex
Spinal Decompression
Advanced Non-Surgical Treatment in Essex for Disc Pain, Slipped Discs, Sciatica and Persistent Back or Neck Pain.
Living with persistent back pain, a slipped or herniated disc, sciatica or nerve-related pain can affect almost every part of everyday life.
Sitting at work becomes uncomfortable. Driving can aggravate symptoms. Sleep may be disrupted. Exercise becomes difficult. You may even start avoiding certain movements because you are worried about triggering a flare-up.
At VITAL Health in Essex, we offer advanced Spine MT ATLAS Spinal Decompression Therapy for suitable patients experiencing disc-related, spinal and nerve-related symptoms.
ATLAS is a highly controlled, non-invasive spinal decompression and mobilisation system that allows treatment to be individually adapted according to the area of the spine involved, your symptoms and your clinical assessment.
Spinal decompression is available at our clinics in:
Tiptree & Chelmsford
NO SURGERY | NO NEEDLES | NO STRESS | NO LONG RECOVERY | NO FEAR OF MAKING THINGS WORSE
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY
What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses a specialist motorised system to apply carefully controlled forces to selected areas of the spine.
At VITAL Health we use the advanced Spine MT ATLAS system.
Rather than applying a simple, general pulling force through the spine, ATLAS allows your practitioner to precisely control multiple aspects of treatment.
This includes:
- The spinal region being treated
- The level of decompressive force
- Treatment angle
- Flexion and extension
- Rotation
- Lateral movement
- Mobilisation
- Treatment speed
- Treatment progression
This means your treatment can be individually programmed rather than applying exactly the same approach to every patient.
DISC-RELATED PAIN
Could Your Back or Leg Pain Be Coming From a Disc?
Between each of the bones in your spine are discs that provide cushioning and allow your spine to move.
Changes to these discs are extremely common, but sometimes a disc can bulge or herniate and irritate the surrounding tissues or a nearby spinal nerve.
You may have heard this described as:
- A slipped disc
- Bulging disc
- Herniated disc
- Prolapsed disc
- Disc protrusion
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Disc degeneration
- A trapped or irritated spinal nerve
“When a nerve becomes irritated, symptoms aren’t necessarily limited to the back.”
Depending on where the problem occurs, you may experience pain, tingling, numbness or altered sensation travelling into an arm or leg.
This is why understanding what is actually contributing to your symptoms is such an important part of determining the right treatment approach.
HOW IT WORKS
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
Using slow, computer-controlled movements, it gently mobilises and stretches the spine and decompresses the discs in your lower back to help reduce pressure on the affected disc and nearby nerve.
The changes in pressure may also help fluid and nutrients move into the disc, supporting its natural recovery.
The system can apply a gentle and progressive decompressive force while controlling the position and movement of the spine. Its three-dimensional approach allows decompression to be combined with carefully selected rotation, mobilisation or lateral flexion where clinically appropriate.
The purpose is to reduce mechanical loading around a targeted area and encourage more comfortable spinal movement.
Treatment settings can be progressively adjusted as your body adapts. The system also provides live treatment information, allowing your practitioner to monitor each session and maintain consistent, controlled parameters.
The aim is simple: reduce pressure, ease pain and help you move more comfortably again. For some people, that means walking more comfortably, sitting for longer, or getting back to the activities they love.
Unlike basic traction systems, ATLAS allows your practitioner to alter the direction, angle and movement involved in the treatment.
This can include combinations of:
Decompression
Controlled mechanical forces applied to a targeted spinal region.
Rotation
Carefully selected rotational positioning where clinically appropriate.
Lateral Flexion
Controlled movement or positioning from side to side.
Mobilisation
Different mobilisation programmes can be incorporated according to the individual’s presentation.
Cervical or Lumbar Positioning
Treatment angles can be modified depending upon whether the neck or lower spine is being treated.
Throughout your programme, treatment can be progressively modified according to your comfort and response.
Is spinal decompression right for you?
Spinal decompression isn’t appropriate for every person with back pain. And that’s an important distinction.
We don’t recommend it simply because someone has pain or because an MRI report mentions a disc bulge.
Your symptoms, clinical findings, health history and overall presentation all need to be considered.
Spinal decompression may be worth exploring if:
Persistent or recurring back pain
Diagnosed bulging or herniated disc
Sciatica or pain travelling into the leg
Neck pain travelling into the arm
Intermittent tingling or numbness
Pain aggravated by sitting or driving
Symptoms affecting work or sleep
Limited results from previous treatment
Looking for a non-invasive option
A more structured approach to treatment
Start with a FREE Spinal Decompression Suitability Call
Speak with our team about your symptoms, any diagnosis or scans you have received and the problems you are experiencing.
There is no obligation to proceed with treatment.
Spinal Decompression Therapy is commonly used with people who have perhaps reached a stage where they feel they have run out of options. Founder and Osteopath Dan Trussler says:
“Many patients come to us frustrated because their pain keeps returning or hasn’t settled despite doing the right things. Spinal Decompression Therapy allows us to work directly at the affected spinal level in a precise, measurable way. It helps us support healing while guiding patients back to strength and confidence in movement.”
WHAT TO EXPECT
What Your Spinal Decompression Therapy Assessment & Treatment Plan Includes
We want you to understand what is happening and why we’re recommending a particular approach. That’s why your treatment journey doesn’t simply start by putting you onto the ATLAS machine.
All patients undergo an initial phone assessment to determine initial suitability for the treatment.
Then you will be invited into the clinic for a more comprehensive physical assessment; clinical presentation and neurological status are considered when assessing someone’s suitability for treatment.
Free Suitability Call
Your first step is a FREE suitability call with the VITAL Health team. We’ll discuss your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, any diagnosis or scans you’ve had, and treatments you may have already tried. We’ll then explain how spinal decompression works and whether an in-clinic assessment could be a suitable next step, with no obligation to proceed.
Detailed history and orthopaedic / neurological examination
We begin by understanding your full health history, current symptoms, and how your condition is affecting your daily life. Your practitioner will carry out a thorough physical examination to assess movement, strength, reflexes, nerve function and identify the spinal structures most likely contributing to your pain.
Review of MRI or other imaging where available
If you’ve previously had an MRI scan, X-rays or specialist imaging, we’ll carefully review the findings as part of your assessment. This helps us better understand issues such as disc bulges, herniation, degeneration or nerve compression and determine whether Spinal Decompression Therapy is appropriate for you.
Individualised Spinal Decompression Therapy Plan
No two spinal conditions are the same. Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific diagnosis, symptoms, spinal level involvement and overall health goals. We create a structured programme designed to target the affected area while supporting long-term recovery.
Treatment sessions last 30 minutes.
Progressive adjustment of treatment parameters
As your body begins to adapt and improve, your treatment settings are carefully adjusted throughout your programme. This ensures your care progresses safely and effectively while continuing to challenge the spinal structures in a controlled way.
Ongoing outcome monitoring
We closely track your pain levels, mobility, function and overall progress throughout your programme. Regular reviews help us ensure you’re responding well to treatment and allow us to make adjustments where needed to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
We’ll provide you with clear answers, realistic expectations and a plan that fits your condition and goals.
FOCUSED ON BEST OUTCOMES
A Combined-care Approach
At VITAL Health, your care does not need to rely on one treatment in isolation.
For some suitable patients, the clinical team may recommend combining Spinal Decompression with MBST Therapy as part of a personalised treatment programme.
The two treatments take different approaches:
• Spinal Decompression applies carefully controlled decompression and mobilisation to a targeted area of the spine.
• MBST Therapy uses therapeutic magnetic resonance technology and may be considered as part of the management of certain musculoskeletal and degenerative conditions.
Where clinically appropriate, these treatments may be used alongside one another to provide a broader approach to managing disc-related pain, restricted movement and associated symptoms.
This does not mean that every patient will require both treatments. Your practitioner will consider your symptoms, examination findings, medical history, available imaging and response to care before making any recommendation.
Your programme may also include rehabilitation exercises, physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, movement advice or other appropriate support.
Book Your Spinal Decompression Therapy Suitability Call
VITAL Health Chelmsford
Unit 3, the old coal yard,
Little Waltham Rd,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
01245 259097
Clinic Hours:
Monday 08:00 – 20:00
Tuesday 08:00 – 20:00
Wednesday 08:00 – 20:00
Thursday 08:00 – 20:00
Friday 08:00 – 20:00
Saturday 08:00 – 20:00
Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
Clinic Hours:
Monday 08:00 – 20:00
Tuesday 08:00 – 20:00
Wednesday 08:00 – 20:00
Thursday 08:00 – 20:00
Friday 08:00 – 20:00
Saturday 08:00 – 20:00
Sunday 08:00 – 20:00
OUR CLINICS
Our Essex Spine & Disc Centres
Contact our clinics
VITAL Health Chelmsford
Unit 3, the old coal yard,
Little Waltham Rd,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
VITAL Health Tiptree
6 Station Rd,
Tiptree,
Colchester
CO5 0AD
Spinal Decompression FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions we get asked
What is spinal decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses a specialist motorised system to apply controlled decompressive forces to selected areas of the spine. At VITAL Health we use the Spine MT ATLAS system, which also enables carefully controlled positioning, rotation and mobilisation where clinically appropriate.
What is spinal decompression used for?
Spinal decompression may be considered for suitable patients experiencing symptoms associated with disc herniation, disc degeneration, sciatica, radiculopathy and certain other spinal conditions. Treatment should only be recommended following an appropriate assessment.
Can spinal decompression help a slipped disc?
ATLAS spinal decompression may be considered for certain patients experiencing symptoms associated with a bulging, prolapsed or herniated disc. Having a disc finding on an MRI does not automatically mean that spinal decompression is required or appropriate.
What is the difference between a slipped disc and a herniated disc?
“Slipped disc” is a commonly used phrase. The disc does not literally slip out of position. The terms bulging, prolapsed or herniated disc more accurately describe changes where part of the disc extends outwards.
Can spinal decompression help sciatica?
It may be considered where assessment suggests sciatic symptoms are associated with irritation of a spinal nerve or disc-related problem. However, sciatica can have several possible causes, so an individual assessment is important.
What does sciatica feel like?
Sciatica commonly causes pain travelling through the buttock and down one leg. People may also experience burning, shooting or electric-type pain, tingling, pins and needles, numbness or weakness.
Does spinal decompression work for neck problems?
ATLAS can provide both lumbar and cervical spinal decompression. Cervical decompression may be considered for selected neck and disc-related presentations, particularly where symptoms are associated with irritation of a spinal nerve.
Can spinal decompression help pins and needles or numbness?
Pins and needles and numbness can sometimes occur when a spinal nerve is irritated, but they can have many different causes. Your symptoms should therefore be properly assessed before treatment is recommended.
Is spinal decompression painful?
Treatment is designed to be controlled and progressive. Settings can be adjusted according to your comfort and response. Individual experiences vary, and you should always tell your practitioner about any discomfort or change in symptoms.
Is ATLAS the same as a traction table?
ATLAS provides significantly more control than basic traction. Your practitioner can modify factors such as treatment force, spinal region, angle, rotation, lateral positioning and mobilisation according to your individual assessment.
Do I need an MRI before spinal decompression?
Not necessarily. Many patients can be assessed initially without an MRI. If you already have relevant scans or reports, we recommend bringing them with you. Your practitioner can advise if further imaging or medical investigation is appropriate.
How many spinal decompression treatments will I need?
There is no single programme suitable for everyone. The number and frequency of sessions will depend upon your condition, symptoms, assessment, goals and response to treatment.
Can spinal decompression prevent back surgery?
Spinal decompression is a conservative treatment option, but it cannot be guaranteed to prevent surgery. Some spinal conditions and neurological symptoms require specialist medical or surgical assessment.
Who should not have spinal decompression therapy?
There are circumstances where spinal decompression may not be appropriate. These can include acute spinal fracture, severe osteoporosis, spinal infection, malignancy within the treatment area, certain forms of spinal instability, spinal cord compression requiring surgery, recent spinal surgery and late-stage pregnancy.
Every patient is screened for relevant contraindications before treatment is recommended.
Where can I have spinal decompression treatment in Essex?
VITAL Health provides Spinal Decompression Treatment using the MT ATLAS spinal decompression system from clinics in Tiptree and Chelmsford, Essex.
How do I know whether I am suitable?
The easiest first step is to book a free suitability call with the VITAL Health team. We’ll discuss your symptoms and history and explain whether an in-clinic assessment appears appropriate.