Spinal Decompression in Burnsville
Non-surgical motorized spinal traction in Burnsville gently stretches the spine to relieve herniated discs, sciatica, and chronic neck and back pain — drug-free.
Eagle Trace Spine & Sport
Spinal Decompression in Burnsville
If a herniated disc, sciatica, or chronic back pain has you looking for a non-surgical answer, spinal decompression therapy at our Burnsville clinic may be exactly what you need. Dr. Jeff Plaster uses a motorized traction table to gently stretch your spine in precise, computer-controlled cycles — relieving pressure on compressed discs and the nerves around them without drugs, injections, or surgery. It's one of the most comfortable, effective conservative options available for disc-related back and neck pain anywhere in the south metro.
Download the Decompression Handbook
How it works
What to expect with spinal decompression
- Step 1
Thorough candidacy exam
Before your first session, Dr. Plaster reviews your history and performs orthopedic and neurological testing to confirm you're a good candidate and rule out contraindications — so decompression is both safe and targeted for your specific disc issue.
- Step 2
A personalized decompression plan
You receive a clear, time-bound schedule of sessions with specific tension levels and angles dialed in for your spine — not a generic protocol. We explain exactly what to expect and when you should feel improvement.
- Step 3
Decompression + adjustments + rehab
Each visit combines the traction session with gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore joint motion and targeted core exercises that protect the disc and keep pain from returning.
Request a Spinal Decompression consultation
Tell us a bit about your situation and our office will reach out to get you scheduled — usually the same business day. Prefer to talk to a person? Call or text (952) 808-2922.
Why patients choose it
Benefits of spinal decompression
Non-surgical — no incisions, anesthesia, or recovery time
Drug-free relief from disc, nerve, and radiating pain
Comfortable — most patients describe sessions as relaxing
Addresses the root cause by restoring disc height and hydration
Pairs with adjustments and rehab for lasting results
Safe option after conservative care fails and before surgery is considered
The basics
About spinal decompression
Your spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and allowing movement. When a disc bulges, herniates, or loses height from everyday wear, it can press on nearby nerves and produce pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the leg or arm. Traditional pain relief — rest, anti-inflammatories, injections — can quiet symptoms for a while, but they don't restore the disc or take the pressure off the nerve. Spinal decompression does both at once.
During a decompression session, the motorized table creates a controlled negative pressure inside the disc — essentially a gentle vacuum effect — that coaxes bulging material back toward center and draws oxygen-rich fluid back in to help the disc rehydrate and heal. At the same time, tight muscles and restricted spinal joints get a chance to release. Most patients find the 15–20 minute sessions deeply relaxing, and many feel noticeable relief within the first few visits. We pair decompression with chiropractic adjustments and targeted rehab so the results hold long after your plan ends.
What is spinal decompression?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a motorized traction therapy that gently stretches the spine in precise, computer-controlled cycles. As the table creates a carefully calibrated pull and release, negative pressure builds inside the affected disc — drawing bulging or herniated material back toward center and pulling in the oxygen and fluid the disc needs to heal. The result is less pressure on the disc itself and on the nerves running through the surrounding foramen.
Unlike older manual traction, modern computerized decompression targets a specific spinal level and angle, adapts tension in real time, and keeps the surrounding muscles from bracing against the pull — making it more comfortable and more effective than its predecessors. Sessions last roughly 15–20 minutes, and most patients describe them as deeply relaxing.
What to expect
Your first visit begins with a candidacy exam. Dr. Plaster reviews your history, performs orthopedic and neurological testing, and — if you’ve had recent imaging — reviews it to confirm which disc level is involved and whether decompression is the right fit. If you’re a good candidate, your personalized plan is mapped out: the number of sessions, the tension settings, and the angle of pull are all tailored to your spine.
During each session you’ll lie comfortably on the motorized table. A harness positions you so the traction is directed precisely at the target disc. The table then cycles through gentle stretch-and-release intervals — most patients relax, and many fall asleep. After decompression, Dr. Plaster typically adds a chiropractic adjustment to restore joint motion, followed by targeted core or stabilization exercises that protect the disc and reinforce the work done on the table.
Patients often feel some relief within the first three to five visits. Lasting improvement builds over the full course of care as the disc rehydrates and the supporting muscles grow stronger.
Who it helps
Spinal decompression is especially well suited for patients with:
- Herniated or bulging discs in the lower back or neck
- Sciatica — pain, numbness, or weakness running from the low back into the leg
- Pinched nerves causing arm or leg pain
- Chronic low back pain that hasn’t responded to adjustments alone
- Neck pain with radiating arm symptoms
- Degenerative disc disease causing ongoing stiffness and nerve irritation
- Leg pain or arm pain traced to a compressed spinal nerve
It works best as part of a combined plan — decompression relieves disc pressure, chiropractic adjustments restore joint mechanics, and rehab builds the core stability that keeps the disc from re-loading. If your candidacy exam suggests surgery is the better path, we’ll tell you honestly and help coordinate that referral.
Are you a candidate for spinal decompression?
Many people with disc-related pain respond well — especially those who want to avoid surgery and haven’t found lasting relief from rest, medication, or injections. But it isn’t right for everyone. Certain conditions — advanced osteoporosis, spinal fractures, pregnancy, or some surgical hardware and implants — can rule it out, and a few symptoms are red flags that call for a different kind of care first.
That’s exactly why every plan starts with a thorough exam and, when it’s needed, imaging: we only recommend decompression if you’re a genuine candidate, and we’ll tell you honestly if you’re not. We’ll also give you a clear answer on cost and insurance up front — coverage varies, and many plans don’t cover decompression, so we make sure you know where you stand before you commit to anything.
Why choose Eagle Trace Spine & Sport
Patients from Burnsville, Savage, Apple Valley, Eagan, and Lakeville choose us because we treat the source, not just the symptom. Dr. Jeff Plaster has helped many south metro patients avoid surgery by combining computerized spinal decompression, gentle chiropractic care, and targeted physiotherapy into one clear, time-bound plan — so you get real relief now and the strength to stay pain-free.
Not sure whether decompression is right for you? Request a free consultation — we’ll examine your spine and give you an honest answer, at no cost and no obligation.
Ready to see if decompression is right for you? Our New Patient Special makes your first visit easy — or use the request form on this page and our office will reach out to get you scheduled.
What it helps
Conditions we treat with spinal decompression
Is spinal decompression safe?+
Yes. It is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy. After a thorough exam we confirm you're a good candidate before beginning a plan. We screen out contraindications — including recent fractures, certain surgical hardware, and osteoporosis — so the therapy is always appropriate for you.
What does decompression feel like?+
Most patients find it relaxing — a gentle stretch and release across the low back or neck over about 15–20 minutes. There is no sharp pulling or discomfort. Many patients doze off during the session.
How many sessions will I need?+
A typical plan is 12–20 sessions over 4–6 weeks, depending on how long you've had the problem and how your disc responds. Dr. Plaster gives you a specific plan with a clear endpoint after your exam — not open-ended treatment.
Will my insurance cover spinal decompression?+
Coverage varies by plan. We verify your benefits before your first visit and walk you through what's covered. Affordable self-pay plans are also available for patients without coverage.
Can decompression help a herniated or bulging disc?+
Yes — that's the primary use. The negative pressure created during traction encourages disc material to retract and rehydrate, reducing pressure on the nerves. It works well for lumbar herniation causing sciatica and cervical herniation causing arm pain.
Is decompression the same as traction?+
They're related but not identical. Traditional traction pulls the spine in one direction at a fixed tension. Computerized spinal decompression uses precise, variable-tension cycles and can be angled to target a specific disc level — making it more effective and more comfortable than older manual or weighted traction.
Can decompression help neck pain and arm pain?+
Yes. Cervical decompression uses the same principle applied to the neck — gentle computer-controlled traction to relieve pressure on cervical discs and the nerves that travel into the arm. It's a leading conservative option for cervical herniation, pinched nerves, and arm tingling or numbness.
Who is not a candidate for spinal decompression?+
Patients with recent spinal fractures, spinal fusion hardware in the area being treated, severe osteoporosis, active cancer in the spine, or pregnancy in the lumbar region are typically not candidates. Your candidacy exam covers all of these so we only proceed when it's the right choice.
How do I know if my back pain is disc-related?+
Disc pain often radiates into the leg (sciatica) or arm, worsens when sitting or bending forward, and may include numbness or weakness. An orthopedic and neurological exam — and imaging if needed — lets Dr. Plaster confirm the source and tell you whether decompression is the right tool.
What is spinal decompression used for?+
It's used for herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, pinched nerves in the neck and low back, facet syndrome, and chronic neck or back pain that hasn't responded to other conservative care. We're honest about expected outcomes and refer out if surgery is the better path.
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Patient reviews
What our Burnsville patients say
“After being in a car accident in December, I received a mailer from Dr. Plaster at Eagle Trace Chiropractic. I’d never sought chiropractic care after an accident before, but something told me to schedule an evaluation—and I’m so glad I did. One of the things that immediately stood out was how thorough the initial appointment was. They took X-rays, and Dr. Plaster reviewed them with me right then and there. He explained exactly what he was seeing, where the problem areas were, and how they were contributing to the pain I had been living with—all in a way that was easy to understand without ever feeling overwhelming. His knowledge is incredibly impressive, but what really sets him apart is his ability to connect with people. You can tell he genuinely cares about every patient, and the fact that he’s learned multiple languages to better serve his community speaks volumes about the kind of person he is. Since starting care at Eagle Trace, my body has done a complete 180. The chronic pain and tension in my neck and shoulders have improved more than I ever thought possible. I move better, I hurt less, and I honestly feel like I have a much better quality of life. It’s opened a door I didn’t even know existed. My treatment plan was thoughtfully designed around my specific injuries and included adjustments, the rolling table, neck and lower back decompression, massage therapy, and SoftWave therapy. Every part of my care felt intentional, and every member of the team played an important role in my recovery. The massage therapists are phenomenal, and the front desk staff are truly the heart of the office. They’re the same wonderful people who help with decompression treatments, and they’re always kind, welcoming, attentive, and encouraging. Every visit feels personal because they genuinely care about how you’re doing. They also went above and beyond to help me navigate my auto insurance claim, making sure I understood my coverage and handling so much of the process. They even offered to connect me with an attorney if I ran into issues with insurance. Knowing they were advocating for me took so much stress off my shoulders. They also have very reasonable self-pay rates, making exceptional care accessible. I walked into Eagle Trace unsure whether chiropractic care would really make a difference for me. Today, I’m a firm believer because of the life-changing care I’ve received from Dr. Plaster and his incredible team. If you’ve been in a car accident—or you’re simply living with chronic pain—I cannot recommend Eagle Trace Chiropractic highly enough.”
“Very nice facilities, the girls in front excellent, they really are. Dr Jeff Plaster, great guy, polite, and very professional and very thorough, he will explain every thing to you. then he will crack your back and neck , he has a good touch. and you will start to feel good. then you go to the rollers. Love them . the rollers really complete the experience. love them. All in all , its a good experience to get your adjustment for the back . I would say it's a 5 star experience. Thank you All.”
“It was a wonderful experience! Highly recommend, I will definitely be back…”