Spinal Decompression in Eau Claire, WI
Non-Surgical Spinal Relief
For many residents in the Chippewa Valley, chronic back pain feels like a permanent roadblock to an active life. When traditional interventions like medication or general physical therapy fail to resolve the issue, it is often because the underlying mechanical problem—specifically within the spinal discs—has not been addressed.
At Advantage Health Center, we offer a targeted, non-invasive solution. By integrating Spinal Decompression with our foundational Chiropractic Care, we provide a pathway to recovery for patients suffering from compressive spinal injuries.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a special therapy that helps relieve pain and heal damaged discs in your back.
It is not like old traction. Traction pulls hard all the time, which makes your muscles tighten up. Our treatment uses a computer to pull gently. This cycle of stretching and relaxing tricks your back muscles into staying relaxed. This lets the treatment focus directly on the damaged disc.
The “Vacuum Effect”
The pain starts when your spine is squashed by gravity or an injury. This pressure causes the soft disc material to bulge out and pinch sensitive nerves.
Spinal decompression reverses this problem. By gently stretching the spine, we create very low pressure—or a vacuum—inside the disc. This vacuum achieves two important things:
Stops Nerve Pain: The vacuum effect helps suck the bulging material back to the middle of the disc. This moves the bulge away from nerves like the Sciatic Nerve.
Heals the Disc: Your spinal discs are like sponges. They need movement to absorb water and food because they do not have their own blood supply. The gentle pumping action floods the disc with the water and oxygen it needs to heal itself.
Meet Your Specialist
WI State License #5409-12
Spinal decompression is a medical therapy that requires precise oversight. Dr. Zach Bruley brings a rigorous background in Kinesiology and hospital-based rehabilitation (Froedert Hospital) to his chiropractic practice.
Unlike a general massage or traction session, Dr. Bruley evaluates your specific spinal biomechanics to ensure safety. His approach combines the precision of the Torque Release Technique with advanced decompression technology to address the root cause of nerve interference.
“We utilize the Back on Trac system because it allows for gentle, specific correction without the anxiety of harsh twisting or strapping. It aligns perfectly with our philosophy of neurologically based care.”
The "Back on Trac" Difference
Many older decompression tables require patients to be strapped into tight harnesses, which can cause anxiety and muscle guarding (tensing up).
At Advantage Health Center, we utilize the Back on Trac system, which offers a superior patient experience:
Harness-Free Design: You sit comfortably in a reclining chair, eliminating the need for restrictive straps.
Targeted Lateral Flexion: The table can gently move side-to-side, addressing unilateral (one-sided) pain often seen in Sciatica cases.
Therapeutic Comfort: Heat and vibration are integrated into the session to relax paraspinal muscles and enhance blood flow.
Conditions We Manage
We conduct a thorough orthopedic evaluation to determine if decompression is indicated for your specific condition.
| Condition | How Decompression Helps |
| Herniated Discs | Creates negative pressure to encourage the retraction of bulging disc material, reducing nerve compression. |
| Sciatica | Relieves compressive force on the sciatic nerve roots to manage shooting leg pain. |
| Spinal Stenosis | Gently opens the intervertebral foramen (nerve canals) to reduce crowding and pressure. |
| Peripheral Neuropathy | Acts as a supportive therapy to improve spinal signaling and blood flow to affected extremities. |
| Degenerative Disc Disease | Promotes the influx of water and nutrients to rehydrate discs that have lost height. |
| Facet Syndrome | Mobilizes stiff posterior spinal joints to improve range of motion. |
Treatment Protocols & Safety
The Patient Experience A typical session lasts between 12 and 20 minutes. Because the treatment is gentle and soothing, many patients—even those in acute pain—find themselves relaxed enough to nap during the procedure.
Who is NOT a Candidate? Adhering to strict safety standards, Dr. Bruley does not recommend this therapy for patients with:
Active pregnancy.
Severe osteoporosis.
Unstable spondylolisthesis.
Recent spinal fusion surgeries with hardware.
Cost and Insurance Transparency
We believe in clear, upfront communication regarding the investment in your health.
Insurance & Billing Most insurance providers consider spinal decompression an elective therapy and do not cover the specific procedure codes. However, related services such as your exam or chiropractic adjustments may be covered. Please visit our Insurance & Billing page for details.
Self-Pay Investment
Per Session: $50 – $200 (depending on package options).
Care Plans: We offer compliant payment options for patients requiring a full course of treatment (typically 15–20 sessions).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary benefits of Spinal Decompression?
For qualified candidates, this therapy offers several distinct advantages over conventional medical routes:
Non-Invasive: It addresses mechanical spine issues without incisions or scarring.
Drug-Free: It aims to reduce pain by fixing the mechanical issue, reducing reliance on opioids or NSAIDs.
Addresses the Root Cause: Rather than masking pain, it improves disc hydration and reduces nerve pressure.
No Downtime: Patients can typically return to normal daily activities immediately after a session.
Is the treatment painful?
No. You should feel a stretch, but not pain. In fact, the inclusion of heat and vibration makes the Back on Trac system so relaxing that many patients nap during the 12–20 minute session. If you ever feel discomfort, the session can be stopped immediately.
How does this differ from an Inversion Table?
Inversion tables rely on gravity and body weight, which can cause blood to rush to the head and trigger muscle spasms due to the steep angle. Our computerized system applies precise, graduated traction forces while you remain in a comfortable, supported position, preventing muscle guarding.
How many sessions will I need?
Physiological change takes time. While every patient is unique, a standard care plan typically involves 15 to 25 sessions over 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the disc has time to heal and stabilize.
Does insurance cover it?
Most insurance providers classify decompression as an elective service and do not cover the procedure code. However, other aspects of your care (e.g., exams and chiropractic adjustments) may be covered.
Start Your Recovery in Eau Claire
Whether you want to get back to hiking the Chippewa Valley or simply sit through a family dinner without pain, we are here to help.
Claim Your $49 New Patient Exam
Medical Disclaimer: Chiropractic care is designed to support the body’s healing and functional abilities. The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Individual results may vary. See our Privacy Policy.
About the Author
Dr. Zach Bruley, D.C., is the founder of Advantage Health Center in Eau Claire, WI, and a graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University. Dedicated to a neurologically based approach, he holds advanced certification in the Torque Release Technique (TRT) and specializes in non-invasive protocols for Neuropathy and Spinal Decompression. Drawing on his background as a competitive athlete, Dr. Bruley established the clinic to provide precise, instrument-based care that supports the body’s natural ability to heal and perform at its peak.
