Non-surgical spinal decompression
Many patients who once believed surgery was their only option are now finding lasting relief through non-surgical spinal care. At Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture, we offer advanced spinal decompression therapy designed to reduce pain and restore function—without the risks or downtime associated with surgery.
Thanks to collaboration between leading physicians and medical engineers, spinal decompression has become a highly effective treatment for conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica. By gently relieving pressure on the spine, this therapy can significantly reduce discomfort and help patients return to more active, fulfilling lifestyles.
Does spinal decompression really work?
Clinical research has shown spinal decompression to be effective in addressing pain associated with bulging or herniated discs, degenerative changes, and even persistent symptoms following prior back surgery. Many patients experience meaningful improvement, especially when care is tailored to their specific condition.
How does it work?
Spinal decompression uses advanced, computer-guided technology to apply a controlled, gentle stretching force to the spine. This process helps relieve pressure on compressed nerves and encourages improved circulation to injured discs, supporting the body’s natural healing process.
If you’re dealing with chronic back or neck pain, our team will perform a thorough evaluation, review your history, and determine whether you are a candidate for care. From there, we’ll walk you through a personalized treatment plan and answer any questions so you can move forward with confidence.
IDD Therapy® & accuSPINA® Frequently Asked Questions
IDD Therapy® (Intervertebral Differential Dynamics) is a computer-controlled form of non-surgical spinal decompression designed to target specific areas of the spine. The treatment uses carefully controlled distraction and gentle oscillating movements to reduce pressure around affected spinal segments and discs.
At Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture, IDD Therapy is delivered using the accuSPINA® System and may be recommended for certain patients experiencing disc-related back or neck pain, sciatica, or degenerative spinal conditions.
The accuSPINA® System is the computer-controlled technology used to deliver IDD Therapy®. Unlike a basic traction table, the system is designed to apply controlled forces at specific angles and target individual spinal segments.
The treatment is customized based on the patient's condition and the area of the spine being treated. Sessions are generally comfortable and performed while the patient remains fully clothed.
No. Although both treatments use a pulling or distraction force, IDD Therapy is a more targeted and computer-controlled approach.
Traditional traction generally applies a more generalized stretching force to the spine. IDD Therapy uses measured forces and specific angles to target individual spinal segments and incorporates gentle oscillating movement during treatment.
The goal is to provide a more controlled form of spinal decompression based on the patient's specific condition.
“Spinal decompression” is a broad term used to describe a variety of treatments and devices. IDD Therapy® is a specific treatment protocol that is delivered using the accuSPINA® System.
accuSPINA® uses computer-controlled forces, positioning, and gentle oscillation to target specific areas of the spine. Treatment can therefore be adjusted to the individual rather than relying on the same force or setup for every patient.
At Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture, treatment begins with an evaluation to determine whether targeted decompression is appropriate for your condition.
IDD Therapy may be appropriate for some patients with persistent back or neck pain associated with conditions such as:
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Sciatica or radiating nerve-related pain
- Degenerative disc changes
- Chronic low-back or neck pain
- Certain facet or degenerative joint conditions
- Spinal stiffness and restricted mobility
Candidates are evaluated individually. Your medical history, symptoms, physical examination, and available imaging are considered before determining whether IDD Therapy is appropriate.
IDD Therapy is not appropriate for every spinal condition, and a thorough evaluation is important before beginning treatment.
IDD Therapy may help some patients with symptoms associated with bulging or herniated discs.
The treatment is designed to reduce mechanical pressure around targeted spinal segments and create a controlled decompressive environment around the affected disc. Some patients experience reduced pain and improved mobility as treatment progresses.
However, a bulging or herniated disc does not automatically mean that IDD Therapy is appropriate. Each patient should be evaluated based on the location and severity of the disc problem, symptoms, neurological findings, and overall health.
It may. Sciatica can occur when a spinal nerve becomes irritated or compressed, sometimes as a result of a herniated or degenerative disc.
Because IDD Therapy is designed to reduce pressure around targeted spinal segments, it may help reduce symptoms associated with certain types of disc-related nerve irritation.
The cause of sciatica can vary considerably, however, so an evaluation is important to determine whether IDD Therapy is an appropriate treatment option.
For some patients, IDD Therapy may be part of a conservative treatment plan intended to help manage symptoms before surgery is considered.
The goal is to provide a non-surgical option for appropriately selected patients with disc-related pain and other degenerative conditions. Some patients may experience enough improvement to continue managing their condition without surgery.
However, IDD Therapy cannot guarantee that surgery will be avoided. Certain spinal conditions require surgical evaluation, particularly when there is significant neurological impairment, instability, trauma, or other serious findings.
At Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture, the priority is to determine the most appropriate treatment option for each individual patient.
Treatment plans vary depending on the patient's condition, symptoms, and response to care.
A typical course of IDD Therapy is delivered over approximately 4–6 weeks, with treatments scheduled regularly throughout the program. The official IDD Therapy protocol commonly involves a series of treatments, and some patients may receive approximately 20 sessions.
Your treatment plan is individualized. The number and frequency of treatments will depend on your specific condition and how you respond as care progresses.
Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture provides accuSPINA® decompression and IDD Therapy® in Bethesda, Maryland.
The office is located at:
4733 Elm Street, Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814
Led by Dr. Daniel Kraus, DC, Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture provides specialized non-surgical spine care, including accuSPINA® decompression for appropriate patients with disc and nerve-related conditions.
To determine whether IDD Therapy may be right for you, contact Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture at 301-656-2435 or request a consultation.
What is the accuSPINA® system?
At Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture, we utilize the accuSPINA®™ System, an advanced, non-surgical technology that delivers IDD Therapy® (Intervertebral Differential Dynamics). This highly specialized treatment is designed to reduce pain and improve spinal function by targeting the root cause of many disc-related conditions.
How does the accuSPINA®™ System work?
The accuSPINA®™ system uses a precise combination of positioning and controlled force to target specific areas of the spine. By creating a gentle decompressive effect, it helps reduce pressure within the discs, which may aid in decreasing disc bulges or herniations and promoting healing.
Each session typically lasts between 25–35 minutes and is customized based on the patient’s condition. Most care plans are completed over several weeks to achieve optimal results.
Who can benefit?
This therapy may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:
Patients who have not found relief with traditional therapies—and are considering surgery—may especially benefit from exploring this non-invasive option first.
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica or nerve-related pain
- Chronic low-back or neck pain
- Degenerative disc disease or joint conditions
- Spinal arthritis or facet syndrome
- Persistent pain after previous treatment
Safety and what to expect
Spinal decompression with the accuSPINA®™ system is a non-invasive and well-tolerated treatment. It is designed to safely address chronic spinal conditions such as disc injuries, spinal stenosis, and nerve compression.
Treatment plans are based on clinical research and are designed to build progress over time. Sessions are typically scheduled several times per week early on to maximize results, with adjustments made as healing progresses.
Patient participation is an important part of success. Following recommended exercises, maintaining a positive outlook, and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms can all contribute to better outcomes.
Insurance coverage
Coverage for spinal decompression therapy varies depending on your insurance provider and plan. Our team will help review your benefits and discuss available options so you understand your coverage before beginning care.
If you’re ready to explore a non-surgical solution for back or neck pain, contact Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Clinical imaging evidence
Before-and-after imaging from IDD Therapy cases illustrates the decompressive change this technology is designed to support.
On this page
- Non-surgical spinal decompression
- IDD Therapy® & accuSPINA® FAQ
- What is the accuSPINA® system?
- How does it work?
- Who can benefit?
- Safety and what to expect
- Insurance coverage
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