Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in Cary, NC with Dr. Parker Neill & Dr. Abigail Swank

 

What Is Triton DTS™ Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

 

Quick answer: Non-surgical spinal decompression is a form of controlled

traction that uses a computer-controlled system — we use the Chattanooga

Triton DTS — to apply programmed cycles of distraction and relaxation to

the spine. Research has reported reductions in the size of some disc

herniations on follow-up MRI, although individual responses vary and

decompression is not expected to produce the same structural changes

in every patient.

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The Triton DTS™ by Chattanooga Group is an advanced, computer-controlled

physical medicine platform designed to relieve severe back, neck, and radicular

pain. Unlike older, static traction units, this system utilizes programmable pull

patterns that gradually ease the body into distraction, bypassing the natural

muscle guarding response. This precise tension creates a targeted negative

intradiscal pressure — a vacuum effect that encourages herniated material to

retract and draws vital fluids and nutrients back into the disc space to promote

natural biomechanical restoration.(This rehydration process is especially relevant for patients with degenerative disc disease, where restoring disc height and hydration is the primary treatment goal.)

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At Triangle Spinal Decompression in Cary, NC, our facility features the 600 Series table, widely recognized as one of the most sophisticated systems available. The Triton DTS™ has earned the Australian Design Award in the "Medical and Scientific" category.

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What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy Used For?

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a form of controlled traction used for certain conditions involving spinal discs, mechanical back or neck pain, and nerve-related symptoms. Depending on a patient's examination findings and, when appropriate, imaging, spinal decompression may be considered for herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc conditions, sciatica or radicular symptoms, and certain forms of spinal stenosis.

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The goal of treatment is to reduce mechanical stress on the affected spinal segment and support improved function. Whether spinal decompression is appropriate depends on the individual's symptoms, clinical findings, and overall health.

 

What Are Non-Invasive Options for Bulging Disc Pain?

Treatment for bulging-disc pain depends on the cause of the symptoms, their severity, neurological findings, and how the condition responds to conservative care. Non-invasive options may include activity modification, therapeutic exercise, manual or soft-tissue therapies, physical medicine modalities, and spinal decompression when the patient is an appropriate candidate.

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At Triangle Spinal Decompression, treatment is based on an individual evaluation rather than the MRI finding alone. A bulging disc on imaging does not necessarily mean that the disc is the source of a patient's pain, which is why symptoms and clinical findings are considered alongside imaging when imaging is appropriate.

 

For more information, see Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease and Top Strategies for Non-Invasive Bulging Disc Treatments and Recovery.

 

How Does Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Work for a Herniated Disc?

The Chattanooga Triton DTS uses computer-controlled cycles of distraction and relaxation rather than maintaining a constant pulling force. The treatment is designed to apply controlled forces to the affected spinal segment while reducing muscle guarding.

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For patients with a herniated or bulging disc, the goal is to reduce mechanical stress around the affected area and create conditions that may support improved disc and surrounding-tissue function. Spinal decompression is not intended to physically "push a disc back into place" in every patient, and results depend on the individual's condition and response to treatment.

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Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in Cary, NC Right for Everyone?

​Spinal decompression is not appropriate for everyone. An evaluation is necessary to determine whether it is appropriate for your condition and overall health:

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• Pregnant patients.

• Patients with osteoporosis, severe obesity, or specific cardiac/pulmonary conditions.

• Those with spinal instrumentation (such as screws, plates, or cages). Some post-surgical cases may be exceptions.

 

Dr. Neill and Dr. Swank conduct thorough evaluations to determine if spinal decompression is a safe and effective treatment option for your condition. (If you're weighing decompression against surgery specifically, see Back Surgery Alternatives: Non-Surgical Decompression in Cary.)

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How Is Spinal Decompression Different from Traditional Traction?

Unlike conventional traction, spinal decompression therapy is managed by a sophisticated computerized system that precisely monitors traction pull variations.

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This advanced technology:

• Reduces muscle guarding, a common issue with traditional traction.

• Facilitates spinal decompression for long-term relief.

• Promotes disc rehydration & healing through preprogrammed axial distraction patterns.

 

Personalized Care from Experts

At Triangle Spinal Decompression, every session is personally overseen by Dr. Parker Neill and Dr. Abigail Swank. They conduct evaluations, monitor progress, supervise therapy setup, and customize treatment protocols to ensure optimal results.

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Clinical Technology & Evidence-Based Results

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How Does the Triton DTS Work?

The Chattanooga Triton DTS is a computer-controlled traction system designed to

deliver programmed cycles of spinal distraction and relaxation. Unlike static traction,

the system allows treatment parameters to be adjusted according to the patient's

clinical findings and treatment goals.

 

At Triangle Spinal Decompression, Dr. Parker Neill and Dr. Abigail Swank use the

Triton DTS as part of an individualized treatment approach. Treatment may be

directed toward the cervical or lumbar spine depending on the patient's symptoms,

examination findings, and diagnosis.

 

The purpose of decompression is to reduce mechanical stress on the treated spinal segment and support functional recovery. The treatment does not guarantee that a disc will retract or that symptoms will resolve, and not every patient with a disc problem is an appropriate candidate.

 

What Does the Research Say About Spinal Decompression?

​Published outcomes research on non-surgical spinal decompression is encouraging, though it's worth being direct about its scope. A 2003 study by Gionis and Groteke, published in Orthopedic Technology

Review, followed 219 patients with herniated or degenerative disc disease and

found immediate symptom resolution in the large majority, with most remaining

pain-free at 90-day follow-up.

 

An earlier controlled comparison by Shealy andBorgmeyer (American Journal of

Pain Management, 1997) found meaningfully higher "good to excellent" outcome

rates with computerized decompression compared to standard mechanical traction.

These studies are older and smaller in scale than we'd ideally like to cite, and we'd

rather be upfront about that than overstate the evidence. (For real patient outcomes

at our own Cary clinic, see Spinal Decompression Success Stories: Clinical Results in Cary, NC.)

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At our Cary clinic, we integrate High-Power Class IV Laser and Shockwave Therapy alongside decompression as part of a broader biomechanical restoration approach, targeting the underlying mechanical dysfunction rather than symptoms alone.

 

What are common side effects of spinal decompression therapy?

Common side effects of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy are minimal and typically limited to mild, temporary muscle soreness or stiffness. This localized sensation is similar to the feeling of starting a new, light physical exercise routine as the spinal mechanics begin to correct.

 

Where can I find drug-free spinal decompression in North Carolina?

Triangle Spinal Decompression is a premier provider of non-invasive spinal care in the Research Triangle. We offer personalized, results-driven care at an accessible price point, focusing on long-term value and clinical outcomes for the Cary and Raleigh communities. Patients regularly travel from Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, Durham, and Chapel Hill to access our specialized Triton DTS™ protocols (We also treat more advanced nerve-related symptoms — see our post on Spinal Decompression for Foot Drop.)

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Complementary Therapies for Holistic Healing

​To maximize results, many patients integrate additional therapies alongside spinal decompression, including: (see our post, Why Decompression Alone Is Not Enough, for why we pair Triton DTS with Class IV Laser as a combined protocol rather than decompression on its own.)

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• Advanced Physiotherapeutic Modalities: Interferential therapy,  Class IV laser therapy,  Shockwave Therapy and Dry Needling

• Chiropractic adjustments: To improve spinal joint movement when needed.

• Active rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and myofascial release to strengthen spinal muscles and reduce inflammation.

 

What to Expect During Treatment

Each spinal decompression session lasts approximately 30 minutes,

during which patients remain fully clothed. The Triton® DTS™ system

gently alternates cycles of stretching and relaxation, increasing gradually

to promote:

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• Spinal decompression.

• Improved blood flow and nutrient exchange.

• Healing of spinal discs and surrounding tissues.

 

Patients often describe the experience as relaxing, with some even

falling asleep during treatment.

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Read more on our Beginners Guide for Spinal Decompression

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What does spinal decompression treatment cost in Cary, NC?

At Triangle Spinal Decompression, we prioritize transparency and clinical outcomes. Because every treatment plan is customized to the severity of your condition, cost varies by patient. After a comprehensive evaluation, we design a customized treatment plan, typically consisting of 20–24 sessions over 4–6 weeks. To maintain financial transparency, billing is aligned with milestone-based blocks of care rather than a single upfront contract for the entire protocol.

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This milestone-based approach means you only pay for care as you progress and respond. If objective clinical markers show your condition isn't improving at the end of a block, we discontinue decompression and pivot to other physical medicine options or refer you to another specialist. You're never locked into paying for a full course of treatment that isn't delivering results. Read more about treatment cost.

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Is Spinal Decompression covered by insurance in NC?

Coverage varies by provider. We assist patients in North Carolina by providing necessary documentation for reimbursement, and offer transparent treatment plans and flexible payment options.

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​Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

​Discover how Triangle Spinal Decompression in Cary, NC can help you find relief from back and neck pain — without surgery. Let Dr. Parker Neill and Dr. Abigail Swank guide you toward lasting pain relief and better spinal health.