“Dr. Bergin is phenomenal. Chronic lower back issues led a different doctor to mention back surgery to me. That was not an option I wanted to entertain. After a consult with Dr. B, he was confident that he could help resolve my back issues. I've been seeing him weekly to resolve the issue, and I am so pleased with the results so far! More mobility, less pain, and a great customer experience: I'm a huge fan of Dr. B and his staff. Angie and Cynthia are the best as well. So helpful, kind, and welcoming every time I go in. Great overall experience.”
Service
Spinal Decompression
in Lakeland and The Villages, FL
Computer-controlled traction for disc and nerve pain, without an incision. If the table is not the right answer for your spine, Dr. Bergin will tell you at the first visit.
- 22 years in practice
- Non-surgical
- $47 new-patient exam
Medically reviewed by Dr. Justin Bergin, DC Updated September 18, 2026
Spinal Decompression at ChiroMed
Has someone already said the word surgery?
Someone has probably said it to you by now. Before that came the anti-inflammatories, the stretch sheet, maybe an injection, and a lot of advice about lifting.
The leg pain still wakes you at three in the morning. You have quietly stopped doing several things you used to do without thinking about them.
Is decompression worth asking about yet?
It is worth asking about at that point. Dr. Justin Bergin, DC has treated disc and nerve cases for 22 years.
Decompression is one of the most useful tools in our pain control clinic programs for disc and nerve cases.
It is one of the treatments offered through our pain control clinic.
What spinal decompression actually does
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical traction therapy. You lie clothed on a motorized table in a padded harness while a computer applies and releases a precise pull along the spine. The cycles gently separate two vertebrae, lowering pressure inside the disc between them and easing load on a compressed nerve root.
The mechanism is pressure. A disc under constant compression pushes outward.
If it pushes into the channel a nerve root runs through, you feel it in your arm or your leg rather than your back.
Decompression changes two things: pressure inside a disc, and space around a nerve root. If your pain comes from those two things, you are in the group that tends to respond.
That narrow target is why decompression has such a mixed reputation. It often gets prescribed off a scan finding instead of a physical examination that matches the scan to the symptom.
Disc bulges turn up on the scans of plenty of people who have no pain at all. So the order here is examination, then matching, then treatment.
How it works
The pull
A computer applies a measured pull along the spine, then releases it, in cycles. You stay clothed and the harness does the work.
The pressure drop
While the pull is on, pressure inside the disc falls. The working theory is that this gives the outer disc wall a chance to draw material back in.
The exchange
Lower pressure also lets fluid and nutrients move into a structure with almost no blood supply of its own.
Who spinal decompression helps
- Pain driven by pressure inside a disc
- Pain driven by a nerve root with too little space around it
- Leg or arm symptoms that match what the examination finds
Who it does not help
- Leg pain coming from the hip joint
- Leg pain coming from the sacroiliac joint
- Leg pain coming from the piriformis
- Symptoms coming from a peripheral nerve
- Symptoms coming from a blood vessel
Background reading from an independent authority: the FDA explanation of what a 510(k) clearance certifies.
Conditions we treat with it
You can read more about each one. The examination decides which of them applies to you.
Why patients choose it
No recovery period
You get off the table and drive home. There is no wound, no scar tissue, no anesthetic, and no weeks of restricted activity afterwards.
It does not close off your other options
Fusion changes how the segments above and below it behave for the rest of your life. Decompression changes nothing permanently, so injections and surgery are still open to you afterwards.
It targets the disc and the nerve root
The traction is aimed at the disc pressure and the nerve irritation causing your pain. Medication quietens the pain while the load on the disc stays exactly the same.
You can measure whether it is working
You are retested against the same neurological and orthopedic findings we took at the start. That gives you a clear answer about whether this is helping.
Cost, insurance and financing
Clinics price decompression very differently. Nobody can give you a real figure over the phone, because the cost depends on what the examination finds. These are the things that change it.
The one published price
Consultation, Exam, X-Rays (If Needed) & Report of Findings: Only $47
What affects the cost
- Whether your plan contributes to decompression or treats it as non-covered
- Whether the lumbar spine, the cervical spine or both are being treated
- The length of the course of care set at the report of findings
- Whether supporting therapy such as laser, soft tissue or shockwave is included
- Whether imaging is needed before starting
What a course includes
- Consultation with Dr. Justin Bergin, DC
- Orthopedic and neurological examination
- X-rays if they are clinically indicated
- Report of findings with a scheduled re-examination date
Payment:
Coverage for spinal decompression is mixed. Some plans contribute and many treat it as non-covered, so our front desk verifies your specific benefit before you start.
Medicare coverage varies by plan and by service, and our front desk will tell you exactly what applies before you commit to anything.
Every new patient starts with the consultation, exam, X-rays if needed, and report of findings for $47. Payment plans are available for self-pay care, and the front desk tells you which plan fits your course of care.
The equipment this uses
Why ChiroMed
Who reads your case, and for how long?
Dr. Justin Bergin, DC has 22 years in practice and two Central Florida offices. The concierge model gives a disc case the appointment length it needs.
What if the table is not the whole answer?
Decompression is not the only treatment in the building. Chiropractic adjusting, knee decompression, Omniwave shockwave, Neuromed electroanalgesia and regenerative, metabolic and functional care all sit on one plan led by Dr. Bergin.
The table can be one part of your care instead of the whole of it, and most patients who come in for a disc turn out to have more than one thing going on.
You can see how disc and nerve rehabilitation is run at this practice and the order those parts get treated in.
Where you would be treated
How long is the drive from Polk County?
A course of decompression means coming back several times, so the drive matters more than it would for a one-off visit.
Suite 13 on S. Florida Avenue is a straight run for patients in Highland City, Scott Lake, Christina and Grasslands. The Polk Parkway and Harden Blvd keep the trip short from most of the county.
What if the Lady Lake office is closer?
The Lady Lake office sits on North US-441 just above CR 466. That is the easy side of the intersection coming down from Summerfield, or across from Lake Sumter Landing, Oxford and Wildwood.
Retired patients across Lake, Sumter and Marion counties use that office for their decompression visits.
In Lakeland that is 6595 Florida Ave S, Suite 13, Lakeland, serving Polk County. In the Villages market the office is at 929 US-441 #404, Lady Lake, serving Lake County, Sumter County, Marion County. Dr. Justin Bergin, DC performs the examination personally at both, 22 years into practice.
More on pain control clinic.
Available at our 2 locations
Treatment at our Lakeland office, and also at:
From the ChiroMed Journal
Further reading on decompression and disc symptoms. They explain what the table does, who it suits and what the first two weeks tend to look like.
- What Is Commonly Mistaken for Sciatica, and What Makes It Worse
Not all leg pain is sciatica. Learn what copies the pattern, what makes real sciatic pain worse, and which non-surgical care fits. Book your consultation today.
- Is Spinal Decompression Worth It for a Herniated Disc?
Spinal decompression uses gentle motorized traction to unload an irritated disc. Honest candidacy, honest limits, DC led in Lakeland. New patient exam $47.
- Back Pain That Keeps Coming Back: What to Try Before Surgery
Recurring back pain usually has a disc or joint driver nobody named. How non-surgical decompression works, who suits it, and what the traction research shows.
- When Nerve Symptoms Mean Your Disc Needs Space, Not Rest
Tingling or pain down a limb behaves differently from ordinary back pain. Here is how to tell whether disc pressure is driving it and what decompression does.
Spinal Decompression in recent research
These sources are independent of this practice and none of them endorses it. They are listed so the reasoning behind the care can be checked rather than taken on trust.
- Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica
Across thirty two trials, Cochrane found traction on its own makes little or no difference to pain or function. That is why the examination decides who we treat here.
- Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59)
The guideline does not recommend traction for low back pain and advises manual therapy only within a package that includes exercise.
- Herniated Disk
A plain-language reference on what a herniated disc is and how it is usually managed.
Compare your options
Real alternatives exist, including ones this practice does not perform. Here is the honest set.
| Option | What it is | Typically considered when | Invasive? | Offered at ChiroMed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinal decompression Our approach | Computer-controlled cycles of traction that gently separate two vertebrae | Disc-related back, neck or leg pain with a nerve component that has not settled with basic care | No | Yes |
| Chiropractic adjustment | A specific, directed force applied to a restricted joint | Mechanical pain and stiffness without a significant disc or nerve component | No | Yes |
| Omniwave shockwave therapy | Acoustic pressure waves into the surrounding soft tissue | The muscles, tendons and ligaments around the segment are the main problem | No | Yes |
| Physical therapy and loaded rehabilitation | Progressive exercise to change how the spine tolerates load | You need to build strength and endurance, or hold on to the gains from a decompression course | No | Supporting rehabilitation is provided here. A full physical therapy course is a separate referral |
| Epidural or nerve-root injection | Steroid delivered near an inflamed nerve root under imaging guidance | Severe radiating leg or arm pain that has not responded to conservative care and matches the imaging | Minimally | Not performed here. Appropriate when the pain is disabling and a specific nerve root is confirmed on imaging |
| Discectomy or fusion surgery | Surgical removal of disc material, or fusion of the segment | Progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a confirmed lesion that has failed everything conservative | Yes | Not performed here. Some spines genuinely need surgery, and we will tell you if yours is one of them |
Every option above is right for some patients. The last two are not offered here. If your case needs one of them, you get a referral rather than a longer stay on a table that has stopped helping.
Is spinal decompression right for someone like you?
Candidacy is decided at the examination, not on a web page. These are the general lines.
Likely a good candidate if
- Leg or arm pain that follows a line and is worse than the back or neck pain itself
- A diagnosed bulging or herniated disc on a scan you already have
- Pain that eases when you lie down and returns within minutes of standing
- Numbness or tingling in a limb with no measurable weakness
- You want a serious attempt at conservative care before considering injections or surgery
We will point you elsewhere if
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the saddle region, which needs an emergency department now
- Measurable, progressive weakness such as a dropping foot
- Spinal hardware, a fusion, or surgical implants in the segment to be treated
- Advanced osteoporosis, a spinal fracture, or a tumour or infection of the spine
- Pregnancy, or a known abdominal aortic aneurysm
When we are not the right answer, we say so, and connect you with someone who is.
Your first visit
What to expect, step by step
Nobody goes on the table at the first visit. Dr. Justin Bergin, DC examines you, reviews your imaging and works out which level is involved and whether the nerve is irritated or losing strength.
He then tells you whether decompression suits your case, and says so plainly if it does not. The plan and its length are set at your report of findings.
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01Consultation and examination
History, orthopedic and neurological testing, and a careful look at any imaging you already have. Dr. Bergin is checking whether your symptoms genuinely match a disc, because plenty of leg pain does not.
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02Report of findings
You are shown what was found and told whether decompression is a reasonable option in your case. If it is not, you are told what would suit you better.
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03Treatment on the table
You lie clothed in a padded harness while the machine applies traction in slow cycles of pull and release. Your spine is never fighting a constant pull. Most people describe it as a stretch, and a fair number fall asleep.
- 04
Re-examination
You are retested against the markers taken at the start. If the leg pain is not changing and the neurological findings are not improving, the plan changes or you are referred on.
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An adjustment that is not aimed at a specific finding is just noise. We treat what the exam and the X-ray tell us to treat.
“Dr. Bergin at Chiromed Wellness Centers is the best chiropractor in town. I no longer have to take pain meds. If you still have pain, you’re not seeing to best chiropractor.”
“Love this place!! Cynthia and Angie are amazing! So nice and helpful!! The chiropractor’s are also amazing!! Just a great place overall! I highly recommended it!!”
“Look them up I waited so long to see a chiropractor and I found this place and am so happy that I did . Love the Drs they are so helpful and make feel like family.”
“The staff is super friendly and they walked me through the whole process. I’ve been going for a few weeks now and I’m already feeling results! The treatment the offer is very hands on and informative. I’ve never had manual adjustments until coming to this office and the staff makes you feel comfortable and takes care of your needs. Highly recommend !”
“The best Chiropractic center in South lakeland! love it here the Doctors are very urged to help with any of your needs, the beautiful assistants are nice and helpful they really make you feel welcomed. Most highly recommended Chiropractic Center. :)”
“Muy profesional la atención es formidable todos los empleados son muy amigables.Y muy efectiva sus terapias..Los recomiendo 100x100%”
“My pain has decreased dramatically, I’m no longer stretching and moving my neck in every angle trying to find relief. Every part of my body I can feel is finally getting closer to symmetry! All I can say is you should give new city a try!”
“I love this place!! They're very caring for their patients and strive to help you feel better. I strongly recommend giving them a try. I promise you won't regret it”
“The staff is very knowledgeable and organized, they get to know you and are flexible about fitting your treatment in to your life. They use proven methods to treat the root of your issues and the results are incredible. I was in a lot of pain after a car crash and within a few weeks I was able to go back to my normal routine with no discomfort.”
“I have seen and feel the change in my body since I started, I use to have major pain in my knees and neck ache. I'm an athlete and constantly need more adjustments, and every time I come I always without a doubt feel welcomed and important.”
“I have had sich a great experience seeing Dr. Bergin. When other offices have told me I just had muscle damage or the only thing they could do for me was give shots, he said he had others ways to manage my pain and numbness, along with improving mobility. And he was right! I feel so much better! With such friendly staff and welcoming office environment, it makes for an amazing experience. I'll definitely continue seeing him!”
“Dr. Bergin was instrumental in relieving my back pain which I had for many years. The techniques he used on relieving my back pain were impressive. I been going to chiropractors for years and Dr. Bergin is the best. Thank You Dr. Bergin :)”
“Took a good amount of time going over my preliminary results and going over potential care plan. Great adjustment and doesn’t sugarcoat when discussing. Would recommend”
“The environment is incredible at this office with the staff and also both doctors are extremely friendly and great at what they do”
“Amazing, Super friendly and talented Staff and Doctors! My back was a hot mess after a semi hit my car on my first day moving to Florida. But after going through the treatment program I was able to get my neck, my back and my life in alignment. It was a total transformation. Thank You New City Chiropractic!”
“Hands down the best chiropractic office out there! They are super friendly and make me feel comfortable to tell then what’s wrong. They always ensure the best treatment for their patients!”
“I absolutely love this place , it is like going to visit family. They are always so pleasant , happy , and professional. I always enjoy seeing the ladies , they always put a smile on my face and even if I am having a bad day. The doctors are always so friendly and concerned with my well being. I actually look forward to going there and miss them on the days that I don't go.”
“I only wish it was closer. You are welcome it's definitely a compliment and I have read the great comments people made about the facility and staff! Amen Open one in Auburndale please!!”
“HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend coming here if you have any pains in your back or neck!! These guys are AMAZING at what they do!! Just a few months into coming here, I feel a change in the way I walk, the way my head sits on my shoulders, and I just feel GREAT; ALL THE TIME!! Crazy what some little adjustments did for me!!”
“This is an awesome chiropractic!! They are all nice and kind! Ever Since I have been adjusting my back, I don't need to take medicine before I go to bed. Also, I have been sleeping without waking up in the middle of the night because of the pain!! I really recommend the chiropractic 😊”
Get in touch
Book your spinal decompression evaluation
Tell us what the problem is and which office is closer. The front desk answers during office hours; leave a message after hours and they call back the next open day.
- 1
Send the form
Two minutes. Tell us what hurts and which office is closer.
- 2
We call you back
A real person, during office hours, to find a time that works.
- 3
Exam and answers
History, orthopedic and neurological testing, imaging on site when it changes the plan.
- $47 consultation, exam, X-rays if needed and report of findings
- Payment plans available on the self-pay programs
- 4.8 out of 5 from 225 Google reviews
- Choose Lakeland or The Villages on the form
Spinal Decompression questions
Tap a message for the honest answer. Call Lakeland (863) 940-3444
Does spinal decompression actually work?
For the right disc case it is a reasonable and well-tolerated option, and many patients avoid moving on to injections or surgery.
It does not work for everyone. Decompression acts on the pressure inside a disc and the space around a nerve root. It helps most when your symptoms come from those two things.
It does very little when the leg pain is coming from the hip, the sacroiliac joint or a peripheral nerve. That is why we examine you before we recommend it.
How do you know if your spine needs to be decompressed?
The pattern is usually recognizable. Pain travels down a limb along a defined line. Symptoms ease when you lie down and come back when you stand. There is numbness or tingling in one specific area.
Imaging shows a bulge or herniation at the level that matches those symptoms. Dr. Bergin tests for that match with orthopedic and neurological examination.
If your symptoms and your scan disagree, we treat your symptoms.
How much should spinal decompression cost?
Clinics price it very differently, and nobody can quote you a figure before examining your spine. Your cost depends on whether your plan contributes and whether one region or two is treated. It also depends on how long the course runs and what supporting therapy is included.
Our front desk verifies your benefit and gives you the full figure at the report of findings. New patients start with the consultation, exam, X-rays if needed, and report of findings for $47.
Will insurance pay for spinal decompression?
Sometimes partly, often not at all. Many plans classify non-surgical decompression as non-covered, while some contribute when it is delivered inside a chiropractic plan of care.
Medicare coverage varies by plan and by service, and our front desk will tell you exactly what applies before you commit to anything. If the answer is no, the care is self-pay, and payment plans are available for self-pay care.
Can I decompress my spine permanently?
No, and nobody can. Your spine carries load every day you are upright, so there is no permanent state to lock in.
What is realistic is taking enough pressure off an irritated nerve for it to calm down. After that you keep the segment healthier with strength, movement and occasional care.
Hanging from a bar, an inversion table or a stretch at home can ease symptoms briefly. None of those produces the controlled, cycled traction of a decompression course.
What are the downsides of spinal decompression therapy?
There are three worth knowing. It takes a course of visits rather than one appointment, which is a real commitment of time. Coverage is patchy, so the cost often falls to you.
Some patients feel more sore in the first week as the tissue responds, and that usually settles.
It is also unsuitable for some spines altogether, including fusions and hardware, spinal fracture, significant osteoporosis, pregnancy and an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The bigger risk is spending twelve weeks on the wrong treatment because nobody examined you properly first.
Same-week appointments
Find out whether spinal decompression is the right tool.
One examination tells you which discipline the problem actually needs.
- 4.8 out of 5 on Google
Consultation, Exam, X-Rays (If Needed) & Report of Findings: Only $47