Your spinal discs act like shock absorbers between the bones of your spine. Inside each disc is a gel-like center (the nucleus pulposus) that is constantly under pressure. That pressure changes depending on your posture:
Lying down: ~25 mmHg (lowest, discs can rehydrate)
Standing upright: ~100 mmHg
Sitting: ~125–150 mmHg (the highest, which is why prolonged sitting is so tough on your back)
When a disc is herniated or degenerating, these already-high pressures push material outward into nerves, creating pain, numbness, or weakness. The goal of decompression is to reduce disc pressure enough to “vacuum” that material back in and allow the disc to heal.
Let’s review the science behind true spinal decompression. Not all decompression machines are created equal. Only a handful have been studied for their ability to actually create measurable negative pressure inside the disc.
Negative Pressure Proven: Research on the DRX9000 has shown intradiscal pressures dropping as low as –100 to –160 mmHg—essentially reversing the force of gravity.
MRI-Verified Results: Imaging studies reveal disc height restoration, herniation shrinkage, and spinal canal space opening. One University of South Florida case series reported disc height gains of 1–1.6 mm, canal space increases up to 2 mm, and an 80% improvement in pain levels.
Meta-Analyses Support It: Large reviews confirm regression of herniations in most patients, with some discs fully resolving.
This is more than symptom relief—it’s measurable, structural healing.
In the decompression world, a “me too” table is a machine that mimics the look and marketing language of the DRX9000 but lacks its engineering. Many of these devices are typically glorified traction tables:
They pull in a straight line with a static or intermittent force.
They don’t use the logarithmic pull curve that adjusts 13 times per second to prevent muscle guarding.
They have no published evidence showing negative intradiscal pressure or structural disc repair.
They often cost clinics far less, but provide little more than a high-tech stretch.
So while the name may sound impressive, the science isn’t there. “Me too” tables stretch; true decompression heals.
Many people wonder if simply hanging upside down on an inversion table can relieve disc pressure. While inversion can temporarily reduce the load on the spine, the key difference is this:
Disc pressure never goes below zero. Even in full inversion, intradiscal pressure drops from ~100 mmHg (standing) to around 25–40 mmHg, but it never enters the negative range.
No vacuum effect: Because the pressure remains positive, inversion can’t actually “suck” a herniated disc back in or draw in fluids the way DRX9000 does.
Short-term stretch only: Some patients may feel looser after inversion, but the relief fades quickly once upright again.
Not safe for everyone: Inversion raises blood pressure and pressure inside the eyes, making it risky for patients with hypertension, glaucoma, or heart conditions.
Inversion can feel good, but it’s not spinal decompression. It’s a body-weight stretch—useful for temporary relief, but not a tool for disc healing.
Some research suggests traction and decompression produce similar outcomes, but those studies usually share three limitations:
Too Few Sessions: Many only provide 10–15 visits, far short of the 20–30 required to create lasting disc changes.
Mixed Patient Populations: Trials often include general low back pain, not patients with confirmed herniated discs who respond best to decompression.
Limited Metrics: Pain scores alone don’t show the full picture. MRI studies demonstrate disc rehydration and shrinkage under decompression—changes traction doesn’t replicate.
When protocols and patient selection are appropriate, decompression consistently outperforms traction.
Normal life = constant disc pressure. Sitting and standing load the discs far more than lying down.
True decompression (like DRX9000) actually reverses disc pressure, creating a negative environment proven to retract herniations and restore disc health.
“Me too” tables and inversion tables may provide temporary stretch-based relief but lack the engineering and research to heal discs.
Key takeaway: If you’re looking for more than a stretch—if you want measurable disc healing—choose true spinal decompression, not an imitation.
This article was written and medically reviewed by Dr. David Kaff, DC, founder of Frisco Spinal Rehab. Dr. Kaff has over 20 years of experience treating disc-related spinal conditions using advanced technologies like the DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression system. Find out more: https://friscorehab.com/spinal-decompression/
Special Offer Here – https://drx.friscorehab.com/landing-page
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
