Spinal decompression is applied to both the lumbar and cervical spine at Beacon Clinic of Chiropractic, but the application differs meaningfully between the two regions. Lumbar decompression addresses the lower back and the discs most commonly involved in sciatica and lower extremity nerve symptoms — primarily the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. The patient is positioned on their back with the lower body secured to the mobile portion of the decompression table, and the distraction force is applied in the direction that creates the greatest negative pressure at the targeted disc level. Cervical decompression addresses the neck and the discs involved in arm pain, hand numbness, and upper extremity nerve symptoms. A different harness and head positioning system is used, and the traction parameters are calibrated to the more delicate anatomy of the cervical spine.
Candidacy considerations also differ between the lumbar and cervical regions. The cervical spine is more anatomically complex in terms of the vascular structures that run alongside it, and cervical decompression requires a careful evaluation of the patient's cervical history and any contraindications specific to the neck before the protocol begins. San Luis Obispo patients presenting with symptoms in both the upper and lower extremities — a less common but clinically meaningful presentation — are evaluated for whether both regions require attention and how care should be sequenced. Dr. Bronstein at Beacon Clinic in Grover Beach, California makes these determinations based on the individual clinical picture rather than a standard protocol.
