How many spinal decompression sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies by condition severity and individual response. Dr. Richards will outline a clear treatment plan after your initial evaluation, and many patients notice improvement within the first several visits.

Spinal Decompression Serving Largo, FL

If you live in Largo and have been struggling with a herniated disc, bulging disc, or chronic sciatica, non-surgical spinal decompression at Burghealth Physical Medicine in nearby St. Petersburg may be able to help. Dr. Samuel Richards has treated numerous Largo-area patients with disc-related spine conditions using this FDA-cleared therapy.

Largo is one of the larger cities in Pinellas County, and its residents deal with the same mix of desk-job posture problems, age-related disc degeneration, and occasional acute injuries that drive people across the county to find effective, non-surgical back pain relief. Spinal decompression is one of the most targeted tools available for disc-related pain.

What Is Spinal Decompression?

spinal decompression therapy serving Largo FL Spinal decompression is a motorized traction therapy that gently stretches the spine in a controlled, rhythmic pattern. This creates negative pressure inside the disc space, which can draw bulging or herniated disc material back toward its normal position and promote the flow of nutrients into the disc.

Unlike continuous traction, the technology used at Burghealth alternates between tension and relaxation phases, preventing the muscle guarding that can limit traditional traction’s effectiveness. Patients typically lie on a motorized table while a harness system applies gentle, computer-controlled traction to the target level of the spine.

Dr. Richards evaluates each patient individually to determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate. Patients with severe osteoporosis, spinal fracture, certain types of hardware in the spine, or active malignancy are generally not candidates, and he will review your imaging and history before recommending this therapy.

Conditions Spinal Decompression May Address

Largo patients who come to Burghealth for spinal decompression most often present with:

Herniated or bulging lumbar discs
Herniated or bulging cervical discs
Sciatica and radiating leg pain
Degenerative disc disease
Posterior facet syndrome
Spinal stenosis
Failed back surgery syndrome (after conservative screening)

Many patients who have not responded well to medications, cortisone injections, or physical therapy alone find that spinal decompression produces meaningful improvement when combined with a broader care plan.

Spinal Decompression for Largo Patients
Call us to schedule an evaluation
(727) 289-9148

What a Course of Treatment Looks Like

A typical spinal decompression course at Burghealth involves multiple visits spread over several weeks. Each session lasts roughly 30 minutes and is painless for most patients. Many patients report a feeling of relief or gentle stretching during the session itself.

Dr. Richards generally pairs spinal decompression with complementary therapies to maximize results. Class IV Laser Therapy can help reduce disc-related inflammation and accelerate tissue healing. Chiropractic adjustments address the mechanical dysfunction that often accompanies disc problems. Together, these therapies address the condition from multiple angles rather than relying on a single intervention.

The clinic is located at 6535 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg, roughly 15 minutes east of Largo via Ulmerton Road. Parking is available on site, and same-day appointments are often available.

Other Spine Services Available to Largo Patients

In addition to spinal decompression, Burghealth offers the following for spine and disc conditions:

Chiropractic Adjustments to restore spinal alignment and joint mobility
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation to rebuild core stability and prevent recurrence
Trigger Point Injections for muscle spasm accompanying disc pain
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for advanced disc regeneration support
Back Pain and Neck Pain comprehensive care plans

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Decompression for Largo Residents

Is spinal decompression painful?

Most patients describe spinal decompression as comfortable or even relaxing. The controlled stretching and relaxation cycle is designed to be gentle. Some patients with acute disc herniations may feel mild discomfort early in a course of treatment, which typically decreases as the condition improves.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies by condition severity and individual response. Dr. Richards will give you a clear treatment plan after your initial evaluation. Many patients notice improvement within the first several visits.

Is spinal decompression covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance plans cover portions of spinal decompression when medically necessary. The Burghealth team will help you understand your coverage options. Payment options are also available for patients who need flexibility.

How far is Burghealth from Largo?

Burghealth Physical Medicine is located at 6535 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg, approximately 15 minutes from central Largo via Ulmerton Road. The clinic is easy to reach from most parts of Largo without taking the highway.

To find out whether spinal decompression is right for your condition, call Burghealth Physical Medicine at (727) 289-9148 or visit our appointment page to request a consultation with Dr. Samuel Richards.