↑ Part of our Pain Relief Pillar — care focused on your pain relief

HILL-DT TABLE · GENTLE · NON-SURGICAL

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in North Charleston, SC

Take pressure off your discs. Get back to moving comfortably.

Spinal decompression is a gentle, controlled stretch on our Hill DT table that takes pressure off your discs, so your back and legs can settle down and you can get moving again. Your consultation is free and your first session is $49.

Schedule Your Evaluation Call (843) 225-2550

393+ Google reviews 18+ years serving Lowcountry Hill-DT decompression table A real option before surgery

▶ Tap to play her 45-second story See more: her full 14-minute interview ↗

Featured patient story

From bent over at the stove to dancing again

Miss Sherry works full-time and loves time with her husband, daughter and two grandkids. Then one morning her back and leg stopped her in her tracks. Here is her story, in three scenes.

1The morning it started. She could not stand at the stove to cook dinner, so her husband took over the grocery shopping.
2A gentle plan. Stretching, heat and adjustments, then spinal decompression on our Hill-DT table. In her words, the decompression table “made a world of difference.”
3Today. A friend was shocked to see her walking without her cane. Now she comes in every two weeks to keep feeling great.

“I feel 100% better. No doubt about it.”

“You all treat your patients like family.”

▶ Watch her full 14-minute story Ready to write your own? Claim your free consultation

Real CPRC patient. Individual results vary.

Free 30-second spine map

See which part of your spine needs relief

Tap your spine on our interactive map. See where those nerves travel, and how we help you get lasting pain relief.

Tap my spine →

Hill-DT Spinal Decompression · North Charleston

Claim your free spinal decompression evaluation

Find out if the Hill-DT table is right for your back. We text you this month’s pricing and this week’s openings, so you get the answer without a phone call.

★ Your consultation is free

Claim my free consultation

Prefer to talk? Call 843-604-2276

Please enter a 10-digit US mobile number.

One text from our North Charleston team with pricing and openings. Reply STOP anytime.

Quick answer

Non-surgical spinal decompression (also called disc decompression) uses gentle, computer-controlled traction to take pressure off your discs and the nerves around them. At Charleston Pain Relief Center in North Charleston, SC, it is done on the high-end Hill-DT table, which senses your back muscles in real time so you stay relaxed. We use it for sciatica, disc pain, irritated nerves and spinal stenosis — often as a real option before surgery or fusion. Patients come to us from Charleston, Summerville, Ladson, Goose Creek and Hanahan. Your evaluation maps how many sessions you need. Individual results vary.

By the numbers: computer-controlled decompression · gentle · back to your day after each visit.

Your North Charleston Decompression Team

Real doctors guiding you to real, lasting relief

Here’s the good news: your free consultation is with a licensed Charleston Pain Relief Center chiropractor who listens to your story and reviews your imaging right alongside you. Together you’ll map a clear, personalized plan to ease the pressure and support your body’s own recovery — so you can get back to the life you love. Same-week appointments available.

Dr. Angela Tharnish, DC

Clinic Director · reviews every decompression case

Dr. Jerry Renato, DC

Disc & sports injury recovery

Start With My Free Consultation → Call 843-225-2550

📞 Call 📅 Book Free Consult

Book In-Clinic Appointment

Pick a date — spinal decompression evaluations available this week

Same-Week Appointments 393+ Google reviews 18+ Years Experience Non-surgical care North Charleston, SC

Watch: spinal decompression explained in 4 minutes

See how decompression works, who it helps, what a session feels like and what it costs. Open the chapters below for the key points. Each one links to that moment on YouTube.

Spinal decompression in North CharlestonA 4-minute guide from Charleston Pain Relief Center

Video chapters and key points

0:00 · The short answer
A gentle, computer-controlled stretch on our Hill-DT table that takes pressure off the discs in your low back or neck.
0:28 · What is spinal decompression?
Discs are small cushions between the bones of your spine. When one is under pressure it can press on a nerve, which is often behind sciatica. A slow, gentle stretch takes that pressure off.
0:58 · What makes the Hill DT table different?
The table reads how your back muscles respond in real time and adjusts the pull so they stay relaxed. It is set to your disc level, such as L4-L5, L5-S1 or C5-C6.
1:26 · Who is spinal decompression for?
Disc-related back pain, sciatica from the low back, neck pain with tingling into the arm, and spinal stenosis that makes walking hard.
1:53 · Is it right for you?
We screen first. It is not a fit during pregnancy, with fusion hardware at the treated level, severe osteoporosis, a spinal fracture, active spinal cancer, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or serious nerve problems that need urgent surgery.
2:20 · What does a session feel like?
About 20 to 30 minutes, and most people find it relaxing. Most plans run 6 to 12 weeks, often paired with Class IV laser and SoftWave. Results vary.
2:51 · What does it cost?
Your consultation is free and your first session is $49. An on-site X-ray is $50 cash if you need one. Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield may cover some services. Medicare and Medicaid rules apply.
3:12 · How to get started
Visit us at 2294 Otranto Road in North Charleston, an easy drive from Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Ladson and West Ashley.

The video in plain words

Spinal decompression is a gentle, computer-controlled stretch on the Hill DT table that eases pressure on your discs.
It may fit you if disc-related back pain, sciatica, neck-to-arm tingling or stenosis keeps you from moving freely.
Your consultation is free; if decompression fits, your first session is $49 and plans are mapped at your evaluation.

Read what the video says

The short answer

If you're looking for spinal decompression in North Charleston, here's the short answer. At Charleston Pain Relief Center, spinal decompression is a gentle, computer-controlled stretch on our FDA-cleared Hill DT table. It takes pressure off the discs in your low back or neck, so you can get moving again. Your consultation is free, and your first session is $49. Let's walk through how it works, who it helps, and what to expect.

What is spinal decompression?

Think of the discs in your spine as small cushions between the bones. When a disc is under too much pressure, it can press on a nearby nerve. That's often what's behind sciatica, or pain that travels into your hip, leg, or arm. Spinal decompression gently and slowly lengthens the spine, one disc level at a time, to take that pressure off. It's done while you're awake, comfortable, and fully clothed.

What makes the Hill DT table different?

Here's what makes the Hill DT table different from an ordinary traction table. It measures how your back muscles respond in real time, and it adjusts the pull so your muscles don't tense up. We program it to the exact disc level your exam points to, like L4-L5 or L5-S1 in the low back, or C5-C6 in the neck. The same table treats both the low back and the neck, with a different harness for each.

Who is it for?

Spinal decompression is a good fit for people with disc-related back pain, sciatica that comes from the low back, neck pain with tingling into the arm, and spinal stenosis that makes standing and walking hard. It's also an option for people who want to try a non-surgical path before they decide on surgery. If you've already been told you might need surgery, a free consultation is a good next step before you decide.

Is it right for you?

It isn't right for everyone, and we'll tell you straight. We don't recommend decompression during pregnancy, if you have fusion hardware at the level we'd treat, or if you have severe osteoporosis, a spinal fracture, active spinal cancer, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or serious nerve problems that need urgent surgical care. If any of those apply, we'll let you know before you book, and point you to the right specialist.

What does a session feel like?

Most people say relaxing. A session takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and many patients rest or even fall asleep on the table. You should never feel pinching or sharp pain. Most care plans run 6 to 12 weeks, usually 3 visits a week at first, then tapering down. Your evaluation maps how many sessions you'll need. We often add Class IV laser and SoftWave on the same visit. Results vary from person to person.

What does it cost?

Your consultation is free. If decompression is a good fit, your first session is $49. If you need an X-ray, we can take one on site the same day for $50 cash. Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield may cover some services, and Medicare and Medicaid rules apply.

Where are we?

Charleston Pain Relief Center has served the Lowcountry for more than 18 years, with over 390 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. We're at 2294 Otranto Road in North Charleston, an easy drive from Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Ladson and West Ashley. We look forward to helping you get moving again.

How spinal decompression actually works

It's not the same as a traction table at a gym. The decompression unit we use measures the resistance of your muscles in real time and adjusts the pull so you never tense up — that's the difference between gentle, guided decompression and forcing the spine.

Map the spine

We isolate the exact disc level causing the pain — L4-L5, L5-S1, C5-C6, wherever — and program the table to that segment.

Pull pressure out

The table applies precise, computer-controlled axial traction. Pressure inside the disc drops below zero, creating a vacuum.

The disc retracts

Negative pressure gently takes pressure off the disc to ease the pain it causes.

Pain signals quiet

Taking pressure off the nerve and disc is aimed at easing sciatic, low back and neck pain; many patients find real pain relief, and results vary. Many patients notice a difference within the first few visits.

The Equipment

Built around the Hill-DT decompression table

Not all decompression tables are equal. The Hill-DT system is the high-end, computer-controlled table we use at every Charleston Pain Relief Center decompression session. It measures the resistance of your back muscles in real time and modulates the pull so your body never tenses up — that's the difference between a gentle, guided decompression and the basic traction you'd get on a generic table.

Patient receiving Hill-DT non-surgical spinal decompression therapy at Charleston Pain Relief Center in North Charleston, SC — A patient on the Hill-DT decompression table during a 20-minute session at our North Charleston clinic.

Hill-DT computer-controlled spinal decompression table at Charleston Pain Relief Center — The Hill-DT decompression table — high-end, computer-controlled traction.

Real-time muscle resistance sensing

The Hill-DT continuously measures how your back is reacting and modulates the pull so guarding muscles never trigger. That's why patients describe it as "relaxing" instead of "stretching."

Lumbar & cervical settings

The same Hill-DT table treats both lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) disc problems with different harness configurations. One device, full-spine coverage.

Programmable per disc level

We dial the table to the exact disc segment causing your pain — L4-L5, L5-S1, C5-C6, wherever — so the negative pressure is targeted, not generic.

Disc & nerve conditions decompression treats

Spinal decompression specifically targets pressure-related disc and nerve problems. If your imaging report includes any of these terms, decompression is likely a strong candidate for your case:

Most common

Low back disc pain

Disc-related pain low in the back (L4-L5 and L5-S1) is the most common reason people come in. Decompression takes pressure off the disc and the nerve beside it.

Early disc pain

When a disc first starts causing pain, decompression takes pressure off it early to help relieve your pain.

Nerve pain

Sciatica from disc compression

If your sciatica traces back to a disc squeezing the nerve root — decompression treats the cause, not just the symptom.

What to expect on the table

First visit is mostly evaluation — exam, imaging review, your goals. Treatment sessions are short and easy.

20–30 minutes per session

Most of that is the table doing its job. You're fully clothed, harnessed at the chest and pelvis, and you can read or rest.

Most plans run 6–12 weeks

Typically 3 visits per week tapering down. Total sessions depend on how long it has been going on — recent injuries often settle in about 12 sessions; pain that has been going on longer usually needs 20–24.

Combined with laser & SoftWave

We layer Class IV laser and SoftWave on the same visit to drive down inflammation and accelerate disc rehydration. One copay, three therapies.

Most patients describe it as relaxing

Many fall asleep on the table. The traction is gentle — you should never feel pinching, sharp pain or muscle spasm.

Who's not a candidate

We won't recommend decompression if any of these apply — straight talk so you don't waste a visit:

If you have any of the above, we'll tell you on the phone — before you book — and refer you to a more appropriate specialist.

Spinal decompression vs spine surgery

Surgery should be the last resort, not the first. Here's the honest comparison so you can decide what fits your situation:

Non-surgical decompression

Spinal surgery

If you've already been told you "need surgery," it's worth a 15-minute call before you commit. We've helped many Charleston patients avoid the OR entirely.

Brand Comparison

Top spinal decompression tables compared — and where Hill-DT fits

If you've been researching non-surgical spinal decompression in North Charleston, you've probably seen the major brand names: DRX 9000, Triton DTS, Vax-D, Saunders Cervical Traction, Chattanooga Triton, and Spina. Each is a different tier of equipment, with different mechanisms and clinical reputations. Here's the honest landscape:

What we use

Hill-DT decompression table

Computer-controlled lumbar AND cervical decompression with real-time muscle resistance sensing. Same therapeutic-grade output as DRX 9000 at lower per-session cost — which lets us combine decompression with SoftWave, Class IV laser and PEMF in the same visit.

DRX 9000

One of the most marketed and well-known U.S. decompression systems. Computer-controlled lumbar decompression. Premium pricing per session in most clinics. Comparable mechanism to Hill-DT.

Triton DTS (Chattanooga)

Common in physical therapy clinics. Solid mid-tier decompression with both lumbar and cervical settings. Less aggressive force modulation than Hill-DT or DRX 9000.

Vax-D

One of the original decompression brands, dating to the 1990s. Required active patient grip during therapy — newer tables (Hill-DT, DRX) eliminated that requirement. Older tech, still in some clinics.

Saunders Cervical Traction

Home cervical traction device — useful for mild neck symptoms but not therapeutic-grade clinical decompression. Often sold to patients alongside in-clinic care.

Chattanooga Triton

The Chattanooga group's clinical decompression line — widely used in chiropractic and PT settings. Clinical-grade, slightly different waveform programming than Hill-DT.

Spina & newer entrants

Several newer brands in the decompression space. Spec sheets vary — some match clinical-grade output, others are entry-level traction repackaged as decompression.

What matters more than the table brand: (1) is the device computer-controlled with real-time muscle resistance sensing, (2) is the protocol programmed to your specific disc level, and (3) is the clinic combining decompression with the right adjunct therapies. Hill-DT scores yes on all three at Charleston Pain Relief Center.

Spinal decompression patients across greater Charleston

Our decompression table sits at our North Charleston clinic — central to the entire Lowcountry. Most patients drive 15 minutes or less.

📍 North 📍 North Charleston (HQ) Summerville Goose Creek Hanahan Ladson West Ashley

Also serving Mt Pleasant, Daniel Island, Johns Island, Moncks Corner and James Island. Call (843) 225-2550 if you don't see your city.

Decompression is one piece of the puzzle

Decompression often works best paired with related care. If you're here for back pain, sciatica or chiropractic adjustments specifically, start with these:

Back pain treatment

If your goal is getting rid of back pain (whatever the cause), our six-therapy back pain program may be a better starting point.

Visit the Back Pain hub

Sciatica treatment

Sciatica caused by disc compression responds beautifully to decompression. Sciatica from piriformis or other causes does not.

See sciatica options

Disc pain relief

A deeper read on gentle options for disc pain at CPRC.

Read the disc pain page

Chiropractic care

Adjustments and decompression complement each other. Many patients benefit from both on the same day.

See our chiropractic care

Real North Charleston patients. Real results.

Patient stories from people who came in with disc trouble, sciatica and back pain that had been going on a while, and found real relief without surgery.

Back Pain Testimonial — Our patient discusses his work-related back pain and how treatment at our clinic relieved his pain and improved his sleep.

Spinal Decompression Testimonial — Our patient describes how spinal decompression therapy relieved her neck and lower back pain.

What our 393+ patients are saying

On-Site Diagnostic Imaging · $50 Cash

Need an X-ray? $50 cash, on-site, same-day.

Most disc cases benefit from an X-ray before non-surgical decompression — to confirm the level, rule out contraindications and personalize the protocol. Most patients pay $100–$500+ at urgent care or hospital imaging. We do digital spinal & extremity X-ray on-site — image, diagnose, and start care in one visit. No referral required. HSA/FSA accepted.

Buy X-ray — $50 cash →More about on-site X-ray →

$100–$500+ at urgent care or hospital imaging. We do digital spinal & extremity X-ray on-site — image, diagnose, and start care in one visit. No referral required. HSA / FSA accepted.

Buy X-ray — $50 cash → More about on-site X-ray →

Spinal decompression, answered

Where can I get spinal decompression near me in the Charleston area?

Charleston Pain Relief Center at 2294 Otranto Rd in North Charleston offers non-surgical spinal decompression on the high-end Hill-DT table. Most patients drive 15 minutes or less, and many come from Summerville, Ladson, Goose Creek and Hanahan. Same-week evaluations are available. Call (843) 225-2550.

Is disc decompression the same as spinal decompression?

Yes. Disc decompression, spinal decompression and decompression therapy all describe the same non-surgical treatment: gentle, computer-controlled traction that takes pressure off your disc and the nerve beside it. At our North Charleston clinic it is done on the Hill-DT table, for both the low back and the neck.

Is spinal decompression FDA-cleared?

Yes. The Hill-DT table we use is FDA-cleared as a Class II powered traction device, which means it is cleared to apply a gentle, controlled pulling force to the spine. Clearance is about the device itself, not a promise that it will fix a specific disc problem. They differ from basic traction tables (which can trigger muscle guarding and worsen pain) because the computer constantly measures resistance and adjusts the pull in real time.

How is this different from traction or inversion tables?

Traction tables apply a constant pull, which causes the back muscles to tense up and resist — defeating the purpose. Inversion tables use gravity, which is uneven and uncontrolled. decompression isolates the specific disc level, modulates the pull, and creates true negative pressure inside the disc. Different mechanism, different results.

Does decompression work on the cause of my disc pain, or just mask it?

It works on the cause. The negative pressure gently takes pressure off the disc to ease the pain it causes. Most patients feel relief as the pressure comes off the disc.

How many sessions will I need?

Most plans run 18–24 sessions over 6–12 weeks, tapering frequency as you improve. Recent disc injuries (under 6 months old) often settle in about 12 sessions. Pain that has been going on longer usually needs the full course. We re-evaluate every 6 visits and adjust.

Does decompression hurt?

No. Most patients describe it as gentle and relaxing — many fall asleep on the table. You stay fully clothed, harnessed at the chest and pelvis, and the table does the work. If you ever feel sharp pain, the table releases pressure immediately.

Can I do decompression if I already had spinal surgery?

Often, yes — once the surgical site has fully healed (usually 6 months minimum). Failed back surgery syndrome is one of the cases where gentle decompression can help when nothing else has. We'll review your op report and imaging before recommending it.

Will my insurance cover spinal decompression?

Some PPO and HMO plans cover a portion of decompression visits, especially when paired with chiropractic adjustments under the same care plan. We verify your benefits before your first visit so you know exactly what's covered and what isn't.

How is this different from chiropractic adjustments?

Chiropractic adjustments restore joint motion using hands-on, high-velocity moves. Spinal decompression uses a table to slowly pull the disc itself open — different mechanism, different goal. Many patients benefit from both: adjustments to free the joints, decompression to take pressure off the disc.

How does Hill-DT compare to DRX 9000, Triton DTS or Vax-D?

DRX 9000, Triton DTS (Chattanooga), Vax-D, Saunders Cervical Traction, Chattanooga Triton and Spina are the most-searched spinal decompression brands. Hill-DT and DRX 9000 are the two most clinically equivalent in mechanism — both are computer-controlled, with real-time resistance sensing. Triton DTS and Chattanooga Triton are common in PT clinics with similar but slightly less aggressive modulation. Vax-D is older tech from the 1990s. Saunders is a home cervical traction device — not therapeutic-grade clinical decompression. Hill-DT delivers DRX 9000-level clinical effect at a price point that lets us combine decompression with SoftWave, laser and PEMF in the same visit.

Where are you located?

Charleston Pain Relief Center is at 2294 Otranto Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406 — central to Charleston, Mt Pleasant, West Ashley, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson. Most patients drive 15 minutes or less.

Do I need a referral for spinal decompression?

No referral needed. Anyone can book a free consultation — call (843) 225-2550 or book online.

How long is a spinal decompression session?

A typical Hill-DT decompression session runs about 20–30 minutes. Most patients simply relax on the table — many find it so comfortable they nearly fall asleep.

Is spinal decompression gentle?

Yes. Hill-DT spinal decompression is a gentle, non-surgical stretch that relieves pressure on your discs and nerves, and you can go right back to your day.

What conditions does spinal decompression help?

It is used for disc-related back pain, sciatica, irritated nerves, age-related disc changes, and low-back or neck pain that has been going on a while. We'll confirm it's right for you at your evaluation.

What does spinal decompression cost?

Your consultation is free. If you want to move forward, your first decompression session is $49. Afterward you get a clear, written plan with transparent pricing before anything begins — no surprises.

Two ways to start

Phone First

Free Phone Consultation

Tell us what's going on. We'll tell you straight whether spinal decompression is the right call for your case — no commitment, no clinic visit required.

Book a phone consult In-Clinic

Free In-Clinic Consultation

Bring your imaging or just your story. 15-minute in-person evaluation. We'll examine, listen, and recommend a plan.

Book in-clinic consult

Before you accept "you'll need surgery" — try this first.

Bring your imaging or just your story. We'll spend 15 minutes telling you straight whether spinal decompression is the right call for your specific case.

Schedule My Evaluation Call (843) 225-2550

Spinal Decompression in Charleston SC | Charleston Pain Relief Center