Palo Alto · Spinal Disc Treatment & Decompression
Spinal disc treatment and decompression in Palo Alto.
Non-surgical options for disc-related back and neck pain — built around spinal decompression therapy and a precise diagnosis of the true pain generator.
Decompression first, surgery last.
Disc-related pain — from degeneration, bulges or herniations — is one of the most over-treated problems in orthopedics. Too many patients are routed toward fusion or long-term medication before the actual source of pain is confirmed.
Our cornerstone for disc pain is non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: you lie comfortably on a special motorized table that applies controlled, gentle traction to the spine. That traction creates negative pressure within the disc, which helps reposition bulging or herniated disc material, relieves pressure on nearby nerves and promotes healing. Where appropriate, our UCSF-trained interventional spine team adds targeted, image-guided procedures and opioid-sparing techniques.
Read our full guide to spinal disc treatment and back and spine conditions, or see the Palo Alto clinic page for the map and directions.
Who it suits
Who spinal disc treatment is for.
- Degenerative disc disease
- Disc bulges & herniations
- Sciatica & radiating leg pain
- Facet & SI joint pain
- Chronic low back & neck pain
- Patients wanting to avoid fusion or opioids
Surgery isn’t off the table — but it shouldn’t be the first answer. An evaluation clarifies your options.
How it works
Your first visit at the Palo Alto clinic
An evaluation comes first. No referral is required.
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Book at Palo Alto
Call (650) 328-4411 or request an evaluation online. Our concierge team arranges a time at 2248 Park Blvd.
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Precise diagnosis
We combine exam, imaging review and diagnostic procedures to confirm exactly which structure is generating pain.
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Spinal decompression
On a motorized table, gentle controlled traction creates negative pressure within the disc — typically over a series of 30–45 minute, relaxation-based sessions.
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Targeted procedures or honest escalation
Where appropriate, image-guided procedures are added at the confirmed source. If conservative care isn’t enough, our surgeon can advise.
Our team
The physicians behind this care
Both clinics offer the same physicians and protocols. Our concierge team will match you to the right physician when you book in Palo Alto.
Dr. Andrew Vargas, MD
Interventional spine & pain specialist, UCSF-trained; opioid-sparing care.
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Dr. Carri Allen Jones, MD
Triple board-certified in PM&R, Sports and Pain Medicine.
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Dr. Ian Barrett, MD
Mayo- and Stanford-trained orthopedic surgeon; arthroscopy & joint replacement.
View profileVisit the Palo Alto clinic
Address
2248 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get directionsPhone & hours
(650) 328-4411 — speak with our concierge team. Open Monday–Thursday 8:00am–6:00pm, Friday 9:00am–3:00pm; closed weekends.
Call nowServing the Peninsula
Convenient for Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Los Altos, Redwood City and San Jose.
Palo Alto clinic pageSpinal Disc Treatment & Decompression in Palo Alto — common questions
What is non-surgical spinal decompression?
You lie comfortably on a special motorized table that applies controlled, gentle traction to the spine. That traction creates negative pressure within the disc, which helps reposition bulging or herniated disc material and relieves pressure on nearby nerves. Sessions last about 30–45 minutes and are relaxation-based.
How many decompression sessions will I need?
Most people notice improvement after 6–10 sessions, with full benefits building over several weeks. Your plan is set after the evaluation.
How do you know which disc is the problem?
We don’t assume from an MRI alone — imaging often shows changes that aren’t the actual pain source. We confirm the generator with exam and, when needed, diagnostic procedures.
Is this covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by procedure. We provide transparent pricing and documentation, and will explain what to expect before anything is scheduled.
Book your Palo Alto evaluation.
Concierge regenerative orthopedics at 2248 Park Blvd. Prefer the city? Our San Francisco clinic at 2100 Webster St, Suite 424 offers the same physicians and protocols.