Peer-Reviewed Research on
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Most spinal decompression clinics make claims. We publish proof. Dr. JD Dudum is one of the few chiropractors in the country with peer-reviewed, MRI-confirmed research documenting that non-surgical spinal decompression can reduce the size of a herniated disc — published in a respected medical journal and available for anyone to read.
Our Published Study
Reduction of the Size of a Lumbar Disc Herniation Using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Combined with Chiropractic Care*
Dudum J, Gatterman B. *Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic.* 2024;7(1):146-155.
What we studied
Four patients suffering from lower back pain and sciatica caused by herniated discs. Each underwent non-surgical spinal decompression (NSD) combined with chiropractic care over an eight-week period. We used MRI imaging to measure the exact size of each disc herniation **before and after** treatment — so the results aren’t based on how patients felt. They’re based on what the scans showed.
What we found
The herniations got smaller. Post-treatment MRI scans documented a measurable reduction in the size of the lumbar disc herniations.
The pain went away. All four patients reported complete pain relief by the end of the program.
Function and quality of life improved across every patient measured.
In the standout case, an extruded lumbar disc fragment measuring **18mm** was reduced by **78%** — without surgery, injections, or medication.
Why this matters
Lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the world, and no single treatment has been universally accepted as both safe and highly effective. This research adds rigorous, imaging-based evidence that non-surgical spinal decompression — done correctly — can be a real alternative to surgery for the right patient.
Why Published Research Should Matter to You as a Patient
When you’re facing a herniated disc and trying to avoid surgery, you’ll find dozens of clinics promising results. Almost none of them have put their outcomes through peer review.
Peer review means independent experts examined the methods, the imaging, and the conclusions before they were allowed to be published. It’s the same standard used to evaluate surgical and pharmaceutical research. When you choose a clinic whose protocol is backed by published, MRI-confirmed findings, you’re not relying on a testimonial or a sales pitch — you’re relying on documented evidence.
That’s the difference here.
The Experience Behind the Research
The protocol in our published study isn’t theoretical. It’s the same Disc Renewal Therapy approach refined over more than a decade of full-time clinical practice:
**More than 25,000 patients** treated for disc and spine conditions
**Over 50,000 non-surgical spinal decompression sessions** performed
**The largest single-location spinal decompression facility of its kind in the United States**, with 13 dedicated decompression tables
**MRI-guided treatment** — every plan is built around imaging, not guesswork, which is exactly what makes the difference between results and risk
Research tells you the protocol works. Volume tells you we’ve perfected delivering it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-surgical spinal decompression actually shrink a herniated disc?
Is spinal decompression a real alternative to back surgery?
What makes Dr. Dudum different from other spinal decompression clinics in the Bay Area?
Where can I read the actual study
See if you’re a candidate.
The same MRI-guided, research-backed protocol documented in our published study is available at our Walnut Creek clinic. Schedule a consultation and we’ll review your imaging and tell you honestly whether non-surgical spinal decompression is right for you.
