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Find relief from disc pain, sciatica, and chronic back or neck pain with gentle, computer-guided spinal decompression at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center.
St. Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center offers gentle, effective treatment for spinal conditions, whiplash, and injury-related pain.
Spinal decompression is most often used for disc and nerve related conditions such as:
A thorough evaluation helps determine whether spinal decompression, another treatment, or a combination of approaches is best for your specific condition.
Non-surgical spinal decompression uses a specialized table and computer-guided traction to gently stretch and relax your spine in a controlled pattern. The goal is to create space for irritated discs and nerves so they can begin to calm down, rather than simply masking pain with medication.
During treatment you are comfortably positioned, a padded harness supports your spine, and the computer applies a gentle pull that cycles between tension and relaxation. This process is designed to reduce pressure inside the discs, improve circulation of fluids and nutrients, and decrease irritation of the spinal nerves that cause back pain, neck pain, and sciatica. Most patients describe the experience as a gradual, comfortable stretch rather than something abrupt or forceful.
Modern spinal decompression is more precise than traditional traction because the settings are tailored to your height, weight, and the specific disc levels that are involved. This allows your chiropractor to focus treatment where it is needed most and to adjust the intensity as your spine begins to respond, providing a targeted, non-surgical option for many disc-related problems.
People usually find us after months or years of back or neck pain. Many have tried other chiropractors, physical therapy, medication, or rest without lasting change. They are looking for a more focused plan for their disc problem, not just another quick adjustment.
At St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, we provide:
Our goal is to help you understand what is causing your pain, whether spinal decompression is appropriate for your condition, and what results are realistic for you.
Stepping into a new clinic with serious back or neck pain can feel uneasy, especially if previous visits elsewhere left you rushed or unsure what to believe. Our goal at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center is to make your visits feel different from the start. We move at a pace that allows for questions, explain findings in straightforward language, and check in regularly so you always understand why a particular step is part of your plan.
Spinal decompression is not treated as a quick procedure on a machine, but as one piece of a larger effort to help you sit, stand, work, and rest with more confidence. As your care progresses, we pay attention to small changes in comfort and function, adjust when needed, and keep your long-term spine health in view. The intent is for you to feel supported throughout the process, with a clear sense of a thoughtful plan behind every visit.
Many of our spinal decompression patients arrive feeling discouraged. They have tried medication, rest, stretching, and sometimes even other chiropractic care without lasting relief.
Over time, as decompression reduces disc pressure and the supporting therapies address joint and muscle imbalances, patients often report that they can:
In your evaluation, we will talk about what is most important to you, whether that is lifting a child, working without constant pain, or simply moving more freely again.
Most patients find non-surgical spinal decompression therapy to be comfortable. You will lie on a padded table while a computer-guided system gently applies and releases traction to your spine. You may feel a mild stretching sensation in your back or neck as the treatment begins. The goal is to reduce pressure inside the discs and around irritated nerves without creating additional strain. If you feel any discomfort during a session, the settings can be adjusted so treatment remains tolerable.
Spinal decompression is often recommended for patients with herniated discs, bulging discs, or a “slipped disc” that is pressing on a nerve. By gently reducing pressure inside the disc, decompression therapy can allow some of the displaced disc material to retract and can improve circulation to the injured tissue. Many patients with disc-related back pain, neck pain, or sciatica find that a structured decompression program, combined with specific chiropractic care and rehabilitation, leads to meaningful improvement in function and comfort over time.
Traditional traction typically applies a steady pull to the spine. Modern spinal decompression uses a computer-controlled pattern of pull and relaxation that is designed to reduce muscle guarding and more precisely target the discs. The table settings can be customized to your height, weight, and specific disc levels. This approach helps create a negative pressure inside the discs, which may support healing in ways that simple traction cannot. Your chiropractor will determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate for your condition after a thorough evaluation.
Degenerative disc disease and arthritic changes in the spine develop over many years, so they cannot be reversed completely. However, spinal decompression can often reduce pain and stiffness for patients with disc degeneration or arthritis-related spine pain. By improving disc hydration and mobility in the affected area, decompression may lessen mechanical stress on the joints and surrounding tissues. At our clinic, spinal decompression for degenerative discs is usually combined with targeted chiropractic care, corrective exercises, and lifestyle guidance to support long-term function.
Most patients find non-surgical spinal decompression therapy to be comfortable. You will lie on a padded table while a computer-guided system gently applies and releases traction to your spine. You may feel a mild stretching sensation in your back or neck as the treatment begins. The goal is to reduce pressure inside the discs and around irritated nerves without creating additional strain. If you feel any discomfort during a session, the settings can be adjusted so treatment remains tolerable.
Our clinic hours are:
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: By appointment
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed.
If you need a specific time for your spinal decompression evaluation, our team will help you find the earliest available appointment that fits your schedule.
We accept most major insurance plans and will verify your benefits before your first visit at no cost. Simply bring your insurance card to your appointment and our team will review your coverage and explain how it applies to spinal decompression and related services. We also accept HSA and FSA funds and can coordinate with your primary care provider when needed to support seamless care.
Many patients seeking disc injury treatment or spinal decompression have deductibles, copays, or limited coverage. If your plan does not cover all recommended services, we will review expected costs with you in advance and discuss payment options. Our goal is to help you understand your choices clearly so you can decide on care that fits both your health needs and your budget, without unexpected financial surprises.
Emily serves as the Lead Spinal Rehabilitation Specialist at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where her exceptional patient care and clinical expertise have made her an invaluable member of our team since August 2017. As our most senior team member, Emily exemplifies the practice’s commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care.
Emily brings a strong academic foundation to her role, having graduated from Winona State University in 2017 with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Movement Science and Psychology. This interdisciplinary education uniquely positions her to understand both the physical and psychological aspects of patient rehabilitation, allowing her to deliver care that addresses the whole person.
Since joining our team, Emily has become an expert in our proprietary treatment protocols. Her advanced training includes certification as a registered Limited Scope X-ray operator, providing her with detailed knowledge of spinal anatomy and pathology that enhances her rehabilitation work.
Olivia brings Southern warmth and exceptional expertise to St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where she has been an indispensable team member since 2018. Originally from Georgia, Olivia made Minnesota her home in 2010, establishing roots in East St. Paul and graduating from Johnson Senior High School before pursuing her passion for healing at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis.
With over a decade of experience in therapeutic bodywork, Olivia’s journey began as a certified massage therapist in 2016, quickly distinguishing herself through her remarkable ability to address soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions. Her skills and commitment to patient care gained Dr. Chris’s notice, resulting in a lasting professional partnership.
In January 2024, Olivia’s role evolved to Lead SoftWave Technician Specialist, where she skillfully applies Extra-Corporal Shock Wave Therapy to address knee pain, shoulder injuries, and various soft tissue conditions. Her extensive background in massage therapy provides her with an intuitive understanding of the body’s mechanics, allowing her to achieve exceptional results with SoftWave technology.
Olivia is also a key practitioner in our proprietary Spinal Rehabilitation Therapy (S.R.T.) program, working seamlessly alongside Emily to create a therapeutic environment that promotes optimal healing and recovery. Together, they form the backbone of our patient care team, establishing an atmosphere of comfort, trust, and clinical excellence that patients consistently praise.
What truly sets Olivia apart is her genuine compassion and unwavering reliability. She greets every patient with a warm smile, approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, and consistently demonstrates the perfect balance of technical skill and heartfelt care. Her humble nature belies her exceptional abilities, making her therapeutic presence all the more powerful.
Outside the clinic, Olivia embraces life’s simple joys with her 7-year-old daughter and spouse. She finds renewal through camping adventures, expresses her creativity through drawing, delights in culinary exploration, and soaks up Minnesota’s precious sunshine whenever possible.
We consider ourselves truly blessed to have Olivia as part of our healing community at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where her dedication continues to transform lives daily.
With over two decades of dedicated patient care experience, Molly brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her role as Office Manager at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center.
After graduating from Century College’s Dental Assistant program in 2004, Molly built an impressive career as a Licensed Dental Assistant, developing exceptional skills in patient communication and healthcare administration.
Guided by her personal commitment to holistic wellness, Molly made a transformative career shift in Summer 2023 to align her professional path with her passion for natural health. She earned prestigious certifications from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist, and Corrective Exercise Specialist—qualifications that provide her with unique insights into the comprehensive care our patients receive.
“What I value most about St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center is our team’s dedication to treating the whole person, not just symptoms,” Molly shares. “Seeing patients progress from pain to wellness is incredibly rewarding.”
As Office Manager, Molly expertly coordinates patient care while ensuring our practice runs smoothly. Her understanding of both administrative excellence and natural healing principles makes her an invaluable bridge between our clinical team and patients.
When not welcoming patients with her warm smile, Molly embraces life as a devoted mother to three daughters. Her personal wellness journey includes strength training and fitness activities—often making these family affairs. An avid home chef, she experiments with nutritious recipes and occasional treats, believing that balance is essential to well-being. In quieter moments, she finds inspiration through reading and creative writing, nurturing her lifelong love of storytelling. Molly’s adventurous spirit also drives her passion for travel and exploring new cultures.
Her philosophy perfectly complements our center’s mission: “True health comes from understanding the body’s natural healing abilities and supporting them through proper care, nutrition, and mindful living.”