Been Told You Need Back Surgery? There May Be Another Way.
Non-surgical spinal decompression has helped 90.5% of patients improve without surgery. Free consultation with Dr. Madalian to find out if you're a candidate.
What to Expect
- 1. Meet Dr. Madalian one-on-one
- 2. Personal MRI / X-ray review
- 3. Find out if you're a candidate
Dr. Henry Madalian
- 38+ years of clinical experience
- Certified in Gonstead Chiropractic System
- Case review with imaging when available
Hear From Our Patients
“I've had a bulging disc issue for many years. The treatment has been unbelievable. I don't have pain anymore.”
“I've always had lower back pain and it really is debilitating. The DRX was terrific. The treatments really delivered positive results. I can do things now that I couldn't before.”
Official Spinal Decompression Location
Advanced Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy
Understanding Your Surgical Options
If your doctor has recommended one of these procedures, here's what you should know.
Spinal Fusion
Permanently joins two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts, screws, and rods. Recovery takes 3–6 months, and the fused segment can never move again — which often accelerates degeneration of the discs above and below (adjacent segment disease), frequently leading to additional surgeries.
Discectomy / Microdiscectomy
Surgically removes the herniated portion of a disc that's pressing on a nerve. While effective short-term, recurrent herniation is a known risk, and the remaining disc is permanently weakened. The DRX9000 achieves a similar decompressive effect non-surgically.
Laminectomy
Removes part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. This permanently alters spinal structure and may destabilize the spine, sometimes requiring a follow-up fusion surgery.
Many patients explore conservative alternatives before committing to irreversible surgical procedures.
Why Patients Are Choosing This Over Surgery
Side-by-side: what the research says about each approach.
| DRX9000 Decompression | Spinal Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Outcomes | 90.5% reported improvement (Military Medicine, 2025) | Up to 70% need repeat surgery; 20.6% still in pain after surgery |
| Recovery Time | Zero — walk out same day | 3–6 months |
| Cost | Fraction of surgery | $22,000–$100,000+ |
| Surgical Involvement | None — non-surgical | Permanent — tissue removed, hardware implanted |
| Anesthesia | None | General anesthesia |
| Complication Risk | No adverse events in clinical studies | Infection, nerve damage, hardware failure |
| Opioid Involvement | None | 45% of back surgery patients prescribed opioids |
Sources: 90.5% — Military Medicine, Oxford University Press, 2025 (n=267). 20.6% FBSS — Inoue et al., J Pain Res, 2017. Repeat surgery rates — Martin et al., Spine, 2007. Surgery costs — Beckerman et al., Global Spine J, 2020. Results vary by individual. These are published clinical studies — not guarantees.
Conditions We Treat Instead of Surgery
These are the conditions that most commonly lead surgeons to recommend surgery — and where non-surgical decompression offers an alternative.
Herniated Disc
Disc material pushes out and compresses a nerve root, causing radiating pain.
Bulging Disc
Disc extends beyond its normal boundary, often narrowing the spinal canal.
Sciatica
Leg pain, numbness, or tingling caused by compression of the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related breakdown of spinal discs causing chronic pain and instability.
Not all conditions are appropriate for decompression. Dr. Madalian will evaluate your specific situation.
What Happens Instead of Surgery
The DRX9000 is a computer-controlled system that targets your specific disc level with precision — no cutting, no anesthesia, no hospital stay.
Creates Negative Pressure Within the Disc
Gently distracts the spine at a precise angle, creating a vacuum effect that draws herniated material back toward the center — doing mechanically what a discectomy does surgically.
Promotes Nutrient Flow & Healing
Facilitates the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients into the damaged disc — supporting natural repair that surgery cannot replicate.
Restores Disc Height
In a peer-reviewed UCSF study, disc height increased from 7.5mm to 8.8mm (+1.3mm) after treatment — directly correlated with pain reduction.
Bypasses Muscle Guarding
Uses a proprietary split-table design with sensors that detect and adjust for muscle resistance — ensuring force reaches the disc without triggering spasm.
Painless, 30-Minute Sessions
Most patients find treatment comfortable — some even fall asleep. Zero downtime. You walk out the same day, every session.
Disc height data: Apfel CC, et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2010. Results vary by individual.
Ready to Explore a Non-Surgical Option?
Dr. Madalian will review your imaging and give you an honest assessment — no pressure, no obligation.
Request Your Free ConsultationPeer-Reviewed Research
Backed by Clinical Evidence
85%
Pain Reduction
94 patients with chronic disc pain. Pain scores dropped from 6.05 to 0.89 over 8 weeks.
Pain Practice, 2008 — Stanford
+1.3mm
Disc Height Restored
CT-verified increase in disc height directly correlated with pain relief.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2010 — UCSF
90.5%
Patients Improved
267 patients — the largest non-surgical spinal decompression study in nearly 30 years.
Military Medicine, 2025 — Oxford University Press
Results vary by individual. Individual outcomes depend on condition severity.
Patients Who Avoided Surgery
Real patients who were told they needed surgery — and found another way.
Video Success Stories
Stephen K.
"I have a herniated disc between my L5 and S1 and a bulging disc between my L4 and L5, pushing on my sciatic nerve. I've had about 10 sessions on the DRX machine and it has done wonders. I have no more pain."
Greg M.
"I walked in here or actually crawled in. I couldn't stand up straight. A couple hours later I was able to walk out. I was in severe pain — just couple hours I was all right."
Joseph I.
"I had chronic back pain in my lower back. I was looking for better options. My back pain is drastically improved. I've been more active with my children, playing golf."
Barry M.
"I have spinal stenosis, which is the compression of the discs. The decompression is really working. I was having a tough time walking. I'm walking better now."
Tara H.
"I came in for several bulging discs in my neck and back. I was suffering for many years from pain. The decompression table has been a life-changer for me. I feel like a different person."
Verified Google Reviews4.9/5 Stars
"Dr. Madalian and his staff are exceptional. I have been successfully treated for a painful herniated disc on the DRX 9000 Lumbar True Spinal Decompression Machine, as an alternative to fusion surgery. Dr. Madalian's care, concern, expertise and treatment using the DRX machine helped me through a very tough time; for that I am grateful. I would highly recommend his services for any chiropractic needs."
"I found Dr. Henry when I had hip and lower back pain and was told that I would need surgery, but after his professional treatment I didn't need the surgery and living almost pain free. He and his staff are great."
"Came in with paralyzing lower back pain. 2 months later it's as if it never even happened."
"I've had lower and upper back problems for years. I am disabled. I've been to emergency rooms numerous times with back problems. I was tired of going to the ER, and getting pain injections that don't last. I called Dr. Madalian to see if I could get help."
"Awesome. Doctor Madalian is a lifesaver, he has straightened my back out so many times. I have walked into his office crooked and bent over with intense pain. His strong hands with the precise touch and adjustments helped me to then walk out standing up pain free. Madalian means no pain."
"Really helped me out big time. When I first visited him for my consultation, I couldn't even get up out of the bed straight up. I was able to feel normal again after my visits with Dr. Madalian."
Results vary. Call to see if you qualify.
Request Your Free ConsultationVisit Our Office
573 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9am–7pm · Tue: 2–7pm · Sat: 9–10am
What to Expect at Your Visit
You'll meet Dr. Madalian one-on-one
Not a tech, not a PA. The doctor personally evaluates every new patient.
Dr. Madalian will review your MRI/X-rays and explain exactly what's causing your pain
Bring any existing imaging. If you don't have any, he'll guide you on next steps.
Find out if you're a candidate for non-surgical treatment
Dr. Madalian will give you a straightforward answer based on your specific condition — and a clear path forward if further evaluation is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from patients considering surgery alternatives.
My doctor already recommended surgery. Can I still try decompression?
Yes. Many of our patients come to us after being told they need surgery. As long as you don’t have contraindications (like spinal fusion hardware or severe osteoporosis), you may be a candidate. Dr. Madalian will review your imaging and give you an honest assessment.
How does spinal decompression compare to a discectomy?
A discectomy surgically removes herniated disc material. The DRX9000 achieves a similar effect non-surgically — by creating negative pressure that draws the herniated material back into the disc. In a peer-reviewed study, 90.5% of patients reported improvement without any surgical intervention.
What if decompression doesn’t work — can I still have surgery later?
Yes. Decompression is non-surgical and does not change your spinal anatomy. If it doesn’t provide adequate relief, surgery remains an option. You lose nothing by trying the conservative approach first.
How many sessions will I need?
A typical treatment plan consists of 20–28 sessions over 6–8 weeks. Results are cumulative, with most patients feeling significant improvement within the first few weeks.
What does it cost compared to surgery?
Spinal decompression is a fraction of the cost of surgery. Depending on the procedure, spinal surgery ranges from $22,000 to $100,000+ when you include hospital, anesthesia, and rehabilitation costs. Many patients find decompression far more affordable even when paying out of pocket.