Excessive stress or injury to a disc weakens the outer disc fibers. As the outer fibers weaken, the interior of the disc bulges out, which can pinch the spinal cord or nerve root. With time, this weakening of the disc results in a loss of disc fluid (degenerative disc disease) causing the bones above and below to get closer together. This results in a more narrow hole (stenosis) through which the spinal nerve root exits. As the bulge increases and the space decreases, the spinal nerve root that exits at the level can be compressed (pinched). This leads to muscle spasms and inflammation (swelling), further diminishing the space for the nerve.
Because the normal mechanics (movement) of the joints are disturbed, this interferes with the normal pumping action supplying nutrition to the disc. Starved of adequate nourishment, the outer fibers of the disc become drier and weaker (degenerate), accelerating the process. Non-surgical spinal decompression is designed to break this cycle, restore proper spinal mechanics, improve disc hydration and improve disc nutrition.