Spinal Decompression Program in Lighthouse Point, FL — Non-Surgical Relief for Back Pain and Disc Problems
When back pain stops you from doing the things you need to do — working, sleeping, moving through your day — the question is never just "what's wrong" but "what actually fixes it." For patients with herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and chronic lower back pain, Dr. Carol McNamara Krauss offers a non-surgical Spinal Decompression Program that has been delivering real results since 1986.
The program combines three technologies — the Antalgic-Trac® spinal decompression system, Class IV laser therapy, and shockwave therapy — into a structured, multi-week treatment protocol. It's one of the most complete non-surgical approaches available in South Florida.
The Three-Modality Protocol
Antalgic-Trac® Spinal Decompression
The Antalgic-Trac® is a computerized spinal decompression device that applies precisely calibrated distraction forces to the lumbar or cervical spine. Unlike older traction tables, the Antalgic-Trac® uses angle-specific positioning and variable tension cycling to target specific spinal segments rather than applying generic axial pull.
The mechanism: when distraction force is applied, intradiscal pressure drops. In a healthy disc, this negative pressure draws in nutrients and fluid — the disc's only mechanism for nutritional exchange, since adult discs are avascular. In a herniated or bulging disc, the negative pressure creates retraction force that can reduce protrusion. Compressed nerve roots get decompressed. Pain signals diminish.
For patients with sciatica caused by disc herniation at L4-L5 or L5-S1 — the most common presentations — this is often the most directly effective treatment available without surgery.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Applied to the spine following decompression, Class IV laser accelerates the cellular repair process. The photobiomodulation effect reduces inflammatory mediators in the disc and surrounding tissue, stimulates fibroblast activity for collagen production, and improves blood flow in the paraspinal musculature.
This means less pain between sessions, faster tissue recovery, and better long-term outcomes. The laser also reduces muscle guarding — the involuntary spasm pattern that develops around a painful spine — which makes decompression more effective.
Shockwave Therapy
For chronic back pain where normal healing has stalled — old disc injuries, long-standing degenerative changes, persistent facet syndrome — shockwave therapy delivers acoustic energy that triggers a fresh healing response. It's particularly effective for patients who've had pain for years and haven't responded to standard approaches.
Conditions This Program Addresses
- Herniated disc (lumbar or cervical) — bulging, protruding, or extruded disc material compressing nerve roots
- Degenerative disc disease — age-related disc height loss, chronic low-grade pain
- Sciatica — nerve pain radiating from the lower back into the hip, buttock, and leg
- Stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal causing pain and neurological symptoms
- Facet syndrome — pain from the small posterior joints of the spine
- Post-surgical back pain — persistent pain after laminectomy, discectomy, or fusion
What to Expect: Session by Session
Initial evaluation: Thorough history, physical examination, review of any existing imaging. If recent MRI or X-rays aren't available, Dr. McNamara will discuss whether imaging is needed before starting.
Treatment schedule: Typically 15–24 sessions over 6–8 weeks. Frequency is usually 3x per week initially, tapering as the patient improves.
A typical session:
- Brief check-in — functional assessment, pain scale
- Antalgic-Trac® decompression — 20–30 minutes at protocol-specific tension
- Class IV laser — 8–12 minutes over the treated spinal segments
- Shockwave — 5–10 minutes targeting chronic pain areas or paraspinal trigger points
Total session time: 45–60 minutes.
Realistic Expectations
Most patients experience a meaningful reduction in pain within the first 6–8 sessions. By session 12–15, the majority report significantly improved daily function. Full outcomes depend on the severity and duration of the condition:
- Acute disc herniations with recent onset respond fastest
- Long-standing degenerative disc disease takes longer but still responds well
- Sciatica with primarily disc-origin pathology responds better than stenosis-origin sciatica
Dr. McNamara is straightforward about prognosis. If she doesn't believe the program will help a particular presentation, she'll tell you — and help you find the right path.
About Dr. Carol McNamara Krauss
Dr. McNamara graduated from Life Chiropractic College in 1985 and has been in practice at this location since 1986. Her chiropractic physician license (CH5281) is active through 2028. Four decades of treating spinal conditions in South Florida has given her a clinical perspective that no amount of continuing education can replicate.
Patients across Lighthouse Point, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Coral Springs, and Fort Lauderdale have trusted her with their spines.
What Patients Say
"I was so pleased to find this practice; sheer professionalism from each of the three staff I dealt with. Dr. McNamara is clearly very knowledgeable and caring. I highly recommend this practice." — Greg Kealey
"My family and I have been going to see Dr McNamara for more than a decade. She always takes the time to understand what you're dealing with and provides excellent, personalized care." — Mike Taylor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spinal decompression covered by insurance? Many major insurance plans cover spinal decompression therapy. We verify benefits before your first treatment. PIP (auto accident insurance) also covers this program if your injury occurred within Florida's 14-day treatment window. Call (954) 943-1100 to discuss coverage.
How is the Antalgic-Trac® different from standard traction? Standard traction applies uniform pull. The Antalgic-Trac® uses computerized angle-specific distraction targeting particular disc levels, with variable tension cycling designed to avoid muscle guarding. The clinical distinction is significant.
Can I do this if I've had back surgery? Many post-surgical patients are candidates, particularly those with failed back surgery syndrome. We evaluate each case individually, including review of operative reports and post-op imaging.
Is the treatment painful? The decompression itself should not be painful — patients often report feeling a gentle stretching sensation. If a session causes increased pain, Dr. McNamara adjusts the protocol. Shockwave can be mildly uncomfortable over acutely inflamed areas.
How do I know if my sciatica is disc-related vs. something else? Disc-origin sciatica typically radiates from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg in a dermatomal pattern. Piriformis syndrome, stenosis, and other causes produce similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation and review of imaging helps Dr. McNamara identify the cause.
What's the difference between this and a chiropractor just "cracking" my back? The Spinal Decompression Program is a distinct protocol — mechanical distraction, laser, and shockwave. It's not chiropractic manipulation, though Dr. McNamara may incorporate adjustments as part of a comprehensive plan if appropriate.
Will I need to keep coming back indefinitely? No. The goal is a finite course of treatment that produces durable improvement. Most patients complete the program and maintain their results with occasional visits.
What about cervical (neck) disc problems? The Antalgic-Trac® can also be configured for cervical decompression. If neck pain and disc issues are the primary complaint, see our neck pain page or call to discuss.
What cities do you serve for spinal decompression? Patients come from Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, and beyond.
How do I schedule? Call (954) 943-1100 or contact us online. We're at 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.
Start Your Path to a Pain-Free Back
Call (954) 943-1100 or request a consultation. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8am–6pm | Tuesday 2pm–6pm.
Ready to Feel Better?
Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Carol McNamara.