Using gentle, controlled stretching, spinal decompression improves space between the vertebrae that reduces pressure on compressed discs, nerves, and joints. This treatment helps alleviate chronic spine pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. Traction further enhances this by gradually stretching the spine to restore proper alignment and reduce tension, providing long-term relief for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, and more.
Releasing Tension & Restoring Content
During spinal decompression and traction therapy at Barczyk Spine & Joint, patients are positioned on a treatment table and the chiropractor applies gentle, controlled stretching to the spinal column. As the traction force is applied, you may feel a mild pulling sensation, which is completely normal. The process is typically pain-free and non-invasive, with each session lasting about 15 to 30 minutes.
Patients often experience gradual relief over time as pressure on the discs and nerves is reduced. Some may feel immediate improvement, while others may notice benefits after a few sessions. Your chiropractor will guide you through each step of the process and customize the treatment for your specific condition and needs.
Gentle Treatments for Maximum Relief
Both spinal decompression and traction, along with other chiropractic or rehabilitation treatments, can improve your posture, function, and quality of life. While spinal decompression focuses on relieving pressure on the spine and improving disc health, chiropractic adjustments address alignment issues, restoring proper function to the nervous system. By combining these therapies, we can help patients heal without invasive treatments or surgery.
These procedures target the root causes of pain and the surrounding structures, maximizing relief, accelerating recovery, and improving mobility. This holistic approach ensures continuous progress and helps prevent future injuries.
Meet the
Team
Dr. David J. Barczyk, DC, DACNB
Dr. Barczyk is a New Jersey native and has a B.S. degree in liberal arts from the University of the State of New York. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta, GA, in 1994. He has extensive post-graduate training in biomechanics, occupant kinematics, and accident reconstruction (over 500 hours). This includes participating in crash testing through the Center for Research in Automotive Safety and Health (CRASH) and Texas A&M University Engineering Department. He has observed and participated in over 50 crash tests with human volunteers, including his own crash test conferences, which were co-sponsored by Louisiana State Police. He is an ACTAR Certified Traffic Accident Reconstructionist. Dr. Barczyk is also a board-certified Chiropractic Neurologist, with 350 hours of post-doctoral work in developmental and functional neurology. He lectures regularly on the biomechanics of musculoskeletal and brain injury. Dr. Barczyk owns and operates Barczyk Spine & Joint, which currently has five locations in south Louisiana and stil I treats patients.
Dr. Holly Raggio-Guidry, DC
Dr. Holly Raggio-Guidry, a native of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, has a strong foundation in science, health, and patient care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and her master’s in Exercise Science from Northeast Louisiana University. Driven by a passion for chiropractic care, Dr. Raggio graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, TX, in 2004 and has been an integral part of the Barczyk Spine & Joint team since 2011.
With extensive post-graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of whiplash and spine trauma, Dr. Raggio is committed to providing patients with personalized care to help them recover and thrive. She also shares her expertise through lectures on injury prevention in the workplace, helping local businesses create healthier, safer environments for their employees.
Dr. Jean-Paul Abshire, DC
Dr. Jean-Paul Abshire grew up in Carencro, Louisiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2014 and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 2017. He has been with Barczyk Spine &Joint sinceJuly of 2023. He has post-graduate training that includes the treatment of dry needling, cold laser therapy, and myofascial therapeutic treatments.
Dr. Garrin Fontenot, DC
Dr. Garrin Fontenot, originally from Lake Charles and raised in Mandeville, Louisiana, has always interested in the mechanics of the human body. He earned his B.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Fitness Studies, along with advanced coursework in Health Sciences from the Louisiana State University in 2016. His passion for chiropractic care led him to Parker University in Dallas, TX, where he completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2019.
Dr. Fontenot has pursued post-graduate training in dry needling, expanding his expertise to provide even more specialized treatment options for his patients. His commitment to helping individuals achieve pain relief and optimal function drives him to continuously deepen his knowledge and skills in the field.
Dr. Joshua Regan, DC, Clinical Director
Dr. Regan was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. He completed his first B.S. degree from LSU in 2006 and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and second Bachelors of Science degree at Texas Chiropractic College in 2011. Dr. Regan has been a member of the Barczyk Spine &Joint since 2013. He has post-graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of whiplash and spine trauma, as well as Chiropractic Sports Physician.
Dr. Megan Begnaud, DC
Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Dr. Megan Begnaud has always felt a strong connection to her community and a calling to help others live healthier lives. She earned her first Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2011. Her journey in chiropractic care took her to the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon, where she earned both her Doctor of Chiropractic and a second bachelor’s degree in human biology in 2015.
Since joining Barczyk Spine & Joint in 2017, Dr. Begnaud has been a dedicated and compassionate provider, bringing her clinical expertise and personal touch to every patient interaction. She has completed post-graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of whiplash and spine trauma, allowing her to deliver effective, personalized care to individuals recovering from injury or managing chronic pain.
Dr. Benjamin Penton, MS, DC
Dr. Penton grew up in Midland, Louisiana and pursued his undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, furthered his education through graduate school at University of Louisiana at Monroe, and studied chiropractic care at Texas Chiropractic College. He is married to his wonderful wife, Jenna, and they have two precious children, Demi and Davis.
Dr. Matthew Gurzi, DC
Dr. Gurzi officially joined the Barczyk Spine & Joint team in April 2025, but his connection goes way back—he was once a City of Lafayette Aquatics swimmer coached by Dr. Barczyk himself! Born and raised in Lafayette, he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker University, where he also earned a Bachelor of Science with a focus in Anatomy. He brings a well-rounded skill set to the team, with extensive training in activator methods, Kinesio Taping, and is Webster Certified—a specialized chiropractic technique used to support pelvic alignment and relieve low back pain during pregnancy.
