Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non-surgical spinal therapy that gently reduces disc pressure, relieves nerve compression, and supports healing for back and neck conditions.

Non-Surgical Relief for Back and Neck Pain

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a safe, non-surgical treatment designed to relieve disc-related conditions of the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine. It works by gently stretching the spine to reduce pressure on spinal discs, joints, and surrounding muscles—allowing the body’s natural healing processes to function more effectively.

This advanced therapy is commonly used as an alternative to surgery for patients experiencing chronic or debilitating back and neck pain.

What Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy (DTS) is a pain-free, computer-controlled treatment that applies precise cycles of stretching and relaxation to the spine. This controlled decompression helps:

  • Reduce pressure within spinal discs

  • Improve disc hydration and nutrient flow

  • Relieve nerve compression

  • Decrease muscle tension and joint stress

By creating negative pressure within the disc, decompression therapy can help bulging or herniated discs retract, easing pain and inflammation.

Watch how non-surgical spinal decompression is performed by our expert health professionals .

The Three Phases of Spinal Decompression Therapy

Your spinal decompression program is delivered in three structured phases to ensure long-term results:

  1. Treatment Phase – Focused on reducing pain, disc pressure, and nerve irritation
  2. Structural Stabilisation – Supporting spinal alignment and disc recovery
  3. Muscular System Support – Strengthening and stabilising surrounding muscles to prevent recurrence

This phased approach ensures not only symptom relief but also spinal stability and long-term improvement.

Conditions Treated With Spinal Decompression

The Chattanooga DTS system is clinically designed to safely and effectively treat a wide range of spinal conditions, including:

  • Bulging, prolapsed, or herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc and joint disease
  • Spinal arthritis
  • Sciatica and nerve pain
  • Facet joint syndrome
  • Spondylosis
  • Chronic neck pain and low back pain
  • Pain radiating down the arms or legs
  • Pinched nerves causing numbness or tingling


Spinal decompression is particularly effective for patients looking to avoid back or neck surgery

What to Expect During DTS Therapy

During each session, you’ll experience gentle cycles of spinal stretching and relaxation that gradually increase to a therapeutic peak. This process is comfortable, controlled, and closely monitored by our trained health professionals.

  • Sessions typically last less than 20 minutes
  • Many patients report pain relief within 6–10 treatments
  • Treatment is tailored to your specific condition and tolerance


While pain relief may occur early, it’s important to complete the full treatment plan to allow proper disc and spinal healing.

Safe, Proven & FDA-Approved

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy using the Chattanooga DTS system is FDA-approved in the US and has demonstrated success rates of up to 91% in reducing or eliminating chronic back and neck pain. This makes it a trusted option for patients seeking evidence-based, non-invasive care.

Is Spinal Decompression Right for You?

If you suffer from ongoing back or neck pain, sciatica, disc bulges, or nerve symptoms—and want to explore a non-surgical solution—spinal decompression therapy may be right for you.

Our experienced allied health professionals will assess your condition thoroughly and determine whether DTS therapy is appropriate as part of your personalised treatment plan.

Contact PhysiMed Health today to book a consultation and find out how non-surgical spinal decompression can help you move and live pain-free again.

Specialised In:

Aged care | NDIS home visits | Support at home (SAH) | Women’s health | Incontinence | TMJ dysfunction | Osteoarthritis | Falls prevention | Clinical Pilates

Frequently asked questions

There is an abundance of scientific research promoting the use of Mechanical Traction / Spinal Decompression for an array of spinal problems.

The treatment itself is usually quite comfortable. In fact, many people listen to their own music during treatment, and some people actually fall asleep during the “Decompression” portion of the program. For some it is actually the first time feeling pain relief in a long time. However, if you are dealing with a disc problem yourself, you are already aware that people who are fighting disc problems sometimes come to us in pain – a lot of pain! Anything they do hurts. Rest assured, we will do everything humanly possible to make your time with us as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Fortunately, our table is equipped with an Automatic Shutoff Switch (the proverbial “Red Panic Button”). This small device can either be held in your hand or put where you rest your hands. If for any reason, you feel that something is not right with your treatment, simply push the button. The tension on the Decompression Table will release, and a buzzer will go off letting our staff know that something is amiss.

Spinal decompression is not a new concept. Rather, spinal decompression takes manual or mechanical traction a huge step forward by using computer technology to control treatment pattern duration, distraction / angle, intensity, and relaxation. However it is fairly tough to find clinics who have the equipment and this is due to the expensive cost of setup and the bulky nature of the devices.

Although Spinal Decompression Therapy is certainly NOT FOR EVERYONE, there are a number of common Spinal Problems that may be helped.

  • HERNIATED DISCS
  • SLIPPED DISCS
  • RUPTURED DISCS​​
  • DISC PROLAPSES
  • DISC TEARS
  • BULGED DISCS
  • DISC DEGENERATION
  • DEGENERATIVE
  • DISC DISEASE
  • SPINAL STENOSIS
  • FACET JOINT SYNDROME
  • SACRO ILIAC JOINT SYNDROME

There are many techniques that do not involve “manipulation” that we can use to correct neck problems. We will only include neck adjustments in your treatment if there is an objective clinical reason for doing so. We don’t include neck adjustments in your treatment if there are any indications that you would be at risk. Talk to us about your concerns.

No. We treat many patients who suffer from osteoporosis. Indeed, regular chiropractic care may help to protect patients from falls (and therefore osteoporotic fractures) by optimizing joint mobility, range of motion, balance and muscle tone. To correct spinal problems with patients suffering from osteoporosis we use specific low force techniques that allow for the brittleness and fragility of the bones

No. Some people can make their joints “pop,” but that’s not an adjustment! Cracking your spine is not the same as having your chiropractor assess your spine and specifically adjust selected joints. Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are so specific even your chiropractor can’t adjust themself.

Whilst some patients experience almost instant relief nearly all patients are feeling improvement in one to two weeks. There are many factors that affect your rate of healing such as your age, the type of injury, your general health and how long you have had the problem. Every person is different and so rates of healing will differ.

During your visits you’ll be presented with information regarding the objectives of each phase of care and the optimum type and duration of care needed to achieve these results. Once you have this information it is your decision to choose the type of care you require. How long you go to a chiropractor is always your choice and depends entirely on your personal goals for your health.

Many pregnant mums receive chiropractic care. Mothers often find that chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy improve their back pain, help prepare them for childbirth and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Our adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health to provide the most suitable care.

Treatments Using Research Bases technology

Book your Appointment