Our new Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression technology takes pressure off bulging discs and pinched nerves, reducing pain and improving function long term. In Doonside & Bonnyrigg, we are one of the only providers in Australia with access to this state-of-the-art technology.
Sciatica, Bulging Discs, or Chronic Back Pain?
If you've been living with on-going burning, shooting sciatica or referred arm pain, read on.
If you want to avoid surgery with an effective natural solution, this technology is may be a perfect fit for you. It's effective used for:
- Sciatica pain in the leg
- Bulging or herniated discs, including L4, L5, S1
- Nerve pain in the arm
- Degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis
Every case is unique. We thoroughly assess and diagnose every individual before recommending the use of this technology in you care plan.
What's special about this technology?
There are only a handful of these in Australia right now in 2026. We are proud to be able to provide access to this technology at our Doonside & Bonnyrigg locations. This is a completely new class of technology, allowing us to get long term results and the only technology cleared for use on pregnant patients.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a safe and effective, drug-free therapy that uses precise, controlled traction to create a negative pressure inside the spine, encouraging bulging or herniated disc material to get sucked back into place while boosting the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients the disc needs to heal long term.
Unlike common 'spinal traction' tables, this non-surgical decompression technology provides targeted treatment whilst bypassing the layer of muscular tension and resistance.
Considering Surgery? Read This First
If you've already had surgery booked, or your specialist has raised it as an option, it's worth understanding what the research actually says before you go under the knife. A 2025 study of 210 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, followed for a minimum of five years, found that while surgery produced faster short-term relief, it also carried real risks: reoperation was required in 12.3% of surgical patients, dural tears occurred in 5.7%, and wound infections in 3.3% [3]. By the five-year mark, outcomes between the surgical and non-surgical groups had converged substantially.
This doesn't mean surgery is never the right call, some people genuinely need it. But it does mean a structured, non-surgical approach is a reasonable first step for many people, rather than jumping straight to an operating table with its recovery time, cost, and risk of complications.
How It Works
Non-surgical spinal decompression isn't a quick five-minute stretch. It's a structured program built around your specific diagnosis, typically delivered over a series of sessions so your disc has time to respond and heal. Here's what that program actually looks like from your first visit through to your results.
If you've been living with ongoing back or neck pain and haven't found lasting relief, this new approach to decompression may be exactly what's been missing.
Before
During
After
Before any treatment begins, we complete a full history, physical exam, and a review of any imaging you've had. This tells us precisely which disc level, whether that's L4-L5 in your lower back or C5-C6 in your neck, needs targeted attention, and whether decompression is appropriate for you.
You lie comfortably, fully clothed, on our decompression table. The system applies a slow, controlled decompressive load calibrated to your condition, gradually reducing pressure inside the disc. Sessions are gentle by design, most patients describe it as a mild, comfortable pulling sensation rather than anything forceful.
Relief tends to build progressively across your treatment program rather than all at once. A 2025 case series recorded pain improvements of around 80% and disability improvements of around 50% over a full course of treatment, alongside MRI-confirmed increases in disc height [1].
A separate, larger 2025 review of 267 patients found 90.5% reported reduced pain after treatment [2]. Mild and temporary soreness after a session is normal, similar to how muscles may feel after exercise.
Why This New Technology
State-of-the-Art
Our non-surgical spinal decompression technology is cutting edge.
Exclusive
We're one of the only practices in Australia that has invested in this new technology.
Disc Specific
Treatment is targeted and bypasses muscular resistance with heat and vibration.
Lumbar & Cervical Decompression
Non-surgical spinal decompression isn't just a quick 5-minute stretch. It's a structured program built around your specific diagnosis, delivered multiple sessions allowing your discs time to respond and heal.
Lumbar Spine
Cervical Spine
Disc specific therapy for every level including L3, L4, L5, and S1. Ideal for disc bulges, sciatica, and the "L5 disc" pain so many people are told they have. A safe and effective natural alternative to consider before booking invasive and risky lumbar surgery.
Precision treatment for all disc levels including C5, C6, and C7. Helps with neck pain and pain radiating into the shoulder or down the arm. Often recommended for people weighing up cervical surgery or exploring a safe and natural alternative.
Non-Surgical Decompression Vs Surgery
For many people dealing with disc-related back or neck pain, surgery has felt like the only serious option left, especially once a specialist mentions it. Research suggests it's worth pausing on that first.
A 2025 case series found significant improvements in pain (80%), disability (50%), and subjective recovery (75%) following non-surgical spinal decompression, along with MRI-confirmed increases in disc height and a 77% reduction in visible disc herniation [1]. A larger 2025 chart review of 267 patients across 7 clinics found 90.5% reported reduced pain, alongside significant improvements in reflexes, muscle strength, and daily activities like walking, dressing, and sitting or standing [2].
Separately, a 2025 study comparing surgical and non-surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis found that while surgery delivered faster initial relief, it carried real risks, including a 12.3% reoperation rate, dural tears in 5.7% of patients, and wound infections in 3.3%, with outcomes between the two groups largely converging by five years [3].
That's not a reason to rule surgery out if you genuinely need it. But it is a reason to explore a structured, non-surgical program first, especially one built around precise, disc specific treatment rather than generic care.
Safety First
Spinal decompression is well tolerated by most people, but it isn't right for everyone. It may not be suitable if you have:
- Severe recent trauma
- Advanced osteoporosis
- Spinal fusion
- Currently pregnant
We never place you on the table without a proper assessment first.
Your safety and examination results guide every clinical decision we make.
We Don't Guess, We Test, meaning that you can rest assured knowing your in safe hands.
Be Among The First To Experience It
Book a consultation and find out if our new, state-of-the-art, spinal decompression technology could help you avoid surgery, naturally. Only available at a handful of locations across Australia. Book a time to visit Adjusting to Health's Doonside or Bonnyrigg location today.
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have an L5 disc problem?
L5 refers to the last bony segment of the lumbar spine, just above the sacrum. Discs at this level (L4-L5 and L5-S1) are among the most common sites for bulging or herniated discs because they carry a large share of your body's load. Symptoms often include lower back pain and sciatica down the leg.
What discs can cervical decompression target?
Our non-surgical decompression technology can target cervical levels including C5, C6, and C7, common sites for disc problems that cause neck pain, stiffness, and radiating pain, tingling, or numbness into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Is this the same as regular spinal traction?
No. Standard traction stretches the whole spine generally. Our state-of-the-art decompression technology allows us to target the affected disc.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your case. Published research on this therapy commonly involves treatment two to three times per week [1, 2]. We'll set out a specific plan for you after your initial assessment and daignosis.
Does spinal decompression hurt?
No. Most patients describe it as a mild and relaxing, deep pulling sensation. Some mild soreness afterward is normal and can indicate healing is taking plan, similar to how muscles feel after exercise.
I already have surgery booked, can I still try this?
Yes. Many people that are already booked in for spinal surgery or have an upcoming consultation with a neurosurgeon come to us to see whether a non-surgical decompression approach is appropriate before going under the knife and anesthesia.
Bringing in your imaging and surgical referral to your assessment will allow our professional team to give you an honest opinion on what could be the best path for you.
References
- Connolly J, Luginsland L, Welsh S, et al. Clinical and Imaging Outcomes of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Lesions: A Case Series. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. (2025); 8(1):81-87.
- Schueren S, Luginsland LA, Ariza GM, et al. Retrospective Chart Review of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression as a Therapeutic Modality for Low Back Pain. Military Medicine. (2025); 190 (Supplement-2):134.
- Liu X, Wu Y, Ma P, Xu H, Qiu M, Kang L. Long-Term Prognosis of Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Journal of Pain Research. (2025); 18:7311-7326.