What does spinal decompression feel like?

Most people describe it as a slow, comfortable stretch through the low back or neck. You stay clothed, lying on the table in a harness, and the pull builds and releases in cycles rather than staying constant. It should not be painful. If it is, tell us — the force is adjustable and we will change it.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends on the presentation, and we would rather not guess before assessing you. What we can commit to is checking progress with you against the function scores we take at the start. If those numbers have not moved, we will say so and change the plan rather than continuing indefinitely.

Is spinal decompression the same as an inversion table?

No. An inversion table uses body weight and gravity, with no control over how much force reaches a particular segment. The Triton DTS applies a computer-controlled load to a targeted level, monitors how you respond and adjusts through the session. The two are not comparable.

Can spinal decompression help with a disc herniation?

It may help some disc herniations, typically by offloading the segment while the surrounding tissue settles, but it is not a repair. It is usually not suitable for a disc that has sequestered, where fragment material has separated. Some presentations need medical or surgical review instead, and we will tell you if yours is one of them.

Do I need a scan before starting?

Usually, yes. A scan is typically best practice before starting decompression: we examine you, take X-rays and review any MRI you already have, so the decision is based on the full picture. Bring any existing scans and reports to your first visit.

What does the first visit involve, and what does it cost?

About 30 minutes with Dr Matthew Schmerl, chiropractor: a full history, an examination, and a clear explanation of what we found and your options. If it is safe and suits you, you can be treated on the day. Fees are shown when you book online, so you see the cost before you confirm. X-rays are charged separately and only taken when clinically indicated.

Will I be pressured into ongoing care?

No. After the assessment we explain what we found and your options, answer your questions, and you decide what is right for you. If chiropractic is not the right fit, we will tell you and suggest who to see.

Spinal Decompression Therapy Brisbane

Spinal decompression therapy in Brisbane

Back or neck pain that hasn’t settled with earlier care? Find out whether spinal decompression suits you. A 30-minute assessment with Dr Matthew Schmerl, chiropractor, gives you an honest answer either way, and a recommendation if it doesn’t.

30-minute Initial AssessmentDr Matthew Schmerl, chiropractor · 20+ years in practiceWest Village, West End · 2 hours free parkingMonday to Thursday, often same dayNo referral needed

If you’ve had back or neck pain for a long time and earlier treatment hasn’t shifted it, spinal decompression may be worth assessing. At Vitalign in West End we use it as one part of your care, alongside adjustments, PowerPlate rehab and, where indicated, laser, rather than as a standalone treatment.

What spinal decompression actually is

Spinal decompression uses a computerised table to apply controlled, gentle traction to the spine. The pull builds and releases in cycles rather than holding steady, which is the part that distinguishes it from simply being stretched. Sessions run about 15 minutes and most people find them comfortable enough to relax through.

The intended effect is to reduce compressive load on a particular segment for a period of time, creating space and lowering pressure inside the disc, so that the surrounding tissue has better conditions to settle.

Being straight about the evidence

Research on non-surgical decompression is still evolving. It is not a cure, and the studies do not support presenting it as one. What the clinical picture does support is using it as one part of care, with measured outcomes, for carefully selected presentations. That is how we use it, and it is why we measure your function at the start and review it as we go, so you know whether it is helping rather than having to take our word for it.

The Chattanooga Triton DTS

The unit we use is the Chattanooga Triton DTS. Three things matter about it clinically:

It targets a level. The table lets us isolate specific spinal segments so the decompression force is applied where the examination says it is needed, rather than generally across the whole region.
It monitors and adjusts. The computerised system reads your response during the session and modulates the traction force accordingly. If you guard against the pull, the machine backs off rather than fighting you.
It handles both ends of the spine. The Triton DTS is used for lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) presentations.

Who this is for

Decompression may be considered for people with persistent low back or neck pain, with or without leg or arm symptoms, that hasn’t settled with earlier conservative care.

It isn’t right for everyone. We assess first and tell you honestly whether you’re a suitable candidate, including when you’re not, and when you’d be better served by a different approach or by someone else.

When we’ll say no

We can’t help a disc that has sequestered: where fragment material has separated from the disc itself. Some presentations need medical or surgical review, and we’ll say so rather than starting something that was never going to work. Being told no on the first visit is a better outcome than sessions that were never appropriate.

If you have a scan report and want to understand the condition itself, what a bulge or herniation means and how it usually behaves over time, see bulging and herniated discs and sciatica.

What a session involves

You lie on the Triton DTS table, usually face up, fully clothed. Matthew and Aoife or Erica position you and secure comfortable harnesses around the pelvis and trunk (or the head and neck, for cervical work). The system then applies the traction cycle for around 15 minutes.

You are supervised throughout. Most people find it unremarkable: a slow stretch, then a release, repeating. Some people find it mildly relieving during the session itself; that is a pleasant side effect rather than the point.

How it works

Assessment first, including validated function measures so we have a baseline to compare against.
Sessions of around 15 minutes on the Triton DTS.
Decompression used alongside adjustments, exercise and, where indicated, laser.
Progress checked with you against your starting scores.
An honest conversation if it isn’t working.

That fourth point is the one that matters most. Checking progress against a number you recorded on day one is what stops care becoming an open-ended commitment. If the score hasn’t moved, something needs to change: the approach, the diagnosis, or who you’re seeing.

Booking an assessment

If your back pain has been going on a long time and you want to know whether decompression is a sensible option for you, book a comprehensive assessment. You’ll get a clear answer either way, and if the answer is no, you’ll get a reason and a recommendation.

Find out what’s driving it, and what your options are

A 30-minute Initial Assessment with Dr Matthew Schmerl, chiropractor: history, examination and a clear explanation of what we found. If chiropractic isn’t right for you, we’ll say so and suggest who to see.

Monday to Thursday, often the same day. We see a limited number of new patients each week so first visits aren’t rushed. Fees are shown when you book online. HICAPS on the spot, two hours free parking.