Coming SoonSpinal decompression is coming this July
The first South Island clinic with the Spine MT Core. A focused, evidence-aware addition to our toolkit for disc-related back and neck pain that has not responded to other care.
What it is
Spinal decompression is gentle, computer-controlled traction. You lie comfortably on a motorised table while the Spine MT Core eases the spine into a slow stretch and holds it, easing pressure on the disc and the nerve beside it. Not a chiropractic adjustment, and not surgery.
20min
On the table
a typical, comfortable session
2/wk
Twice weekly
a typical treatment rhythm
3-axis
Directional control
distraction, rotation, and lateral flexion
The Spine MT Core
First in the South IslandComputer-controlled
Automated force modulation across every cycle, no manual operator dial.
Real-time tension monitoring
Live force graph runs through the session so adjustments happen on the fly.
True 3-axis control
Distraction can be combined with rotation and lateral flexion. Older traction tables can't do this.
Region-specific protocols
Tuned for cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and pelvic regions independently.
How it works
No cracking, nothing forced. Follow what happens at the level we are treating, one stage at a time.
You lie comfortably while the table gently lengthens the spine along its own line, then adds small, computer-controlled movements in up to three directions. Precise, and well within comfort.
That controlled stretch eases the pressure on the disc and the nerve beside it, and makes a little more room at the exact segment we are working on.
Discs respond to consistent, repeated loading, not a single visit. Over a course of sessions, that is the window the disc needs to take on fluid, calm down, and settle.
We describe what the treatment does, not a guaranteed outcome. We measure how you are actually responding at each review.
What it helps with
Spinal decompression is used for a range of neck and back problems, with the strongest evidence for disc-related nerve pain. Here is where each group sits, top to bottom.
Where it works
Neck and arms
Cervical spine
Lower back and legs
Lumbar spine
Nerves and narrowing
Across the spine
Strongest evidence for disc-related nerve pain, and not right for every spine. We screen for fractures, severe osteoporosis, pregnancy, recent spinal surgery and other red flags at the assessment, and tell you straight if it is not the right fit.
Is it for you?
Spinal decompression is for people who want to ease the load on their spine and feel more like themselves: less nagging back or leg pain, easier movement, and a real plan rather than another wait-and-see.
Take pressure off your spine
Ease the load on a disc and the nerve beside it with a gentle, controlled stretch.
Settle disc-related pain
For back or leg pain from a disc that has not eased with other care.
Support posture and mobility
Part of a wider plan to move more freely and sit and stand with more comfort.
Explore a non-surgical option
A considered step to try before committing to an operation, where that fits.
Not sure it is for you? Check if you are a candidate
Decompression versus surgery
Most people exploring spinal decompression have either been told surgery may be next, or want a way to avoid it. Here is how the two compare.
| Spinal decompression Our 2026 programme | Surgery Discectomy or fusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Gentle mechanical decompression | Surgical correction |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Invasive |
| Anaesthetic | None needed | Required |
| Recovery | None, carry on with your day | Weeks to months |
| Course | A course over several weeks | One procedure plus rehab |
| Reversible | Yes, you can stop any time | No, surgery is permanent |
| Best when | Disc-related pain, not yet surgical | Severe or progressive cases |
Surgery remains the right call for some cases. We will tell you straight if your presentation suggests a surgical assessment is warranted. Funding and eligibility decisions sit with the relevant specialist or ACC.
In experienced hands
Spinal decompression sits inside real Osteopathic care, not a standalone gym machine. Every programme is assessed and overseen by osteopaths registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand, with spinal-decompression-specific training.
Bringing spinal decompression to the South Island is how we keep raising the bar for the people we look after. We are always looking for better, evidence-led ways to ease pain and help people move well, as part of our whole-body approach to care.
Lorraine Herity
Principal Osteopath, BHO
How to start
Spinal decompression launches at our Fendalton clinic in July 2026. For now, the first step is the waitlist. When bookings open, here is the path.
Pop your details in below. Waitlist members are the first we contact when bookings open, with full details and the introductory cohort offer.
Before any decompression, you see a spinal-decompression-trained osteopath for a 30-minute assessment. We review any imaging, examine the spine and the joints around it, and confirm whether decompression is the right fit. ACC may cover this part for eligible injuries.
If it suits you, you start a structured course: short, comfortable sessions over several weeks, alongside your wider Osteopathic care.
We track how you are responding with proper outcome measures and a hands-on review partway through, then a final review to decide together what comes next.
Who it is for
If you recognise yourself here, it is worth a conversation. We confirm the fit at your assessment.
Long hours seated steadily load the lower-back discs. A focused way to ease that pressure.
Repeated lifting and bending is hard on discs. An option when a disc flares and will not settle.
Disc and back injuries that keep you from training, work, and the sport you love.
Disc-related pain that has hung around despite hands-on care and exercise.
Exploring a considered, non-surgical option before committing to an operation.
Degenerative disc changes and stiffness that get in the way of everyday movement.
Frequently asked
Waitlist
Waitlist members receive early-access booking, full details, and the introductory cohort offer. Launch is July 2026.
Or call 0800 67 77 00 to speak with us directly.
Go deeper
Honest, plain-English guides from our team on how it works, who it suits, and how it compares.
How does spinal decompression work? Learn how gentle, computer-controlled traction eases pressure on discs and nerves, and when it actually helps.
Could spinal decompression help your back pain, disc injury or sciatica? Learn who it suits, how it works, and how our Christchurch osteopaths decide.
Can spinal decompression help your sciatica or disc pain? Learn how it works, who it helps, what the evidence really says, and when to seek other care.
Want to avoid back surgery? Learn how spinal decompression works as a non-surgical alternative, when it can help, and when surgery is the right call.
