Gentle, Non-Surgical Relief
Herniated disc? Sciatica? Chronic back pain? Dr. Rob Kelch uses the FDA-cleared Chattanooga Triton to decompress your spine without surgery, drugs, or downtime. Most patients feel relief within the first few sessions.
I had a herniated disc and was told surgery was my only option. After 16 sessions with Dr. Kelch on the decompression table, I was back to work pain-free. Saved me from going under the knife.
— David M., Dunlap IL ★★★★★
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves. Using the FDA-cleared Chattanooga Triton — a computer-controlled traction table — we create negative pressure within the discs, allowing herniated or bulging material to retract and drawing healing nutrients back in.
Unlike traditional manual traction, the Chattanooga Triton uses precisely programmed pulling forces that cycle between stretching and relaxation. This prevents your muscles from guarding against the treatment, making it both more comfortable and more effective.
At Absolute Wellness, Dr. Rob Kelch brings over 15 years of chiropractic experience to every decompression treatment — combining the Chattanooga Triton with a personalized approach to care that addresses your specific condition, not just your symptoms.
The Chattanooga Triton is clinically effective for a wide range of disc and nerve conditions — especially those that haven't responded to standard chiropractic care, physical therapy, or medication.
When soft inner disc material pushes through the outer layer, it compresses nerves and causes severe pain. Chattanooga Triton decompression creates negative pressure that helps retract herniated material.
Bulging discs extend beyond their normal boundary and can cause significant pain and nerve irritation. Decompression gently pulls the disc back toward its proper position.
Shooting pain down your leg from compression of the sciatic nerve. Decompression relieves pressure on the nerve roots, reducing pain, numbness, and tingling in your legs and feet.
As discs wear down with age, they lose height and hydration. Decompression creates space for nutrient-rich fluids to re-enter the disc, supporting natural healing and long-term relief.
When narrowing of the spinal canal or vertebral compression pinches nerves, it causes pain, numbness, and weakness. Decompression creates space to relieve that pressure.
Still in pain after back surgery? Some post-surgical patients are candidates for decompression. Patients with spinal fusion or surgical hardware usually are not, so Dr. Kelch reviews your surgical history and imaging before recommending treatment.
The Chattanooga Triton uses precisely programmed traction to create negative pressure inside your spinal discs — pulling herniated material back in and allowing healing fluids to flow into damaged tissue.
You lie comfortably on the Chattanooga Triton table. A harness applies gentle, computer-controlled traction to your spine in precise cycles — no sudden force, no jarring movements.
The controlled stretching creates negative intradiscal pressure — essentially a suction effect that draws herniated or bulging disc material back toward its natural position.
The same negative pressure draws oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids back into the damaged disc — supporting natural repair of disc tissue that has poor blood supply on its own.
As disc pressure on nerves is reduced and disc tissue heals, inflammation drops and pain subsides. Most patients feel meaningful improvement within the first few sessions.
Dr. Kelch reviews your medical history, symptoms, and any existing imaging (MRI or X-rays). He determines whether Chattanooga Triton decompression is right for your specific condition — and if so, customizes your treatment parameters.
You lie fully clothed on the Chattanooga Triton table. A comfortable harness is fitted around your hips for lumbar (lower back) treatment or your neck for cervical treatment.
The table cycles gently between stretching and relaxation. Most patients read, listen to music, or fall asleep. It's that comfortable.
Most patients need 12–20 sessions over 6–10 weeks, scheduled 2–3 times per week. Dr. Kelch will map out your full plan at your first visit so there are no surprises.
We typically combine decompression with chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle guidance. The combination produces better long-term outcomes than decompression alone.
Avoid the risks, costs, and months of recovery from back surgery. Decompression therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and effective for many of the same conditions — at a fraction of the cost.
"Six months of sciatica pain, two pain specialists, cortisone shots — nothing worked. Dr. Kelch's decompression therapy fixed it in 5 weeks. I wish I'd gone to him first."
— Lisa T., Peoria Heights IL"My MRI showed two herniated discs at L4-L5. My orthopedist recommended surgery. After 18 decompression sessions with Dr. Kelch, I cancelled the surgery. My follow-up MRI showed significant improvement."
— Tom R., Dunlap ILSpinal decompression helps many people with disc-related back and neck pain, but it isn't right for everyone. Dr. Kelch screens every patient with a health history, exam, and review of any MRI or X-rays before recommending treatment. If decompression isn't a good fit, he'll tell you and help you find the right next step.
This list isn't complete. Bring your imaging and a list of your medications to your first visit, and Dr. Kelch will go over your history in detail. If you have sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening leg weakness, seek emergency care right away.
If you're dealing with a herniated disc or sciatica, you've probably heard about several treatment options. Here's an honest look at how they compare, so you can make the choice that's right for you.
| Spinal Decompression | Epidural Steroid Injection | Back Surgery | Regular Traction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Computer-controlled stretching of the spine on a specialized table | Steroid medication injected near the irritated nerve | Surgical removal of disc material (discectomy) or fusing vertebrae | Steady or manual pulling on the spine |
| Goal | Reduce pressure on discs and nerves | Reduce nerve inflammation and pain | Physically remove what's pressing on the nerve | Separate the vertebrae to ease pressure |
| Invasive? | No | Minimally (needle) | Yes | No |
| Medication | None | Corticosteroid, often with a numbing agent | Anesthesia, often pain medication during recovery | None |
| Downtime | None; most people return to normal activities the same day | Usually rest for the day of the injection | Weeks to months, depending on the procedure | None |
| Typical course | 12–20 sessions, 2–3 per week | 1 injection, sometimes repeated; usually limited to a few per year | One procedure plus rehab | Varies |
| Main risks | Temporary soreness; not suitable for everyone (see above) | Infection, headache, temporary pain flare, side effects of repeated steroid use | Infection, nerve injury, anesthesia risks, scar tissue, need for further surgery | Muscle guarding can limit its effect; temporary soreness |
| Best suited for | Disc-related pain in people who want a non-surgical, drug-free option | Short-term relief of nerve inflammation, often alongside other care | Severe or progressive nerve damage, or cases that don't respond to conservative care | Mild cases and general stretching |
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These options aren't always either/or. Some patients use decompression after an injection, and some still need surgery. Decompression is often tried before surgery because it's non-invasive. If you have severe or worsening weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, surgery may be the right call, and Dr. Kelch will refer you.
Both stretch the spine, but they work differently. Regular traction applies a steady or manual pull, and your back muscles tend to tighten up against it, a reflex called muscle guarding. The Chattanooga Triton uses computer-controlled cycles that gradually increase and release the pull, which helps keep muscles relaxed so the stretch can reach the disc. The table can also be adjusted for your height, body weight, and the specific level of your spine being treated.
We use the Chattanooga Triton — a proven, computer-controlled decompression table with precise traction settings tailored to your specific condition. Not all decompression tables are equal.
Dr. Kelch brings over 15 years of chiropractic experience to every decompression case. He takes the time to understand your specific condition and dials in the Chattanooga Triton settings for you — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
We combine Chattanooga Triton decompression with chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle coaching for superior long-term results.
Decompression isn't right for everyone. Dr. Kelch screens every patient first and will tell you straight if another option would serve you better — before you commit to a treatment plan.
Have a question about spinal decompression therapy in Peoria? Call us at (309) 693-8448 — we're happy to answer anything before you book.
More questions? See our full FAQ page →
$49 New Patient Special includes a full consultation, comprehensive exam, X-rays if needed, and your first adjustment — a $250 value. Same-day appointments available.
Comprehensive spinal adjustments that complement your decompression treatment for faster, lasting results.
Learn More →Therapeutic massage reduces muscle tension and enhances the effectiveness of your decompression sessions.
Learn More →Auto accidents commonly cause disc herniations. We treat whiplash and disc injuries and work with your insurance.
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