A new non-surgical option for persistent back and neck pain arrives in Chichester
A new non-surgical treatment option for back and neck pain is now available in West Sussex – and it’s already getting patients back doing what they love.
For many people living with long-standing back or neck pain, the journey can feel frustratingly familiar. Painkillers, rest, injections, repeated flare-ups, leading to conversations about surgery that don’t always sit comfortably.
Now, a new option has arrived in West Sussex that’s giving people another choice.
Chichester Spine Centre at Chichester Physio has become one of a small number of clinics in the UK to offer IDD Therapy — a non-invasive, computer-controlled spinal decompression treatment designed for people with persistent back pain, sciatica and neck-related symptoms.
“Until now, our options were limited,” says Lindy Griffiths, owner and clinical lead at Chichester Physio, who has spent over 30 years working with people affected by spinal pain.
“Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of patients get back to the activities they love,” says Lindy. “But there were always some people — often those with symptoms that had been present for a long time — where progress was limited. Until now, the next step was often injections or surgery.”
That changed when Lindy was introduced to IDD Therapy (Intervertebral Differential Dynamics), a treatment already used in specialist spine centres across the UK and internationally.
After visiting one of the country’s most established IDD clinics and seeing the results first-hand, the decision was made to invest. In January 2025, the IDD machine arrived at Chichester Physio’s Bosham clinic, creating what is now Chichester Spine Centre.
What is IDD Therapy?
IDD Therapy is a gentle, computer-controlled form of spinal decompression. Unlike traditional traction, it uses precise settings based on MRI findings to target specific spinal levels.
Following a 15-minute heat wrap, patients lie comfortably for around 25 minutes while the machine applies controlled, rhythmic decompression to the affected area of the spine. The aim is to reduce pressure within the spinal discs, improve movement and support the body’s natural healing processes — without injections or surgery.
Crucially, not everyone is suitable, which is why a detailed assessment and MRI review form part of the assessment process.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. It’s carefully selected for the right patients, and it always forms part of a wider rehabilitation plan.”
A patient’s story: “I got my life back”
Jana, one of the first patients to undergo IDD Therapy at Chichester Spine Centre, had been struggling with worsening lower back pain for several years.
Approaching 50, with young children and a love of water sports, running and skiing, her symptoms began to limit everyday life — including being unable to sit through last Christmas dinner with her family.
An MRI revealed multiple lumbar disc herniations. After researching her options, Jana discovered IDD Therapy.
I’d tried everything — massage, chiropractic treatment, stretching, YouTube videos — some of it helped briefly, but nothing lasted. IDD sounded like the first thing that made sense that wasn’t surgery.
The treatment itself, she explains, was straightforward and pain-free.
“You barely feel it. You just lie down, relax, and listen to music.”
What surprised her most was the importance of what came next.
“IDD was the thing that allowed me to start the journey, but the rehab afterwards made a huge difference. I discovered weaknesses in my core and posture that I didn’t even know I had.”
Today, Jana is back to full activity — water sports, running, weight training — without restrictions or pain.
“Compared to surgery, which felt frightening and invasive, IDD felt like it had only upside.”
More than just pain relief
At Chichester Spine Centre, IDD Therapy isn’t offered in isolation. It sits alongside expert physiotherapy, rehabilitation and long-term movement retraining.
“Relieving the pain alone isn’t enough,” says Lindy. “If you don’t address the underlying cause, the problem often comes back. Our role is to guide people all the way through — from diagnosis to recovery and prevention.”
A new option, closer to home
Chichester Spine Centre at Chichester Physio is now accepting referrals and self-referrals for people exploring alternatives to spinal injections or surgery.
For those who have been told “nothing more can be done”, this new approach could offer a different path forward — one that’s non-invasive, carefully assessed, and supported by experienced clinicians including Lindy Griffiths, Chartered Physiotherapist.
For more information and a free informal chat call Chichester Physio on 01243 783040, visit www.chichesterphysio.co.uk