Categories > Healthcare
The 5 Best Spine Specialists in Brisbane for Lasting Relief
Back trouble can upend your whole life, from an acute lifting injury at work to a child’s developing scoliosis.
The good news is that the best spine specialist in Brisbane is easier to find than you might think, since the city is home to some exceptional pros who tackle complex nerve and bone problems every day.
If your issues involve wider joint structures, seeing an orthopaedic specialist may help too, and for non-surgical recovery, a dedicated back pain clinic can offer targeted therapy.
So here is my shortlist of the specialists who stand out.
How much does it cost to see a spine specialist in Brisbane?
An initial consultation with a spine specialist in Brisbane generally costs $300 to $470, with Medicare covering a rebate of roughly $86 to $130 of that total.
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range | Medicare Rebate |
| Initial Consultation | $300 – $470 | $86.15 – $130.40 |
| Follow-up Appointment | $150 – $250 | Partial rebate available |
| Private Surgery (Out-of-Pocket) | $1,500 – $10,000+ | Varies by private health policy |
| Self-Funded Surgery (No Insurance) | $15,000 – $60,000+ | Minimal coverage |
| Public Hospital Surgery | $0 (Fully covered) | 100% rebated via Medicare |
1. Dr Paul Licina
Website: spineplus.com.au
Address: Level 1, 259 Wickham Terrace
Contact: 1300 52 53 54
Hours: By appointment
Dr Paul Licina is a highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon who focuses exclusively on complex spinal conditions. He spent years training in England under globally respected experts and brought that advanced knowledge back to his local practice.
I accompanied a close family member to see him last year for a complex disc issue, and the team coordinated everything beautifully, pairing surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists into one recovery system.
What stands out to me is how his clinic uses computer guidance and advanced imaging for precision during operations. He also favours conservative therapies before suggesting any major surgery.
That said, some patients have noted that the waiting room can get long on busy days. Communication around the final diagnosis can also feel a touch rushed when the clinic is packed. Once you are in the chair, though, the depth of expertise really shows.
Customer Reviews
I felt secure knowing I was in good hands
From Rob Whitney. I cannot speak highly enough of Dr Paul Licina who did a spinal fusion and laminectomy on my spine. From our first meeting I felt secure knowing I was in good hands. The op was highly successful the follow up treatment and support brilliant. Thank you Dr Paul for your wonderful skill and giving a quality of life to your clients. Rob Whitney.
– Kaye Whitney | Google Review
Thanks so much for your help and support
Dr. Paul Licina is a world class spinal surgeon, he is incredible. I needed significant spinal surgery (laminectomy and fusion) and after 4 weeks I’m feeling great. His team is also fabulous, from the moment you meet Jo and Nicole, to nurse Sarah, and then to Bec, Kate, Felicity and all the others, they are all lovely, caring and very professional. Thanks so much for your help and support.
– William Barrett | Google Review
2. Dr Dihan Aponso – QLD Spine
Website: qldspine.com
Address: Suite 1, Level 4, Front Building, 259 Wickham Terrace
Contact: (07) 3001 5200
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dr Dihan Aponso provides excellent assessment and treatment across a huge range of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal issues.
He completed his orthopaedic training in New Zealand before finishing multiple advanced spinal fellowships right here in Brisbane.
I like that his clinical focus bridges traditional open operations and modern, minimally invasive procedures. That makes his practice a strong fit for complex scoliosis and degenerative disc disease.
He also places a real premium on patient education, so you fully understand your body before making any big calls.
On the downside, the strict consultation structure can feel a bit question-driven for some people. A few patients have also walked away wishing for more direct emotional support during the initial diagnosis.
Even so, the thoroughness is exactly what you want for a serious spinal issue.
Customer Reviews
Very professional, caring and responsive
Dr Aponso was faced with a difficult situation with my spine with degeneration causing compression of certain nerves. It was quite debilitating. Dr Aponso devised a strategy to address the most pressing issues which he explained to me in detail. I could not be happier with the result. I found Dr Aponso to be thoroughly open about what recovery and treatment outcomes would look like, the risks involved and the costs. Dr Aponso and his team were very professional, caring and responsive.
– John Hughes | Google Review
Gave me invaluable information and a detailed explanation
Went first time to Dr Aponso this week. He is absolutely amazing and though at 83, the damage from arthritis has long been done to my spine, he gave me invaluable information and a detailed explanation with slides from my recent scan. His thoroughness and concern amazed me and as my condition will no doubt worsen with age, I will know instantly where to come for surgery, or further treatment. Thanks Dr Aponso.
– Robert Smith | Google Review
3. Spine First Neurospinology
Website: spinefirst.com.au
Address: Gabba Central Shop 1, 803 Stanley St
Contact: (07) 3707 3130
Hours: Monday, 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM; Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM; Friday, 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Spine First Neurospinology offers a genuinely different, non-surgical route for managing severe back discomfort.
The clinic uses a method called NeuroSpinology, which focuses on the relationship between your nervous system and spinal alignment, aiming to fix root causes rather than mask symptoms.
Their team uses muscle mobilisation techniques developed over two decades to stabilise and strengthen your back. They have helped thousands of locals find lasting relief from chronic sciatica and slipped discs.
And I like that every patient gets a care plan tailored to their lifestyle.
Because they stick to conservative, non-invasive therapies, however, they don’t offer surgery or traditional medical procedures. Their assessment methods also mean they choose not to use routine X-rays in the clinic.
Customer Reviews
Ample amount of knowledge
Alex is an absolute stunner. I went to visit him in 2024 to his Nundah clinic with a stiff spine. He has gained my trust in getting me back to action with a few visits in his multiple clinic locations last year. Now I have again had some concerns & with no hesitation I called him to get a session & he booked me in straight away to use his magical hands with ample amount of knowledge. Keep it up mate!!!
– Rehan Lambe | Google Review
Provided a clear explanation of his treatments
I highly recommend Spine First Neurospinology. I have experience from lower back pain since January. The pain significantly impacted my daily life. During my initial consultation with Alex, he provided a clear explanation of his treatments. After several sessions, I noticed significant improvement. Alex and Holly are exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and friendly, providing outstanding service. I highly recommend their services.
– Ishani Jayawardena | Google Review
4. Dr Toby Loch-Wilkinson
Website: sbnn.com.au
Address: Suite 2, Level 4, 259 Wickham Terrace
Contact: (07) 3831 4837
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Dr Toby Loch-Wilkinson is a highly skilled neurosurgeon who completed extra subspecialty fellowship training in complex spine surgery.
That dual expertise lets him treat intricate spinal cord conditions alongside standard structural issues, from tumours and fractures to adolescent scoliosis for patients aged 14 and up.
I consulted with him directly about an ongoing nerve compression issue and found his anatomical knowledge reassuring.
His practice runs on a structured pathway that guides you from diagnostic imaging through to post-operative physical therapy. He’s also proficient in keyhole techniques that cut down your hospital recovery time.
That said, his focus on optimal outcomes means he can seem hesitant to recommend surgery if conservative methods might still work.
A few patients have also found his direct style a bit dismissive of their own treatment ideas. For most people, though, that honesty saves them from an operation they may not need.
Customer Reviews
I was pain free from my spine injury
Dr Loch-Wilkinson was incredible. Explained exactly what was going to happen, decided that I needed to be seen ASAP. Although every case is different, for me I was pain free from my spine injury instantly post surgery. A lot of medical people have commented about how clear the stitches are.
– Janelle Caston | Google Review
Very professional, compassionate and friendly
I saw Dr Toby for 2 low back herniated disks. He is very professional, compassionate and friendly. He always looked at the best options for my own interest. I felt confident and in good hands, he also take the time to explain everything and make sure you understands. Dr Toby is a good person and a great Surgeon.
– J “jomanix” | Google Review
5. Dr Norman Ma – Briz Brain & Spine
Website: brizbrain.com.au
Address: Bowen Hills Medical Specialist Centre, Suite 1, 16 Thompson Street
Contact: (07) 3833 2500
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Friday, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Dr Norman Ma is a brilliant neurosurgeon who treats both adult and paediatric spinal disorders.
He completed advanced postgraduate fellowships in the United Kingdom, focusing heavily on functional neurosurgery and complex pain management, which makes him proficient with congenital spinal abnormalities and severe scoliosis.
Plus, his University of Queensland research keeps him current with modern medicine.
I like that he works as part of a large multidisciplinary brain and spine group, so he collaborates directly with neurologists and specialist nurse practitioners.
That team-based approach means several medical minds review your case before any big decision.
But because he’s a top-tier specialist inside a major hospital network, his practice doesn’t run like a standard local general practice.
His clinical time is also split across several neurosurgical fields, so he doesn’t focus only on basic back pain. For complex cases, that breadth is a real strength.
Customer Reviews
It has been very successful
Norman Ma is a great surgeon with a really lovely bedside manner. I had back surgery 11 months ago and it has been very successful. Dr Ma explained everything well, listened to my concerns re my allergies and took wonderful care of me. I highly recommend him.
– Maryanne Tipler | Google Review
