Services
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Northern Nevada Chiropractic chose what we believe to be the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, state-of-the-art Spinal Decompression Therapy system in the world to relieve back pain. We selected this system because of its ability to treat discs in both the neck and the low back.
12 Spinal Decompression Treatments for the Price of 10
Buy 10 spinal decompression sessions and get two for FREE! Call to claim this special package today: (775) 829-8686.
Back Pain Relief Without Drugs or Surgery
Spinal Decompression Therapy is FDA cleared and has a very high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs – even after failed surgery. It is a non-surgical therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain.
We specialize in nonsurgical spinal decompression to help relieve back pain at Northern Nevada Chiropractic. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine and relieving intradiscal pressure from the spinal discs. Spinal discs are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine and if they are injured, ruptured, or out of place this causes pain and limited mobility. The therapy causes bulging or herniated disks to retract by creating negative pressure in the disc and stretching the spine, which takes pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.
A spinal disc in the neck or low back can be isolated and placed under negative pressure by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases, and by proper positioning, which causes a vacuum effect. The vacuum effect accomplishes two things:
- Disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc.
- The vacuum within the disc stimulates growth of blood supply and stimulates a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.
The computer head of the machine is the key because the pre-programmed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc re-hydration.
How Spinal Discs Cause Back Pain
Your spine is similar to 24 blocks stacked on top of each other and between each set of blocks is a disc. Discs are similar to a shock absorber on your car’s suspension. The outside of the disc is made up of tough fibers called the annulus fibrosus and the inside has a soft, jelly like substance called the nucleus pulposus. The jelly-like substance on the inside can protrude or leak out when your disc is injured or torn, which is called a herniated disc. This substance is highly irritating to the surrounding anatomy and is a source of back pain. Discs can bulge without herniating if the outer material is not torn. This is similar to stepping on a balloon and it bulges out to one side or the other without popping.
Bulging or herniated discs are a major cause of back pain. These conditions can also cause nerves to be pinched that can cause pain or loss of sensation in your extremities including legs, arms, toes, etc.
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc. These conditions include:
- Herniated, protruding or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Facet syndrome
- Arm or leg pain/numbness
Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Most certainly! One study used an MRI to document up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases. Other studies have reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved “good” (50-89% improvement) to “excellent” (90-100% improvement) results after completing treatment.
Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not recommended?
This treatment is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. Patients who have had spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or “cages”) are also not good candidates. However, spinal decompression after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed.
What should I expect with Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Treatment begins with a series of sessions typically three to four times per week. Each session is approximately 15 to 25 minutes. Following each session, electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound is applied to help relax your muscles and ligaments. It is administered to patients fully clothed either face down or face up on the table.
After treatment, your doctor may prescribe specific exercises designed to help you regain control and strengthen the co-contractor muscles which are responsible for stabilization.
Are the sessions painful?
The treatments are completely painless in almost all cases and some patients fall asleep during the session.
Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), chiropractic adjustments and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature, reduce inflammation and assist the healing process.
How do I get started?
Simply call the office at 775-829-8686 for your first appointment ask to set up a free consultation with one of the doctors so we can discuss your condition in detail. We will evaluate you for the best treatment options for your particular condition.

Dr. Welch’s tip to avoid back surgery
Spinal decompression therapy is a non invasive treatment to relieve back pain, as well as neck, arm, and leg pain. Treatments improve quality of life and can help you avoid back surgery.
Dr. Welch discusses relief for lower back pain with KOLO TV
Spinal decompression therapy is used for a number of different conditions, but most specifically for disc bulges. It is also a very effective treatment for patients with sciatica or lower back pain. It is a non surgical, non invasive therapy that is actually quite relaxing and the treatment gives significant relief to patients with lower back issues.
Research on the Results of Spinal Decompression to Relieve Lower Back Pain
There have been 15 studies done on the DRX9000, which is one of the spinal decompression tables we use at NNC. The studies report on results of using spinal decompression for bulging or herniated disk issues, and patients with chronic lower back pain. The results are impressive and leading in the industry. Just one more proof point for this non-invasive treatment to help relieve back pain without drugs or surgery.
NNC Offers Four Spinal Decompression Therapy Tables to Relieve Back and Neck Pain
We see tremendous results for patients using Spinal Decompression Therapy at Northern Nevada Chiropractic. There are several variations of spinal decompression and we have four specialized tables depending on the needs of the patient.
In this video, Dr. Welch and Dr. Riley walk you through the various tables explaining how and why we use them and what type of relief patients can expect from the therapies.
The first two are Lumbar Spinal Decompression tables and are most often used to relieve lower back pain and help heal bulging or herniated discs. The third is an Ergoflex Back on Trac table that creates traction from under the armpits and does not require a midsection harness. This is great for people who have mobility issues or do not want the pressure on their abdomens. The fourth table is for Cervical Decompression which relieves pinched nerves in the cervical spine that can cause numbing, pain, tingling, or weakness down the arms and in the hands.
Patient Testimonials
Listen to some of the results our patients have seen through treatments with Spinal Decompression Therapy.