Spinal Traction & Decompression
Mechanical spinal traction in Reno — honest unloading care for disc and nerve-compression patterns, with evidence framed straight.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alan S. Bader, DC — Chiropractic Physician, Nevada License B-567 · Dr. Bader · Dr. Doyle · Last reviewed: July 2026
Unloading, explained honestly
Traction gently stretches the spine to unload compressed structures — giving irritated discs and crowded nerve roots breathing room while other care restores motion and builds support. You deserve the honest evidence picture: research on traction and decompression is mixed overall, with the most promising signals in specific nerve-compression (radicular) patterns — which is exactly how we use it: as a targeted tool for the patients whose examinations suggest they'll benefit, never as an expensive machine-branded 'program' sold to everyone.
What this includes
- Mechanical traction for lumbar and cervical patterns
- Selection by examination — disc and radicular patterns first
- Always integrated with adjustments, exercise and modalities
- Position-based unloading strategies you can use at home
- Progress tracked by symptom centralization — measurable, honest
- No branded 'decompression program' packages, ever
Every service starts the same way: a real examination and a plain-English report of findings. Call (775) 829-7575 or request an appointment online — same-week openings are usually available.
This page is education, not medical advice for your specific situation — an examination is how care decisions get made. If you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911. Full medical disclaimer.
In pain right now? Acute patients get priority scheduling. Call and tell us what’s going on — same-week appointments are usually available.
☎ (775) 829-7575Spinal Traction & Decompression — FAQs
Is this the same as those $5,000 decompression programs?
Mechanically, traction is traction — motorized branding doesn't change physics. We use it as one tool inside normal care, billed like normal care, for patients whose findings actually call for it.
What does it feel like?
A firm, gradual stretch — most patients find it relieving, some fall asleep. Settings are adjusted to your response, and it should never be painful.
Will it fix my herniated disc?
It may reduce the symptoms a disc is causing while your body does the healing — 'fix' is stronger than the evidence supports and stronger than we'll ever claim. Progress is measured in your function, not machine sessions completed.
What patients say
Reno Patients, In Their Own Words
“First time here… Friendly and efficient receptionist, she explained everything in detail. I saw Dr. Bader. Listened to my areas of pain, explained many things and my first adjustment was great. He is also friendly, has good “bedside” manners. They are a hometown health provider.”
“I’ve been seeing Dr. Bader for the last 15 years. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great bedside manor. The office is very well run… Most insurance is accepted and if it’s not, the cash plan is very reasonable. Walk in’s are acceptable and same day appointments are most likely.”
“Dr Bader is a Super Chiropractor! Palmer educated.”
“They actually work on fixing your issues with adjustments and therapy and get you in and out of the office in a timely manner.”
Real patient reviews from Google and Yelp, quoted word-for-word (ellipses mark trims — nothing else is changed). Individual experiences vary — care decisions always follow an examination. Read them all — unfiltered — at the sources.
Request an appointment
Tell Us What’s Going On
Fastest path is a call — (775) 829-7575 (Mon/Wed 9–1 & 3–5 · Tue/Thu 2–5 · Fri 9–1). Prefer to write? Send this and we’ll call you back, usually within the hour during office hours — after hours, you’re first on the morning list.
One Call Starts It.
Mon/Wed 9–1 & 3–5 · Tue/Thu 2–5 · Fri 9–1 · 294 E. Moana Lane, Suite 28