Traction - F/D

HISTORY

Cox Traction & Flexion-Distraction therapy is a form of stretching/adjusting that revolutionized the chiropractic field some 40 years ago.  Over time the equipment and technique has evolved and today we are able to treat more lower back problems than ever before with these advancements.  Realizing that the traditional lower back adjustment wasn't a "cure all" for all lower back complaints, Dr. James Cox came up with the idea of incorporating certain stretching and traction type techniques into his adjusting procedures.  After seeing a substantial immediate impact on treatment outcomes, Dr. Cox quickly realized the advantages of this type of therapy over that of traditional chiropractic adjustments for certain conditions, such as those dealing with bad discs. 

THEORY

The Cox Technique is based in part on the idea that by inducing flexion-distraction (think bending forward at the waist while having your spine gently stretched apart) in the lumbar spine, you can reduce the pressure on the disc at that spinal level, thus creating more space for the exiting nerve root that is coming from the spinal cord.  This increased space releases the "pinched nerve" that is responsible for the pain.  

Of course, 'opening up' the lower back joints using this technique is also beneficial for a number of other conditions involving the lower back.  If you are affecting the disc, then you are affecting the joints as well. 

TECHNIQUE / CONDITIONS

Cox-Flexion Distraction Decompression Therapy is a gentle technique that is mainly used on the lower back but can be done on the neck as well.  Treatment with this technique is possible in any phase of a problem, either acute, sub-acute or chronic.  The treatment is typically pretty comforting and patients report the feeling as being weightless as it reduces pressure in the lower back. 

We tend to use this technique in our office mostly for cases involving a bad disc, whether it be ruptured or bulged, and is causing lower back and/or leg symptoms.  We also use this technique a great deal in cases where general chiropractic adjusting is contraindicated or the patient simply does not prefer that technique.

Typical day to day complaints are often treated with short term plans and results are often favorable.  More complex conditions such as those dealing with bad discs often require longer treatment plans.  In average 'disc herniation' type cases, we hope to see 50% improvement within at least 4 weeks of care.   Of course, individual results vary and many cases depend in large part to the patient's history, genetics, and lifestyle.  We often implement an active exercise / rehabilitation program with a long term course of care when dealing with discs and this will typically begin with the patient can tolerate the activities.  

RESEARCH

For research on the Cox technique, click here.