Cox Distraction

gentle, safe, and
research-based

The COX table was developed to address herniated discs and other spinal conditions such as facet syndrome, sciatica, neck, and lower back pain due to misalignments or subluxations. Achieve Health Maumee offers Maumee Cox Distraction services.

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 Cox Flexion Distraction Defined

The goal of Cox Flexion-Distraction is to decompress the spine by applying gentle stretching or traction to the neck and/or lower back. The Cox Flexion Distraction technique is performed on a special table (designed by Dr. Cox), which has moving parts to effectively separate the vertebrae of the spine. The combination of this special adjustment table and very gentle pressure utilizes flexion-distraction and decompression to increase the disc height between the vertebrae, decompressing the spinal column and restoring the spinal joints to their proper alignment and range of motion. The chiropractor can adjust the different sections of the table to neutralize the effects of gravity and then apply gentle pressure to the affected areas as they move through a more normal range of motion. Movements are repetitive and usually slow, without any quick thrusts or undue pressure.

The Cox flexion/distraction  technique has been found to:

  • Reduce pressure within the disc
  • Widen the spinal canal
  • Improve range of motion in the spinal joints
  • Improve posture
  • Reduce pressure on spinal nerves
  • Increase circulation
  • Improve nerve communication

About

It is gentle, safe, and research-based.  Is an “established technique” with data collection from nearly 30 years of diligent study by its founder, Dr. James M. Cox, DC, DACBR, and the many physicians who have studied with him.

It delivers relief relatively quickly. In the largest data collection of low back pain outcomes (1,000 cases), a mean of 12 visits in 29 days to relieved pain. For cervical spine, 13 visits was the mean. These averages may differ for individual conditions and patients.

It relies on cooperation from the doctor ~ to be knowledgeable of diagnosis and proper treatment application ~ and from the patient ~ to make the appointments, to do home care, modify lifestyle as necessary.

Spinal pain related conditions that may benefit from Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression may include:

  • Lumbar disc herniation
  • Cervical disc herniation
  • Neck and Arm Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Leg Pain
  • Radiculopathy (Leg Pain) sciatica
  • Thoracic disc herniation
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Facet syndrome
  • Pelvic pain
  • Headache
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pregnancy back pain
  • Subluxation
  • Mechanical back pain
  • Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Knee pain, to list a few conditions.

The Lumbar Spine Adjustment:

The doctor will hold the spinous process (the back part of the vertebra that feels like a “bump” on your spine) to isolate a single segment for treatment. The distraction manipulation is applied manually by the doctor to the patient’s low back at the level(s) of the spine to be treated or that are painful. The doctor controls all motion and notes the spine’s response to treatment. To attain these motions, the table goes “up and down” (flexion and extension), goes “side to side” (lateral flexion), or moves in a circular motion (circumduction). All movements are slow and to the patient’s tolerance.

The downward process on the Cox Distraction table creates a negative pressure drawing the herniated disc back to center. Not all disc herniations are created equal. A thorough examination will help determine if your type will respond to this treatment.