Why Does Flexion Distraction at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. Feel So Good? Science Has the Answer
If you've ever been curious about just what your Auburn chiropractor is doing when treating your aching back with flexion distraction (aka Cox® Technic, you're not the only one. Many of your fellow Auburn chiropractic patients describe the gentle, rhythmic motions as surprisingly soothing, but what's actually going on beneath the surface is nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to front-line research, we now have a good idea of how this gentle technique works its magic on your spine – and the outcomes might astound you.
YOUR SPINE IN MOTION: MORE SPECIFIC THAN YOU THINK
Ever felt like your back was "stuck" or certain movements were just not going to be comfortable? That's just what researchers discovered when they utilized ultrasound technology to see in real time how the spine’s spinous processes moved during flexion distraction treatment. Kruse and colleagues (1) report that this treatment creates very specific, controlled movements of spinal spinous processes where your spine needs help most. Think of it like a skilled mechanic working on a precision instrument. Your chiropractor is not just moving your spine randomly – your chiropractor at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. is creating targeted therapeutic motion that addresses the precise spots where you're experiencing issues. For patients dealing with severe pain or those who've had previous back surgeries, this care means getting effective treatment without the concern of overly aggressive treatment.
GIVING YOUR DISCS THE RELIEF THEY'RE WANTING
Here's where things get quite interesting. You know that pressure you feel in your lower back, especially when sitting or bending? Researchers actually measured what happens to that pressure throughout a flexion distraction treatment – and the outcomes are striking. Gudavalli, Cramer, and Patwardhan (2) found that flexion distraction significantly drops the pressure inside your spinal discs. Envision your disc as a water balloon that's been squeezed too tight – that pressure causes pain and prevents healing. When your Auburn chiropractor performs flexion distraction, it’s like essentially loosening that squeeze, giving your disc room to ‘breathe’ and start the healing process. This pressure relief is game-changing for anyone dealing with herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. Lower pressure means lower pain, decreased inflammation, and finally increased chance for compressed nerves to heal.
OPENING THE DOORS FOR YOUR NERVES
Perhaps the most interesting discovery concerns what happens to the tiny ‘doorways’ where your nerves exit your spine. These spaces, called intervertebral foramina, can become restricted due to disc problems, bone spurs, or swelling – essentially trapping your nerves and causing that shooting pain, numbness, or tingling you might experience. Well, the same research team (3) found that flexion distraction essentially opens these nerve pathways, creating more space for proper nerve function. It's like widening a narrow hallway so people can move through easily again. When your nerves have adequate space, they can function like usual, transmitting proper signals throughout your body without the interference that causes pain.
WHY THIS KNOWLEDGE CHANGES EVERYTHING
Understanding what's really happening during your treatment transforms flexion distraction from a mysterious procedure into a logical, science-based solution. Your chiropractor at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. is not just "trying something that might work" – your chiropractor is utilizing a technique that simultaneously addresses three major sources of your back pain: ‘stuck’ spinal segments, extreme disc pressure, and compressed nerve pathways. This knowledge can boost your confidence in your chiropractic treatment plan and help you grasp why consistency of care matters. Your spine didn't get these issues overnight, and true healing takes time. But now you know that each gentle session is methodically addressing the root causes of your discomfort, supported by scientific evidence. The next time you're on our treatment table, you can relax knowing that proven biomechanical changes are occurring with each careful movement your chiropractor makes.
CONTACT Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Brandon Skiles on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for disc herniation.
Make your Auburn chiropractic appointment today.
