Tag: neck pain

Cox Flexion Distraction Technique

If you’ve ever experienced a pinched nerve in your neck or back that causes pain to radiate into an arm or leg, you know how disruptive it can be to your everyday life. Finding the right treatment to relieve that discomfort and restore mobility is critical. One of the most effective chiropractic techniques for treating these problems is Cox Flexion Distraction. This safe, gentle, and non-invasive method helps to decrease pressure on the nerves and discs. In this blog, we’ll explore what Cox Flexion Distraction is, how it works, and how it can help you.

What Is Cox Flexion Distraction?

Cox Flexion Distraction is a specialized chiropractic technique developed by James Cox, DC. This method is designed to treat a wide range of spinal conditions using a unique table that moves in specific ways to decompress the spine. It’s a hands-on, low-force adjustment approach that gently alleviates pressure on the spine and spinal nerves.

How Does It Work?

Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments, which may involve sudden, forceful movements, Cox Flexion Distraction is a slow and controlled technique. Here’s how it works:

  1. It lowers disc pressure to as low as -192mm Hg. This creates a vacuum effect which helps to pull the herniated or bulging disc away from the nerve that is being pinched.
  2. It opens the space between the vertebrae where the nerve exists the spine by up to 28%, which reduces pressure on the spinal nerves.
  3. It restores motion to the spinal joints.

Who Can Benefit from Cox Flexion Distraction?

Cox Flexion Distraction is a versatile technique that can help a variety of spinal issues. Some common conditions it can help include:

  • Herniated or Bulging Discs: If you’re dealing with a herniated disc, the disc material is likely pressing on nearby nerves, causing pain and discomfort. Cox Flexion Distraction helps reduce this pressure, allowing the disc to retract and the inflammation to decrease.
  • Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is being pinched, often due to a herniated or bulging disc or spinal stenosis. The Cox technique can gently decompress the spine, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and reducing pain that radiates down the leg.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: With age or wear and tear, the spinal discs may degenerate, leading to chronic back pain. Cox Flexion Distraction can help treat disc degeneration by creating space and promoting movement in the affected area.
  • Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the nerves. Cox Flexion Distraction helps create space in the spinal canal, relieving pressure on the nerves and improving symptoms.
  • Facet Joint Syndrome: When the joints between the vertebrae become inflamed, they can cause significant discomfort. Cox Flexion Distraction gently mobilizes the joints, promoting better function and reducing pain.

Why Choose Cox Flexion Distraction?

One of the main reasons people choose Cox Flexion Distraction is that it’s safe, gentle, and effective. For those who may not tolerate traditional chiropractic adjustments, this low-force technique provides an excellent alternative.

Here are a few key benefits:

  • Non-surgical: This is a conservative treatment method that can often help patients avoid surgery.
  • Minimal Discomfort: Many patients find that Cox Flexion Distraction is more comfortable compared to other forms of spinal manipulation. The slow, controlled movements are gentle and relieve pressure without sudden or forceful adjustments.
  • Proven Results: Cox Flexion Distraction has been extensively studied and shown to provide significant pain relief and improved mobility in patients with various spinal conditions.

Is Cox Flexion Distraction Right for You?

If you’re dealing with back or neck pain, sciatica, or any of the conditions mentioned above, Cox Flexion Distraction may be a great option for you. It’s especially well-suited for people looking for a non-surgical, non-forceful solution to spine pain.

Ask Flynn Chiropractic about whether this technique could be beneficial for your specific condition. With its ability to reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote spinal health, Cox Flexion Distraction could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Interested in Learning More?

At Flynn Chiropractic, we specialize in providing Cox Flexion Distraction therapy. If you’re struggling with spinal pain or looking for a gentle and effective treatment option, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation.

Thompson Drop Technique: A Gentle Approach to Chiropractic Care

When it comes to chiropractic adjustments, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” method. Every patient is unique, and so are their needs. That’s why chiropractors use various techniques to ensure optimal care for each individual. One of the most popular and patient-friendly methods is the Thompson Drop Technique. Whether you’re familiar with chiropractic care or new to it, this gentle yet effective technique is worth understanding.

What Is the Thompson Drop Technique?

The Thompson Drop Technique was developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson in the 1950s. It’s a chiropractic method that uses a specially designed table with segmented drop pieces. There are usually drop pieces for the neck, upper/mid back, lower back, and pelvis. The drop pieces are slightly elevated under the area of the spine that is to be adjusted and they drop down during the adjustment.

Here’s how it works: The chiropractor applies a controlled, quick thrust to the area of the spine or joint that needs realignment, and the drop pieces of the table simultaneously drop in response to the force. This action helps with the adjustment by utilizing the natural force of gravity, making the process smoother and more efficient.

How Does the Thompson Drop Technique Differ from Traditional Adjustments?

Traditional chiropractic adjustments often involve manual manipulations where chiropractors use their hands to apply a specific amount of force to move joints or vertebrae. There is usually a cracking sound during the adjustment. Many times the lower back and neck are twisted during the adjustment. While these methods can be effective, they might feel more intense for some patients, especially those with sensitivities, arthritis, chronic pain, or fear of adjustments.

The Thompson Drop Technique, on the other hand, is known for its gentleness. The drop piece amplifies the force of the thrust from the chiropractor, so the chiropractor doesn’t have to apply as much pressure during the adjustment. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who may not tolerate more forceful techniques well.

Who Can Benefit from the Thompson Drop Technique?

One of the major advantages of the Thompson Drop Technique is its versatility. It’s suitable for a wide range of patients, including:

  • Patients with chronic pain who require a more delicate approach to chiropractic care.
  • Individuals with spinal misalignments that need to be corrected without using high-force manipulations.
  • Those with joint conditions or stiffness that make traditional adjustments uncomfortable.
  • Patients who are nervous about the intensity of manual chiropractic adjustments.
  • Elderly patients or those with osteoporosis, who may need a gentler method due to bone fragility.

Key Benefits of the Thompson Drop Technique

  • Gentle yet Effective: The technique is designed to deliver results with minimal force and discomfort. The drop pieces help align the spine and joints without aggressive force, making the experience smoother.
  • Comfortable for Patients: Many patients report feeling more comfortable and relaxed during the Thompson Drop Technique compared to traditional “cracking adjustments.” With this technique the adjustment is done primarily with you lying face down on the table without any twisting and turning of your neck or lower back. The cracking sound does not occur with this adjustment.
  • Precise Adjustments: This technique allows for targeted adjustments in specific areas of the spine or joints. The chiropractor can adjust each drop section of the table to match the unique needs of the patient.
  • Improves Functionality and Mobility: By restoring proper alignment, the Thompson Drop Technique can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance function.
  • Customizable for Various Conditions: Whether you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, or sciatica, this technique can be adapted to address many different issues.

What to Expect During a Thompson Drop Technique Adjustment

If it’s your first time experiencing the Thompson Drop Technique, here’s what to expect:

  1. Assessment: Your visit will start with assessing your spine and areas of discomfort. This helps determine which areas need to be adjusted.
  2. Positioning: You’ll lie on a specialized drop table, which is designed to support your body while providing precise drops where needed.
  3. Adjustment: A quick thrust will be given to the restricted joints, and you’ll feel the table segment drop slightly. The drop helps align the vertebrae or joints with minimal force applied directly to your body.

Is the Thompson Drop Technique Right for You?

If you’ve been hesitant to try chiropractic care because of concerns about forceful adjustments, or if you have specific conditions that require a gentler approach, the Thompson Drop Technique could be an excellent choice for you. It’s designed to offer a comfortable, safe, and effective way to address spinal misalignments and improve your function. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of the Thompson Drop Technique or simply want to learn more about how it can help you, contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Feel Better Faster With Laser

Low-Level Laser Therapy

At Flynn Chiropractic, is thrilled to introduce our latest tool in pain management: the PainBuster® super pulsed laser. This cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment is designed to provide fast, effective relief from pain and inflammation. A growing body of research supports low-level laser therapy as an effective, non-invasive alternative for pain relief.

Low-level lasers used in pain treatment emit low levels of light that penetrate the skin without causing heat or damage. This light energy is absorbed by cells, triggering a series of physiological responses.

Laser therapy works through several mechanisms. It stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells, which enhances cellular function and promotes tissue repair. It reduces inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory molecules. It helps to decrease pain perception by blocking pain signals in the nerves and increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It increases blood flow to the area being treated.

The PainBuster® Super Pulsed Laser

The PainBuster® uses a 905nm infrared laser. The 905nm wavelength can penetrate deep into tissues, making it effective for treating conditions that require treatment at deeper levels, such as joint or muscle pain. It also has 2 luminescent diodes of 875nm and 635nm. Together the 3 different wavelengths of light are delivered precisely and efficiently into the target area, which helps to reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and alleviate pain.

The PainBuster® laser is an FDA-registered device for use with:

  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Arthritis
  • Muscle spasm
  • Relieving stiffness and promoting relaxation of muscle tissue
  • Temporarily increasing local blood circulation

Benefits of The PainBuster® Laser:

  • Safe: Painless and well-tolerated by most patients.
  • Effective Pain Relief: The laser can target pain at its source. Many patients experience significant pain reduction after just a few sessions. Chronic conditions and those with severe pain may need 10-15 treatments for good results.
  • Non-Invasive: No medication, injections, or surgery required.
  • Versatile: Effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions

Combining laser therapy with chiropractic adjustments provides a more effective and comprehensive approach to managing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Laser therapy, when used alongside chiropractic care, can accelerate healing, reduce inflammation quicker, and alleviate pain faster than chiropractic care alone. This safe and non-invasive treatment option is highly effective for managing pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and joint disorders.

Frequently asked laser questions:

What does the laser treatment feel like?

Low-level lasers are also known as cold lasers because they don’t generate heat during use. The goal isn’t to create heat but to stimulate cellular activity, increasing energy production for healing and repair. During treatment, most people experience little to no sensation, though some may notice mild warmth due to increased blood flow in the targeted area. Many patients report reduced pain, improved range of motion, and a calming, relaxing effect during and immediately after the session. It’s important to remember that the true benefits of laser occur over time with each follow-up treatment.

Is laser therapy covered by insurance?

No. Laser is not covered by major medical insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

What is the cost of laser treatment?

$20.00 per treatment at Flynn Chiropractic.

How many treatments do I need?

It depends on the severity of your pain, the level of inflammation and swelling, and how long the complaint has been present.

Can everyone use laser therapy?

Laser use is to be avoided:

  • In those with cancer or a history of cancer
  • A fever higher than 100.4°
  • Near a pacemaker or other electrical medical implants
  • Over a recent steroid injection
  • In those with epilepsy or a history of seizures, the pulsed light may trigger a seizure.
  • If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. This device has not been tested on pregnant women and the effects of using the device while pregnant or breastfeeding are unknown.
  • Sensitivity to light or heat. Certain medications, soaps, cosmetics, foods, supplements, and other conditions can make you more sensitive to light or heat.

Average Healing Time


How long will it take to get better? Everyone wants quick relief from pain, and it can be frustrating when recovery doesn’t progress as quickly as expected. However, it’s important to remember that the healing timeline for musculoskeletal structures generally ranges from weeks to months.

Here’s a summary of the average healing times for various injuries:

  • Joint: 2 weeks to 3 months
  • Muscle Strain:
    • Grade I: 1-4 weeks
    • Grade II: 3-12 weeks
    • Grade III: 1-6 months
  • Ligament Sprain:
    • Grade I: 2-8 weeks
    • Grade II: 2-6 months
    • Grade III: 6-12 months
  • Tendon:
    • Acute Tendonitis: 3-7 weeks
    • Chronic Tendonosis: 3-6 months
  • Herniated Disc: 3-6 months
  • Nerve Injury: Weeks to months
  • Repetitive/Overuse Injury: 6 weeks to 6 months

Individual healing times can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the injury, overall health, job or home activities that impact healing, and adherence to treatment plans. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment and treatment plan for your specific injuries. If you need help with dealing with your aches, pains, or injuries give us a call or schedule an appointment today at https://flynnchiropractic.janeapp.com/

Text Neck

Text neck is not an actual medical diagnosis. It is a term coined to describe the symptoms associated with the overuse of technology such as cell phones. The typical text neck position is when you have your head forward and bent down while you are looking down at your phone. It can become a problem when you hold this position for hours at a time.

Looking down at your phone for hours at a time can dramatically increase the stress on your neck, upper back, and shoulders. The average head weighs about 12 pounds. Flexing the head forward to use a smartphone directly affects the spine. Tilting the head forward to 15 degrees places about 27 pounds of force on the neck. This increases to 40 pounds at 30 degrees, 49 pounds at 45 degrees, and 60 pounds at 60 degrees. Text neck can occur with the use of a desktop or laptop computer as well. If the monitor is not at the proper height it can cause you to hunch forward when using the computer. Damage caused by untreated text neck can be similar to occupational overuse syndrome or repetitive stress/strain injury.1

Text-neck

Typical symptoms associated with text neck include:

-Neck pain
-Headaches
-Upper back pain
-Shoulder pain
-Numbness/tingling in arms or hands
-Muscle aches and tension

Using proper posture while using your electronic device will go a long way towards reducing text neck pain. When using a phone or tablet bring the screen up to eye level rather than bending your neck down to look at the device. For more information on the proper setup for laptops and desktops see this previous blog post: http://flynndc.com/blog/index.php/2020/03/15/avoid-computer-pain-when-working-at-home/

Remember to take frequent breaks. The body was designed to move frequently. Even if you use proper posture you can still get pain if you hold one position for too long, so get up and move around.

Chiropractic adjustments can free up common text neck joint restrictions that can occur in the neck, upper back, and shoulders.

Stretching can help with muscle tension. The following stretches may help relieve text neck pain. These are for educational purposes only and can not replace the diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider. Stop immediately if they cause an increase in symptoms.

Trapezius

Levator Scapulae 

Shoulder Rolls

Chest Stretch

Sean Flynn, DC
Sioux City, IA Chiropractor

1. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Text_Neck#cite_note-:0-1

2. Infographic from Chiroup

Avoid Computer Pain When Working At Home.

Thanks to improved remote working technology and 24/7 connectivity, employee demand for flexibility, and cost-savings opportunities, 60 percent of companies offer to telecommute, working remotely from home on an occasional or regular basis, according to the latest benefits survey from the Society for Human Resource Management. American employees are taking advantage.

Two decades ago, only 20 percent of companies offered it. A 2016 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that more employees are working from home than ever before.

In a Gallup poll released earlier this year, 43 percent of Americans said they spent at least some time working remotely. Combine this with the increase of entrepreneurs and people that run an online business out of their home; it seems this trend will only continue to grow.

Working from the comforts of your home is not always best for your joints and muscles. While some who work from home have a separate home office with a desk, desktop computer, and comfortable chair, many do not. A more typical setup up is the person slouched over a laptop on their couch or at the kitchen table. Some people even use their laptop while lying in bed. Improper laptop use can lead to various musculoskeletal issues.

The most important tip when working from home is to have a designated workstation with a comfortable office chair. While this would preferably be a height adjustable desk, not everyone has space or budget to have a freestanding desk in their home. If that is the case, then set up your workstation on a stable flat surface such as a kitchen/dining table or a countertop.

Your chair should be adjustable so you can get the proper body positioning and height when sitting, especially if you’re using a surface that is not height adjustable.

If you have a desktop computer at home, the top of the monitor screen should be at eye level.  It should be placed at least 20 inches from your eyes or about arms length away.  If you have armrests on you chair it will help decrease neck and upper back strain.  You arms should be close to your body and elbows bent at a 90 degree angle.  Your wrist should be in line with your forearms when typing and the mouse should be close by the keyboard.  If you have to reach for the keyboard or mouse it increases strain. 

Fewer people have desktop computers outside of their office as laptop computers have become more popular for their portability. Unfortunately, certain ergonomic features are compromised for the sake of portability. Keyboard spacing, screen size and positioning, and mouse touch pads are all poorly designed when it comes to laptop computers. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to have good posture when using a keyboard fixed to the laptop.

Computer vector created by freepik – www.freepik.com

With laptops the keyboard and monitor are attached to each other, so you can not have the keyboard at the proper height for your arms and have the screen at the proper height for your eyes at the same time.

If you have to look down at the screen all day it can lead to neck, upper back, and shoulder pain and produce a rounded hunched posture. Remember, the screen should be at a level that your eyes are in line with the top portion of the monitor while maintaining proper posture. As laptops tend towards smaller and smaller devices, the keyboard gets smaller and is not ideal for typing, and can place strain on the hands, wrists, and forearms.

If you put the laptop in a position where the screen is at a proper height it then forces you to reach for the keyboard to type. This again causes the rounded sitting posture and puts excessive stress on the shoulders, upper body and neck.

Despite the poor ergonomics inherent to laptops, there are certain steps you can take to improve your ergonomics when using a laptop.

  • You can get an inexpensive full sized wireless keyboard and mouse for your laptop.
  • Place a stand underneath the laptop so that the screen is at the optimal height that aligns with your eyes.
  • There are affordable stand up desk converters that you can place on top of your desk or table to make it into a standing desk. This is perfect for laptop users as you can easily go from seated to standing. 
  • Take a break every hour. Get up and move around.

Creating a better ergonomic home environment is easy if you follow the steps we have outlined above. Doing so will help improve productivity and the quality of your work, but will also help prevent stress and injury.

Sean Flynn, DC
Sioux City, IA Chiropractor

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