Tag: Leg 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.

Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis is a muscle in the buttocks which rotates the leg outwards.   The sciatic nerve usually runs under the piriformis.  However as much of ¼ of the population’s sciatic nerves run through the piriformis muscle.  These people are more likely to have piriformis syndrome.  Tightness or spasms in this muscle can compress the sciatic nerve causing sciatica. 

Symptoms of pain, numbness, or tingling can come on suddenly or gradually over time.  Causes could include a fall on the buttocks, sitting on the edge of a hard surface, walking long distances, or a new exercise routine.  Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Symptoms start in the buttocks and can radiate down the leg and into the foot.  Walking, running, climbing stairs, and sitting or standing for longer than 15 minutes may increase symptoms. 

Ice, stretching, soft tissue release, and chiropractic can help relieve sciatica caused by piriformis syndrome. 

Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Sioux City Chiropractor

Lumbar stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back.  The narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.  It most commonly occurs in those over the age of 50.  It can be caused by wear and tear, injuries, and age-related changes such as degenerative discs, ligamentous thickening, or spinal arthritis. 

Symptoms can include chronic lower back pain that may radiate into the buttocks or legs.  Numbness, burning, fatigue, weakness, and heaviness may occur in the legs.  Symptoms are aggravated by standing and walking. 

Sitting or bending forward when standing decreases the pain.  Many will find leaning forward on a shopping cart decreases the pain and allows them to walk longer in stores. Those with stenosis may find sleeping on their sides in the fetal position is more comfortable than sleeping on their back. 

Surgery has not been shown to be significantly better than non-surgical treatments, so it is best to try conservative methods such as chiropractic first. Chiropractic treatment goals include restoring mobility, improving function, and decompressing nerves.  Forceful adjustments may increases symptoms for those with stenosis so it is important to use gentle adjustments.  Flexion-distraction is a low force adjustment that has been proven to increase the area in the spinal canal during adjustments, which takes the pressure off the nerves.  

A study comparing the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatment methods in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis looked at 3 nonsurgical interventions. Medical care consisted of medications and/or epidural injections provided by a physiatrist. Group exercise classes were supervised by fitness instructors in senior community centers. Manual therapy/individualized exercise consisted of spinal mobilization, stretches, and strength training provided by chiropractors and physical therapists. The care provided by the chiropractors and physical therapists resulted in greater short-term improvement in symptoms and physical function and walking capacity than medical care or group exercise.1

In addition to in-office care it is also important to do at-home exercises. Water aerobics and exercise bikes are tolerable for those with stenosis. The following stretches can help provide relief for lumbar stenosis. It is best to consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. Stop immediately if the stretch causes an increase in your symptoms.

Knee To Chest Stretch Sioux City Chiropractor
Seated Lumbar Flexion Sioux City Chiropractor
Sciatic Nerve Floss. Seated and Side Lying.
Cat Camel Stretch

This article is for education purposes and is not intended to replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare provider.

Sean Flynn, DC
Sioux City, IA Chiropractor

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30646197