Why Does Flexion Distraction at Layden Chiropractic Feel So Good? Science Has the Answer
If you've ever wondered what exactly your Plainville chiropractor is doing when treating your aching back with flexion distraction (aka Cox® Technic, you're not alone. Many of your fellow Plainville chiropractic patients describe the gentle, rhythmic motions as surprisingly soothing, but what's really going on beneath the surface is really impressive. Thanks to cutting-edge research, we now have a good picture of how this gentle technique does its thing to help your spine – and the results might amaze 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 exactly what researchers discovered when they used 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 it most. Think of it like a skilled mechanic working on a precision instrument. Your chiropractor isn't just moving your spine haphazardly – your chiropractor at Layden Chiropractic is creating targeted therapeutic motion that addresses the specific 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 CRYING FOR
Here's where things get quite interesting. You know that pressure you feel in your lower back, particularly when bending, lifting or twisting? Researchers essentially measured what happens to that pressure during flexion distraction – and the outcomes are striking. Gudavalli, Cramer, and Patwardhan (2) discovered that flexion distraction significantly decreases the pressure inside your spinal discs. Imagine your disc as a water balloon that's been held too tight – that pressure causes pain and prevents healing. When your Plainville chiropractor performs flexion distraction, it’s like essentially releasing that squeeze, giving your disc the opportunity to ‘breathe’ and begin the healing process. This pressure relief is game-changing for anyone coping with herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. Less pressure means less pain, decreased inflammation, and finally increased chance for compressed nerves to recover.
OPENING THE DOORS FOR YOUR NERVES
Perhaps the most interesting discovery involves what happens to the tiny ‘doorways’ where your nerves leave your spine. These spaces, called intervertebral foramina, can become narrowed due to disc problems, bone spurs, or swelling – essentially trapping your nerves and causing that darting pain, numbness, or tingling you might feel. Well, the same research team (3) reported findings that flexion distraction actually opens these nerve pathways, creating more space for proper nerve function. It's like widening a narrow hallway so people can move through comfortably again. When your nerves have adequate space, they can function like usual, transmitting proper signals throughout your body without the interference that provokes pain.
WHY THIS KNOWLEDGE CHANGES EVERYTHING
Understanding what's really going on during your treatment transforms flexion distraction from a mysterious procedure into a logical, science-based solution. Your chiropractor at Layden Chiropractic 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, excessive disc pressure, and compressed nerve pathways. This knowledge can boost your confidence in your chiropractic treatment plan and help you understand 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 systematically 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 happening with every careful movement your chiropractor makes.
CONTACT Layden Chiropractic
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.
Schedule your Plainville chiropractic appointment soon.
