Flexion-Distraction
Though most people have heard of and have an idea of what chiropractic is, you may not have heard of a more specific technique called Flexion-Distraction. One of our go-to treatments for certain conditions, this very deliberate “stretching” of the spine is an alternative to the “popping” chiropractic that many people are familiar with. Flexion-Distraction follows evidence-based and documented protocols with federally funded studies used to test them. Flexion-Distraction doctors (our doctors) study them in the medical-published textbooks and peer-reviewed journals put out monthly.
What Is Flexion-Distraction Therapy?
Flexion-Distraction therapy is performed on a segmented table that moves as your chiropractor slowly pushes on your spine. The manipulations, combined with the movements of the table, stretch and decompress your spine, relieving your back, leg, neck, or arm pain. As your chiropractor performs the gentle manipulations, a section of the treatment table drops or moves, changing the positioning of your body.
Flexion-Distraction drops intradiscal pressures as low as -192mmHg and widens the spinal canal area by as much as 28%. As a bonus, Flexion-Distraction returns motion to the spinal joints, too!
Most importantly, research shows that results for spinal pain come quickly compared to many other therapies and methods. Flexion-Distraction for low back pain conditions takes just 12 visits in 29 days on average, specifically for relief of disc herniations. Although this is just the average, more importantly, some back pain and neck pain sufferers find relief in just a visit or two. What is “relief” you ask? The goal of Flexion-Distraction care is at least 50% reduction in pain in 30 days. If that can’t be achieved, advanced imaging is ordered and appropriate referrals are considered. In one study of patients who received Flexion-Distraction care for spinal disc herniations, 91% of the patients surveyed were satisfied with their care 90 days after completion.
Why Nightlight Chiropractic for Flexion-Distraction?
Dr. Merrill, founder and owner of Nightlight Chiropractic, was certified in the Cox Technique of Flexion-Distraction in 2007. He has trained in Cox Technic seminars in Tampa and with Dr. James Cox himself at National University in Lombard, Illinois. With this experience, Dr. Merrill uses Flexion-Distraction to heal and relieve sciatic pain, pain in the back, and symptoms of spinal stenosis. Contact us to schedule an appointment and find out if Flexion-Distraction is right for you.
