Why Does Flexion Distraction at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic Feel So Good? Science Has the Answer
If you've ever wondered what exactly your Fort Wayne chiropractor is doing when performing flexion distraction - ala Cox® Technic - on your aching back, you're not the only one. Many of your fellow Fort Wayne chiropractic patients describe the gentle, rhythmic motions as surprisingly soothing, but what's actually happening under 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 just wouldn't come naturally? That's exactly what researchers found when they utilized ultrasound technology to watch spines during flexion distraction treatment. Kruse and colleagues (1) describe that this treatment creates very specific, controlled movements of spinal spinous processes where your spine needs help most. Imagine a watchmaker making tiny, precise adjustments to get every gear working perfectly again. Your chiropractor is not just moving your spine haphazardly – your chiropractor at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic is creating targeted therapeutic motion that addresses the precise spots where you're having issues. For patients dealing with severe pain or those who have had previous back surgeries, this precision means getting effective treatment without the worry 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 bending, lifting or twisting? Researchers essentially 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 decreases the pressure inside your spinal discs. Envision your disc as a water balloon that's been held too tight – that pressure causes pain and slows healing. When your Fort Wayne chiropractor performs flexion distraction, it’s like essentially releasing that squeeze, giving your disc space 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. Less pressure means less pain, reduced inflammation, and finally increased chance for compressed nerves to heal.
OPENING THE DOORS FOR YOUR NERVES
Perhaps the most exciting discovery involves what happens to the tiny ‘doorways’ where your nerves leave your spine. These spaces, called intervertebral foramina, can become restricted due to disc problems, bone spurs, or swelling – effectively trapping your nerves and causing that darting pain, numbness, or tingling you might feel. Well, the same research team (3) found that flexion distraction essentially opens these nerve pathways, making more space for proper nerve function. It's like widening a narrow hallway so people can move through easily again. When your nerves have enough space, they can function normally, sending proper signals throughout your body without the interference that causes pain.
WHY THIS KNOWLEDGE CHANGES EVERYTHING
Understanding what's really going on during your treatment changes flexion distraction from a mysterious procedure into a logical, science-based solution. Your chiropractor at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic isn't just "trying something that might work" – your chiropractor is applying a technique that takes on 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 research. 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 Aaron Chiropractic Clinic
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.
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