Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique used to treat spinal conditions like herniated discs, sciatica. And back pain. It involves a specialized table that stretches and flexes the spine to relieve pressure on nerves, improve mobility. And promote healing without forceful manipulation.
Category
Chiropractic technique
Used for
Herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis
Common confusion
Often mistaken for spinal decompression machines
Also called
Cox Technique, Flexion Distraction Adjustment
Often discussed with
Neck Injury Treatment, Personal Injury Chiropractic Care

Flexion Distraction is a way chiropractors help spines. It fixes disc injuries and nerve problems.
Related glossary terms: Herniated Disc, Sciatica, Spinal Decompression.
It uses slow, gentle moves. This is different from quick pushes in regular adjustments.
The patient lies on a special table. The table moves in parts to stretch the spine.
The chiropractor pushes softly on sore spots. This makes space between bones in the back.
More space means less pressure on discs and nerves.
This method helps the spine move right. It also cuts down swelling.
It works well for herniated discs (bulging discs). It helps sciatica (leg pain from the back) too.
It’s good for spinal stenosis (a narrow spine). Other treatments might be too rough for these.
It uses no sudden force. So it’s safe for people with bad pain or injuries.
The goal is to help the spine work better. It does this with little pain.
The process starts on a special table. The table has parts that move.
One part can tilt. Another can stretch. The chiropractor controls these moves.
One hand holds the patient steady. The other hand moves the table.
The table bends and straightens the spine. This makes a pumping action.
The pumping helps discs get water. It also eases pressure on nerves.
The chiropractor may push lightly on the spine. This makes the stretch stronger.
Each stretch lasts a few seconds. The moves repeat slowly.
Patients feel a gentle pull. It’s not like sharp moves in other treatments.
How many visits you need depends on your pain. Many feel better after a few.
It’s often used with ice, heat. Or small shocks. This gives the best results.

Flexion Distraction is a choice instead of surgery. It helps with disc problems in the spine.
It eases pain from herniated (bulging) discs. It helps spinal stenosis (a narrow spine) too.
These problems press on nerves. That can cause pain like sciatica (leg pain).
Surgery has risks. It can cause infections or scars. Recovery takes a long time.
Flexion Distraction has no cuts. You don’t need time to heal.
It’s good for people who can’t handle rough treatments. Like those with weak bones or bad arthritis.
It’s also safe for fresh injuries. It uses no sudden force.
It helps discs stay healthy. It brings in water and food for discs.
Discs have no blood. So this flow is very important.
Over time, it can make discs thicker. That helps the spine work better.
Flexion Distraction helps with tough spine problems. Other treatments may not work for these.
It’s good for herniated or bulging discs. These press on nerves.
That can cause pain, numbness. Or weak arms or legs.
It helps sciatica too. That’s pain down the leg from the back.
It’s also used for spinal stenosis. That’s when the spine gets too narrow.
It helps people hurt in accidents. Like car crashes or falls.
Older adults or those with worn discs like it. It’s gentler than other treatments.
Some try medicine or therapy first. If those don’t work, they try this.
It’s not surgery. So you can do it again if needed.
This helps with long-term pain. It can stop problems from coming back.
Spinal Decompression uses motorized tables or machines to stretch the spine. While Flexion Distraction relies on manual table movements controlled by the chiropractor.
Traditional adjustments use quick thrusts to realign vertebrae. While Flexion Distraction uses slow, rhythmic stretching to decompress the spine.
Flexion Distraction is especially effective for disc injuries because it creates negative pressure within the disc, helping to retract herniated material and relieve nerve compression. However, it requires precise technique and patient cooperation to achieve optimal results.
A patient with a herniated disc in the lower back experiences sharp pain and numbness down their leg. After several weeks of medication and physical therapy with no relief, their chiropractor recommends Flexion Distraction. During treatment, the patient lies on a specialized table while the chiropractor gently flexes and stretches their spine. After six sessions, the leg pain decreases. And the patient regains mobility without surgery.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This bulging material can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness. Or weakness in the back, arms. Or legs. Herniated discs often occur in the lower back or neck and are commonly linked to aging, injury.
Sciatica is sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down one or both legs, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from the lower spine through the buttocks and down each leg. Pain often feels like burning, tingling. Or numbness and may worsen with sitting or sudden movements. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body at a time.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or similar device to create negative pressure within spinal discs. This process aims to promote healing, reduce pain.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise, hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part. The goal is to improve joint motion, reduce pain. And restore function without surgery or medication. Adjustments are based on clinical examination and may involve quick thrusts or gentle pressure.
Mobilization is a gentle, controlled manual therapy technique used by chiropractors and physical therapists to improve joint movement and reduce stiffness. Mobilization involves slow, repetitive motions applied to a joint to restore its natural range of motion without forceful thrusts, making it suitable for patients with pain, injury. Or limited mobility.
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