At our Amsterdam office, we offer a safe and gentle therapy that increases spinal disc space by up to 28%. Flexion Distraction is a therapy that brings noticeable relief from many bothersome ailments, such as low-back pain and disc-related conditions.
For those without major complaints, Flexion Distraction helps to maintain healthy discs as you age. It is primarily used in promoting the health of the nerves and discs of the lower spine. However, our chiropractor, Dave Witt, is also trained to use Flexion Distraction for the cervical spine (the neck).
Flexion Distraction: Gentle and Comfortable
Dave uses a special table to “flex and distract” the spine into targeted stretches and movements. The table moves along in a smooth and rhythmic motion.
This spinal decompression therapy is relaxing, relieving, and gentle. There are no loud noises nor quick movement involved.
For Science Lovers
Between the vertebrae of the spine are fluid-filled discs that act as cushions. Over time and due to many different stressors on the spine, the discs can experience a variety of problems, including degeneration, bulging, or herniation.
Flexion Distraction therapy gently adjusts the position and motion of the spine. This motion creates a type of vacuum chamber in the discs. The effect is known as negative intradiscal pressure; it helps bulging or herniated discs to retract.
The motion of this therapy also increases the flow of nutrient-rich fluids into the disc. This re-hydration of the discs promotes continued healing in degenerated disc fibers. Flexion Distraction is therefore an effective tool in healing disc problems, but also in preventing disc problems from developing in your healthy spine.
Flexion Distraction is Evidence Based
In 2015, The Journal of Physical Therapy Science published a study that examined the effects of Flexion Distraction on lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis causes symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, and cramping in the back and legs.
Study participants who received Flexion Distraction as part of their therapy experienced a greater reduction of their painful symptoms than those participants whose treatment did not include the technique.
Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4500015/
Click here for links to the many other studies that have been conducted on the Flexion Distraction technique. https://www.coxtechnic.com/doctors/federally-funded-research
Flexion Distraction is Commonly Used for:
Lumbar disc and cervical disc injuries (disc hernia, rupture, bulge, “slipped disc”)
Low back pain
Leg pain/Sciatica
Ankylosing spondylitis (autoimmune condition)
Arm pain/Radiculopathy
Arthritis
Failed back surgery
General lower back stiffness
Hyperlordosis (excessive curvature)
Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
Sprain/strain of muscles and/or ligaments
Scoliosis
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
“Sway back” posture
Take the Pressure Off Your Spine
Glow Chiropractic offers Flexion Distraction for spinal decompression as part of our regular chiropractic appointments. There is no additional cost for this gentle and effective therapy.