Flexion-Distraction Adjustment

What is the flexion-distraction adjustment?

Flexion-distraction is a gentle, non-surgical, chiropractic adjustment to the spine. It has been found to be extremely effective in treating back pain and leg pain (sciatica) due to: disc herniations, spinal stenosis, back sprain, arthritis, and other causes.

How does flexion-distraction work?

Flexion-distraction employs a special table that combines traction and low back movement to simultaneously decrease disc pressure and realign the spine.

In the case of a herniated or bulging disc, the treatment helps to reduce disc pressure, increase disc height, and increases flow of nutrients into the disc, which promotes optimal health and healing to the disc.

Figure 1 represents a normal disc while Figure 2 shows a bulging disc that is causing nerve compression. Figure 3 shows what happens during the flexion-distraction adjustment; the decreased disc pressure created by the adjustment causes the nuclear material to be sucked back inside of the disc and also promote blood and oxygen to flow back into the disc.

Flexion-distraction is not only good for people with acutely herniated (bulging) discs, but also for people with chronic low back problems.  Even if you’ve had the disc problems for years, this method may still be able to help.

Spinal Decompression (Traction)

What is spinal decompression (traction)?

Spinal decompression (traction) is a gentle, non-surgical treatment for certain types of low back pain.  It works by slowly stretching the spine, which reduces pressure on compressed discs and vertebrae.  Utilizing a special feature on our table, the traction may help alleviate pain due to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and other back conditions

Much like the flexion-distraction adjustment, spinal decompression causes a negative pressure inside the disc. This negative pressure will then suck the bulging material inward, often relieving nerve pressure and resulting pain (see above Figures 1-3).