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Spinal Decompression Therapy in Saskatoon

The Cox Flexion Distraction Technique

Dr. Dan with patient on adjusting tableMovement Chiropractic provides spinal decompression therapy in Saskatoon using the Cox Flexion Distraction technique. The technique was developed in the 1960’s and has been improved upon ever since by Dr. James M Cox.

Dr. Cox has been given federal funding from the US government since the 60’s to perform research on his theories. The basic results of his research is summarized and discussed below.

What is the Cox Flexion Distraction technique?

Cox Flexion Distraction technique is a specific treatment using a special table, often referred to as the Cox Table, to help alleviate a patient’s low back or leg pains.  The table can be controlled by the chiropractor or be setup to run on its own, in a controlled gentle rhythmic motion to decompress and alleviate physical stress on the low back.  In essence the technique decompresses the spine while the doctor gently moves the patient through a set of motions that takes pressure off the nerves and joints causing the problem.

Y Strap Chiropractic for Spinal Decompression

A Y Strap is a cervical decompression tool used to create traction to help release tension in your spine. The strap helps stretch out the neck which is called traction or decompression.  Traction of the neck is just like an adjustment in that you are re-setting the joints and muscles in an attempt to help them function better. The Y Strap can be used in the same treatment session as the decompression table, although the two methods are used separately.

Dr. Dan will slip the strap under your neck and pull gently on the strap and hold for 5-15 seconds.  In some cases, Dr. Dan will pull on the strap like an adjustment with short bursts.  You may hear popping like a traditional adjustment. This adjustment is suitable for patients of all ages.

The table can be used by anyone! If you are the type of person who appreciates more gentle adjustments with very little force, due to preference or a health condition, this technique can help you. Below are the most common conditions that we use it for.

  • Elderly patients who can’t tolerate physical therapies
  • Sciatica
  • Disk bulges
  • Disk Herniation
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Facet Syndrome

  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Synovial cyst
  • Leg pain coming from the low back
  • Scoliosis

The technique works wonders for back or leg pain resulting from herniated disks.  The technique provides relief by:

  • Reducing pressure on the spinal nerves
  • Returning motion to the spinal joints

  • Decreasing disk pressure
  • Widening the spinal canal, where the nerve runs through, by up to 28%

Woman in exercise classThis technique using the Cox Table is very gentle and therefore has very few contraindications. They include:

  • open wounds
  • infections
  • fractures

If you are a candidate for this treatment, we tolerance test all patients and start slowly to make sure your body responds well.  As with all treatments you may experience some aches or pains, but that is due to the body healing post treatment and should only be short lived.  If pain persists after treatment, tell your chiropractor and they will modify your protocol.

What to Expect From Treatment

  • The goal of this treatment is to bring someone from pain to no pain as quickly as possible following a specifically tailored treatment plan developed by your Chiropractic Doctor.  Each treatment plan will be specific to the patient and their ailment.
  • We can use traditional therapies in combination with the technique, depending on how you present to the office.  The beautiful part of this therapy is that it is flexible and can be used to match your needs. In addition, our chiropractors may recommend other services offered by our team to supplement your care such as massage, physiotherapy, and more.

If you are interested in finding out if this technique would be beneficial for you, please call the Movement Chiropractic office to make an appointment.  When you meet with the Chiropractor at Movement, you can discuss how the technique can help you.
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