Why Does Flexion Distraction at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center Feel So Good? Science Has the Answer
If you've ever been curious about what exactly your Manahawkin chiropractor is doing when treating your aching back with flexion distraction (aka Cox® Technic, you're not alone. Many of your fellow Manahawkin chiropractic patients explain the gentle, rhythmic motions as surprisingly comforting, but what's actually going on beneath the surface is nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to cutting-edge research, we now have a crystal-clear idea of how this gentle technique works its magic on your spine – and the results might amaze you.
YOUR SPINE IN MOTION: MORE PRECISE THAN YOU THINK
Ever felt like your back was "stuck" or certain movements just wouldn't come naturally? That's exactly what researchers discovered when they utilized ultrasound technology to see in real time how the spine’s spinous processes moved 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 it most. Picture a skilled artist carefully restoring a valuable painting, working on exactly the areas that need attention. Your chiropractor isn't just moving your spine randomly – your chiropractor at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center is creating targeted therapeutic motion that addresses the precise spots where you're having issues. For patients managing severe pain or those who've had previous back surgeries, this precision means getting effective treatment without the concern of overly aggressive treatment.
GIVING YOUR DISCS THE RELIEF THEY'RE CRYING FOR
Here's where things get quite interesting. You know that pressure you feel in your lower back, especially when bending, lifting or twisting? Researchers actually measured what happens to that pressure throughout a flexion distraction treatment – and the results are striking. Gudavalli, Cramer, and Patwardhan (2) found that flexion distraction significantly drops the pressure inside your spinal discs. Imagine your disc as a water balloon that's been squeezed too tight – that pressure triggers pain and prevents healing. When your Manahawkin chiropractor performs flexion distraction, it’s like essentially loosening that squeeze, giving your disc space to ‘breathe’ and start the healing process. This pressure relief is game-changing for anyone coping with herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. Lower pressure means lower pain, decreased inflammation, and finally increased chance for compressed nerves to recover.
OPENING THE DOORS FOR YOUR NERVES
Perhaps the most interesting discovery involves what happens to the tiny ‘doorways’ where your nerves exit your spine. These spaces, called intervertebral foramina, can become restricted due to disc problems, bone spurs, or swelling – essentially trapping your nerves and causing that darting pain, numbness, or tingling you might experience. Well, the same research team (3) reported findings that flexion distraction essentially opens these nerve pathways, creating more space for proper nerve function. It's like widening a narrow hallway so people can move through comfortably again. When your nerves have enough space, they can function like usual, 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 transforms flexion distraction from a mysterious procedure into a logical, science-based solution. Your chiropractor at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center is not just "trying something that might work" – your chiropractor is utilizing a technique that simultaneously addresses 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 understand why consistency of care matters. Your spine didn't develop issues overnight, and true healing takes time. But now you know that each gentle session is systematically addressing the root causes of your discomfort, backed by scientific evidence. The next time you're on our treatment table, you can be confident that proven biomechanical changes are happening with every careful movement your chiropractor makes.
CONTACT Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
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.
Schedule your Manahawkin chiropractic appointment today.
