Cox® Decompression: Gentle Care That AS Patients Can Finally Tolerate
WHEN YOUR SPINE NEEDS A GENTLE TOUCH: CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
Living with a spine condition that causes pain, stiffness, and uncertainty about the future every day can feel overwhelming. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) — or suspects something similar might be behind stubborn back and hip pain — you merit honest answers and real hope. Here's some encouraging news: the right chiropractic care, delivered with skill and compassion, can help lead you back to the life you love.
YOUR CHIROPRACTOR MAY CATCH WHAT OTHERS MISS
A 2026 case study published in Cureus describes the story of a 15-year-old girl who had suffered three years of chronic low back and hip pain — moderate to severe, daily, and barely touched by physical therapy, medication, or injections. A lumbar MRI had offered little explanation, leaving her and her family still searching for answers. Her chiropractor looked beyond the normal-looking scans and listened closely enough to suspect that inflammation, not structure, was at the root of her suffering. A pelvic MRI was ordered, revealing bilateral sacroiliac joint damage consistent with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis. A prompt referral to rheumatology put her on the right path, and for the first time in years, she began to feel better. (1) A good chiropractor like yours here at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center doesn't just treat — we listen, look deeper, and know when to connect you with the right care.
GENTLE CARE THAT RESPECTS INFLAMED SPINES
For patients with AS, forceful spinal manipulation is not always the answer — and experienced chiropractors know this well. As James M. Cox, DC, DACBR, developer of the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, describes from a case submitted by Dr. Mike Poulin of Virginia: "High velocity, low amplitude adjusting is not very well tolerated by these patients, and long y-axis Cox® decompression is welcome relief."
With Cox® Technic, your chiropractor uses a slow, rhythmic, hands-on motion to softly decompress the spine — no sudden movements, no harsh forces, just gentle relief. This long y-axis decompression gently opens spinal joints, lowers pressure on inflamed tissues, and restores motion in a way that AS patients can actually tolerate and appreciate. Dr. Poulin's patient with ankylosing spondylitis noted meaningful pain relief via this approach. (2)
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIMPLY ENDURE IT
Whether you're newly diagnosed, still looking for answers, or looking for conservative care to complement your medical treatment, chiropractic has a beneficial role to play. The goal is never to replace your medical specialist or rheumatologist — it's about partnering with your medical team to help you move better, hurt less, and get back to living your life.
CONTACT Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
You deserve care that listens. You deserve care that's gentle. And you deserve a provider like yours at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center who knows both how to help and when to refer.
Take the first step toward feeling better — schedule your chiropractic appointment today!
