Flexion Distraction is a chiropractic technique used to treat many conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine. It is a non-surgical technique aimed at increasing spinal motion and resolving disc bulges and disc herniations. The therapy is a gentle, non-force therapy and works to take pressure off spinal nerves.
CLINICAL BENEFITS:
- Reduce pressure on the spinal nerves from a disc bulge or herniation
- Increase spinal motion within the disc and spinal joints
- A conservative option for herniated discs
- Reducing symptoms of sciatica (pain traveling into the leg(s)) and cervical radiculopathy (pain traveling into the arm(s)/hand(s))
HOW IS FLEXION DISTRACTION PERFORMED?
Flexion Distraction involves using a special table that distracts and flexes the spine in an automated and gentle rhythmic motion. Dr. Doug will use some manual techniques with the table to resolve the disc herniation or bulge. The goal is to allow the spine to move in a manner that will remove pressure from the disc bulge. It does this by creating a negative pressure that pulls the disc bulge back into the spine. The flexion distraction motion also maintains healthy discs through imbibition. The motion allows nutrients into the spinal disc
CONDITIONS THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM FLEXION DISTRACTION THERAPY
- Lumbar disc injuries (bulging or herniated “slipped disc”)
- Low back pain
- Leg pain/Sciatica
- Arthritis
- General lower back stiffness
- Spondylolisthesis
- Sprain/strain
- Scoliosis
- Sacroiliac syndrome
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Failed back surgical syndrome
- Paresthesia
- Cervical Radiculopathy
IS FLEXION DISTRACTION THERAPY PAINFUL?
No. Because of its gentle, non-force nature, it is often used with patients who are recovering from spinal surgery or who are in rehabilitation. Generally, the patient is not subjected to increased pain and discomfort during the treatment, and in fact many patients report that they find it pleasant and relaxing.
I HAVE ARTHRITIS, IS IT SAFE TO HAVE FLEXION DISTRACTION THERAPY?
Yes. Movements are repetitive and slow, without any quick thrusts or undue pressure. The gentle nature of Flexion Distraction makes it particularly well suited for patients who need a lighter technique, such as those with osteoporosis. In fact, Flexion Distraction has been successfully used to help manage many conditions of the aging spine including degenerative disc disease, spinal stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.
FLEXION DISTRACTION THERAPY OFTEN HELPS WHEN NOTHING ELSE DOES.
Flexion Distraction Therapy is well researched, and has been proven effective. Chiropractors have been using this method for many years to manage the symptoms of sciatica and disc herniation and have saved many patients from ongoing pain management, discomfort, temporary disability and spinal surgery.
Research:
The influence of Flexion Distraction spinal manipulation on patients with lumbar spinal stenosis
A randomized clinical trial and subgroup analysis to compare flexion distraction with active exercise for chronic low back pain