Vertebral axial distraction/decompression is a relatively new breakthrough in the non-surgical treatment of disk and stenosis conditions. It works by decompressing the disks of the neck or the lower back to relieve pressure on the nerve caused by disk herniations, degenerative disk/joint disease (stenosis), sciatica, radiculitis, or facet syndromes.

During a study of the effects of weightlessness on astronauts, it was found that the disk height of these individuals actually increased in this environment. From this finding, researchers have worked to find a way to relieve the pressure on disks manually through the same techniques as those used by NASA in their study. James Cox, DC, already had pioneered a technique, called flexion-distraction manipulation, which worked well to distract the spinal segments, allowing more motion and disk space opening.  Studies performed at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL and Loyola Medical School in Chicago, IL attest to its success in treating disk herniations, spinal stenosis and facet syndromes.

After reviewing the NASA studies, Dr. Cox saw that his already very successful method could be improved, and in addition to the flexion component of this technique, he added axial distraction to provide the decompression component.

This flexion/distraction /decompression technique helps to relieve pain by enlarging the disk space, reducing the size of the herniation, strengthening the outer ligaments to help move the herniated disk back into place and reversing the high intra-diskal pressure through the application of negative pressure (vacuum). There is a demonstrated increase of up to 28% in the intervertebral foramen (the space where the nerve exits from the spine.)  It also restores natural motion to the vertebral joints (facet joints).

During a treatment with this equipment, the patient lies comfortably face down on a table.  Unlike some decompression equipment, there are no uncomfortable harnesses and the arms do not have to be extended over the head for a prolonged period of time. The patient is “tolerance tested” to make certain that there will be no problems with this type of treatment.  Then, with the doctor in control the whole time, he concentrates on one vertebral motion segment at a time. The doctor is in control the whole time, it is not automated or “computer controlled.” While concentrating on the neck or the lower back the doctor may also use the instrument’s middle section, using both manual and automated motion, which allows for lateral and circular motion, to return normal motion to the spine and reduce pain.

The technique and equipment have been found to be most effective when combined in a program of distraction and specific physical therapy modalities including galvanic or interferential stimulation and ultrasound. Later, it is combined with specific exercises. The doctor prescribes each according to your specific needs. Some patients will require specific spinal manipulation in addition to the distraction, to correct other conditions that may be occurring in conjunction with the disk, joint or stenosis problem. Some of these include sacro-iliac joint dysfunction and pelvic imbalance.

Most patients feel some relief after only a few treatments, with a slow decrease in symptoms. However, most patients, due to the chronic nature of their condition, will require from 12 to 15 treatments for maximum relief. Patient compliance with treatment schedule and home exercise is a limiting factor in the degree of improvement.

Most patients with disk herniations, spinal stenosis, and facet syndromes rarely find much relief from pain medications, with their serious side effects with any prolonged use. Invasive surgery (even the minimally invasive surgeries) creates an instability that sets the patient up for future problems while attempting to correct the current problem. Axial Distraction/Decompression is showing very positive outcome for most patients with need for only occasional follow up. 

If you are suffering from disk herniation, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome or sciatica, try the non-invasive, drug-free alternative to risky surgery.  If surgery does not work, there is no good alternative.  Try conservative, chiropractic Axial Distraction/Decompression first. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESEARCH VISIT www.coxtechnic.com.