This technique originated nearly 40 years ago. The specific protocols for treating cervical spine pain evolved in 1991. This technique is a gentle, non-force procedure during which the physician is in control at all times.

Before any treatment is performed, you will be carefully tested for your tolerance to treatment. You will first lie face down on a specially designed Cox Table which is able to move the head straight axially as well as into flexed extended, laterally flexed and rotated directions. These motions will be used to reduce any stenosis of the canal as well as move the joints in their normal physiological ranges of motion.

How does the Cox Adjusting Instrument Work?

“Oh, I wish someone could just pull me apart!” some patients say. This technique does just that and much more in a safe, controlled manner.

Neck Treatment

Low Back Treatment

This technique is a gentle, non-force procedure which aids the spine in healing properly and to ensure a pain-free future. Cox Decompression Adjusting & Manipulation is the well-documented, researched, proven effective, non-surgical technique for treating low back pain.

During a treatment on this instrument, you will lie on your stomach (or, on your side if pregnant or in acute pain) while the doctor manipulates your spine to relieve nerve pressure. The doctor may us the instrument’s caudal (the part the legs lie on) section to allow lateral motion and circular motion which returns normal motion to the spine with reduced pain.

Mechanism

During a treatment on this instrument, the patient lies prone while the treating physician concentrates on one vertebral motion segment at a time. The goal is to reduce stenotic effects by dropping intradiscal pressure to allow disc reduction, increasing the size of the intervertebral foramen, and lowering pressure on the dorsal root ganglion and the exiting nerve root. While concentrating on the low back, the doctor may use the instrument’s caudal section to allow lateral and circular motion which returns normal motion to the spine with reduced pain. The cervical spine can be treated similarly using a specially designed table.

The 50% Rule - Treatment Frequency

The chiropractic physician is seeking 50% relief of the pain (measured subjectively and objectively) within 30 days of care. If 50% relief is not attained, then he or she will refer the patient for imaging and/or a surgical consultation. If progressive neurological deficit or cauda equine syndrome symptoms are present or become apparent, an immediate surgical consultation is set.

Conditions Treated

When Will I Be Better?

Since there are many causes of back and leg pain problems, your doctor will be most conscientious in diagnosing your specific condition. On the first visit, the doctor’s job is to perform a through examination including x-rays if necessary, to accurately diagnose your condition and outline the treatment protocol best for your back problem. Your treatment regime should begin promptly.

The rule of thumb is that you should feel 50% relief of your back or leg pain symptoms within 3 to 4 weeks of continued, cooperative care. Periodic re-examinations will track and document your progress. If you do not show signs of 50% relief within 3 to 4 weeks, a referral for neurosurgical consultation or further testing may be made.

Your must follow the instructions for care at home:

- Do not sit!
- Wear a back brace if recommended.
- Use hot and cold pack therapy.
- Take nutritional supplements as recommended.
- Do the exercises as directed.
- Do not work if your job can be aggravating to your back condition.
- Come to your appointments to receive the full benefit of your doctor’s treatment protocol.

Research Findings on Cox Decompression for Back Pain