COX Decompression

Research Findings on Cox Decompression for Back Pain

Close to 40 years of research, experience, and technology have contributed to the development and evolution of Cox Technique. Chiropractors, engineers, and researchers continue to document its benefits. The latest findings from the federally funded research projects at the National university of Health Sciences and Loyola Stritch School of Medicine show that flexion-distraction (FD) (Cox) technique allows a reduction of intradiscal pressure, an increase in intervertebral disc height, and an increase in intervertebral foramen size. Other authors report that:

In the randomized, clinical trail funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, patients with radiculopathy did significantly better with FD. Overall, flexion-distraction provided more pain relief than active exercise; however, these results varied based on stratification of with and without radiculopathy and with and with recurrent symptoms. (Gudavalli et al, European Spine Journal, December 2005)
Of adjusting techniques that utilize manual forces on short and/or long levers, “only Cox flexion-distraction technique…has been described in a reviewed text & a number of well-respected, peer-reviewed journals.” (Bergman, Chiropractic Technique)
“Flexion-distraction is a standard, widely taught procedure. There is a great deal of supportable and reasonable mechanical and physiologic rationale in the literature for the appropriate use of these procedures for the care of patients with neuromusculoskeletal problems.” It is rated as an “Establishment” technique, one of only two techniques in chiropractic with this rating. (The Mercy Center Consensus Conference on Chiropractic Practice)
Cox Technic is the fourth most popular technique in chiropractic. 58% of chiropractors report that they use this technique. 25% of chiropractic patients receive care with this technique. (National Board of Chiropractic Examiners)
Flexion-Distraction successfully helped a disc herniation patient. (Guadagnino, J of the Neuromusculosketetal System 1997)
A CT-confirmed L5-S1 disk protrusion is reported to be reduced and recorded on a repeat CT scan. (Cox et al, J of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1993)
Flexion-distraction successfully managed an L4-L5 left nuclear disc prolapse with a sequestrated segment. (Neault, J of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1992)
80% of cervical and lumbar spine disc herniations helped by flexion distraction adjustment. 63% showed MRI reduction in size (Eliyahu, J of manipulative And Physiological Therapeutics vol. 19 no. 9)
After 4 weeks of Cox treatment, a 61 year old female with low back, hip and sciatic pain for five years and bedridden reported no leg or back pain, is able to walk and function again. (Hayden, Georgia Chiropractic journal 1996)
13 of 18 low back patients felt greater positive effect of flexion-distraction over placebo. (Hawk J of Manipulative And Physiological Therapeutics 1999)