Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and discs. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine while the chiropractor applies rhythmic, controlled movements to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Category
Chiropractic technique
Used for
Disc herniation, sciatica, spinal stenosis, back pain
Common confusion
Often mistaken for spinal manipulation or traction alone
Also called
Cox Technique, Flexion-Distraction Therapy
Often discussed with
Chiropractic Consultation and Diagnosis

Flexion Distraction is a way to help your spine. It takes pressure off your back. This eases pain and helps you move better.
Related glossary terms: Chiropractic Care, Disc Herniation, Spinal Decompression.
Most chiropractors (back doctors) use quick pushes. Flexion Distraction uses slow, gentle moves. These moves stretch your spine.
This helps with problems like herniated discs (bulging discs). It also helps sciatica (leg pain) and stenosis (narrow spine). These problems press on nerves and cause pain.
The doctor uses a special table for this. The table moves in ways that make space in your spine. The chiropractor guides your back with slow motions.
These motions pull and stretch your spine. They take pressure off discs and nerves. This feels gentle and safe.
It works by bending and pulling your spine. You lie on a table that moves. The table has parts that move by themselves.
The doctor holds your lower body still. Then they bend and stretch the top part. This creates a pumping action.
That pumping helps your spine move normally. It also takes pressure off discs and nerves. This can help them heal.
The slow motion helps blood flow. Blood brings nutrients to your discs. This helps them get better.
Each session lasts a few minutes. You may need many sessions. The doctor changes the table for your comfort.
Flexion Distraction often works with other treatments. These may include massage or exercises. Together, they help you heal faster.
Each patient gets a plan just for them. This makes it good for many spine problems.

Flexion Distraction helps without surgery. It eases pain from spine problems. It also helps you move better.
Many people feel better after this. It helps with herniated discs, sciatica. And stenosis. These problems press on nerves and cause pain.
This treatment takes pressure off your spine. It helps nerves work better. It also helps discs stay healthy.
It does this without surgery or drugs. Surgery and drugs can have risks. This way is safer.
It helps people who tried other treatments. Some didn't get better with regular adjustments. Some didn't get better with therapy.
It's gentle for older people. It's good for those with weak bones. It's also good for people healing from injuries.
It helps discs stay strong. Discs need nutrients to stay healthy. This treatment helps them get those nutrients.
Flexion Distraction helps with spine and nerve pain. It works for disc problems and pinched nerves. It also helps chronic back or neck pain.
It helps sciatica and stenosis too. Some people don't get better with other treatments. This can help them.
It's good for people who can't handle hard adjustments. Older people or injured people like this. It's also good for those avoiding surgery.
People who take pain drugs can try this. It might help them take less medicine. It can help with sudden back pain too.
It speeds up healing after injuries. It helps people move normally again. Many people in Savannah need this.
They have active lives or hard jobs. This treatment helps them stay active. It eases pain and helps them move better.
Chiropractors in Savannah use this a lot. It helps people get back to their daily lives.
Spinal Decompression typically uses a motorized table to apply a constant pull. While Flexion Distraction combines rhythmic stretching and bending movements.
Chiropractic Adjustments use quick, forceful thrusts to realign joints, whereas Flexion Distraction uses slow, gentle movements to decompress the spine.
Flexion Distraction is particularly effective for patients with disc-related issues because it creates negative pressure within the disc, which can help retract herniated material and relieve nerve irritation. Always ensure the chiropractor tailors the technique to the patient’s specific condition for the best results.
A 45-year-old construction worker in Savannah, GA, developed sciatica after lifting heavy materials. His chiropractor recommended Flexion Distraction to reduce pressure on the affected disc. After six sessions, he experienced less pain and improved mobility, allowing him to return to work without surgery.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care uses hands-on spinal adjustments and other techniques to improve alignment, relieve pain. And support the body’s natural ability to heal without surgery or medication. It's commonly used for back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness. Or weakness in the back, neck, arms. Or legs. Disc Herniation often results from wear-and-tear, injury. Or improper lifting.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal discs. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within the discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract, promote nutrient flow.
Chiropractic Table is chiropractic tables are specialized medical tables designed for chiropractic care, allowing precise patient positioning and controlled adjustments. These tables often feature adjustable sections, drop mechanisms. And padding to enhance comfort and effectiveness during spinal manipulations, soft tissue therapies.
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor for practical guidance on Flexion Distraction and related chiropractor work in Savannah.