Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Myelopathy, Disc Herniation, and Spondylolisthesis – these conditions sound complex, and in fact, they are! These conditions are often considered surgical due to the neurological deficits, motor weakness, and/or pain levels. Chiropractic Manipulation Technique (CMT), though very effective for back and neck pain, is limited with these types of complex spinal ailments. With intense pain, limited sensation and weakness, a conservative approach like Cox Technic Spinal Decompression Manipulation is more appropriate. Read on … the evidence is here.
Safety
Commonly, people who are in pain hesitate, tense up and are uneasy with CMT. And rightfully so – when one is in pain, the thought of being twisted, cracked, or dropped on is not appealing. Though CMT is a safe form of conservative care for neck and back pain, Cox Technic has shown to be a safer method. Cox Technic doesn’t use a high-velocity thrust (like CMT); rather, a subtle stretch of the neck or low back that causes decompression within the spine. Chiropractic manipulation will not leave people with their heads turned around 360 degrees, like in a sci-fi movie, nor will it leave them twisted like a pretzel – both common fears of chiropractic treatment.
However, there are risks associated with CMT. A study at Parker College of Chiropractic showed 18-26% of patients were injured by common chiropractic techniques, while Cox Technic showed only 2% injury1. Also, Cox Technic is an additional certification within the chiropractic profession. Doctors certified in Cox Technic complete a thorough education process, research, and hands-on training using force transducers. This process develops what Dr. Jim Cox (the founder) would call “Spine Specialists.” The fear of being manipulated along with pain is a catalyst for a possible injury when issuing a high-velocity thrust. So, why not put a patient with 10/10 pain at ease with subtle decompression done by a well-trained chiropractor, that is effective for the condition.
Effects
Is Cox Technic CMT? Is it traction? The answer to both is “yes.” While Cox Technic is a chiropractic technique that can be billed for like CMT, it has similar components to mechanical traction. Cox Technic involves decompression of the spine that is achieved by movements of the table (flexion-distraction), which also improves normal range of motion (ROM) – similar to CMT. Cox Technic is an effective treatment option for people with complex back and neck conditions, because, along with improving range of motion, it reduces intradiscal pressure – centralizing a disc herniation opens the spinal canal and widens the spaces for spinal nerves. Why is this “medical jargon” important? Because many complex neck and back conditions commonly involve compression, whether on the spinal cord or nerves. Therefore, reducing this compression and irritation can ultimately reduce pain and neurological deficits. CMT can effectively restore the spine’s ROM and ease some pain; but, when there is nerve or spinal cord compression, a high-velocity thrust may do more harm than good, and Cox Technic Spinal Decompression Manipulation has the research to support its efficacy.
Success
There’s no knocking the efficacy of CMT on treating neck and low back pain – there is ample research proving it works; however, the research often excludes people with complex conditions. For example, a study that compared common CMT techniques to Cox Technic resulted in similar outcomes; but what is interesting is that complex conditions such as disc degeneration, stenosis, abnormal discs, etc. were excluded from the study2. Furthermore, Cox Technic has been proven more effective than active exercise therapy for treating low back pain and sciatica caused by low back pain3. With difficult neck conditions, pain can be reduced with Cox Technic in approximately 10-20 visits, depending on the severity4. The list goes on, and “the proof is in the pudding” – Cox Technic works for spinal conditions. Quality care for these conditions ultimately reduces the costs of health care, and most importantly, reduces pain.
While Cox Technic is a form of chiropractic, it’s a different “flavor” of CMT that is well- researched and safer when treating complex spinal conditions. If you are dealing with severe neck or low back pain, consider finding a Cox Technic Certified Chiropractor … a “Spine Specialist.”
While Cox Technic is a form of chiropractic, it’s a different “flavor” of CMT that is well-researched and safer when treating complex spinal conditions.
- “Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries sustained by students while attending a chiropractic college.” JMPT 2009
- “Editorial Response by Cox JM: A randomized controlled trial comparing 2 types of spinal manipulation and minimal conservative medical care for adults 55 years and older with subacute or chronic low back pain.” JMPT 2009
- “A randomized clinical trial and subgroup analysis to compare flexion–distraction with active exercise for chronic low back pain. European Spine Journal 2006
- “Cervical radiculopathy treated with chiropractic flexion distraction manipulation: a retrospective study in a private practice setting.” JMPT 2003
