Cox® Technic is a gentle, safe, non-force, non-surgical, spinal decompression procedure. 

Nearly 55 years of research, clinical experience, and technology have contributed to the development and evolution of Cox® Technique.

Cox® Technique is used by 63.7% of chiropractic physicians in the U.S., while a few are back pain specialists certified in proper protocols by Dr. Cox and are listed in the referral directory of certified doctors.

Dr. Sommer is among the few listed practitioners in Australia and is the longest-certified clinician in Australia.

Cox Flexion Distraction, also known as Cox® Technique, is a highly researched and clinically documented spinal manipulation technique designed to alleviate a range of spinal-related conditions, including lower back pain, neck pain, arm and leg pain, disc herniation, and spinal stenosis. Developed by Dr. James M. Cox, a chiropractor with over 55 years of experience, this non-surgical treatment offers an effective alternative to back surgery for pain relief.

Dr. Cox’s approach is grounded in evidence-based protocols that have been rigorously tested through laboratory and clinical trials. These trials are supported by private, clinician-volunteer, and federally funded research grants in the United States. His mission has been to scientifically document the impact of Cox® Technique, specifically its ability to relieve pain by decompressing the spine and its nerves, while also tracking the duration of treatment needed for pain relief.

These protocols are well-documented in peer-reviewed journal articles and medically-published textbooks, offering chiropractors and pain specialists a detailed guide to its application. Moreover, Cox Flexion Distraction is taught by trained instructors in academic settings, including recognised postgraduate and graduate programs in chiropractic care.

For patients suffering from lower back or neck pain, Cox® Technique offers a safe, gentle, and research-backed method of relief.

How Cox Flexion Distraction Works

Cox Flexion Distraction is a non-surgical, practitioner-controlled technique. The technique is performed while the patient lies on the decompression table, a specialised table that allows the practitioner to safely administer the flexion-distraction (stretching and relaxing) of the spine.

The process works by increasing the height of the intervertebral discs, which reduces tension on the outer layers (the annular fibres) and the spinal nerves. This procedure allows the nucleus pulposus, the central part of the disc, to return to its natural position within the disc, alleviating pressure and promoting spinal health.

Flexion Distraction also aids in restoring proper motion to the vertebral joints and improving spinal alignment, which contributes to better posture. Additionally, it creates more space in the intervertebral foramen (where the nerves exit the spine), enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and accelerating the healing process.

The Goal of Cox® Technique

The ultimate objective of Cox® Technique is to transition patients from experiencing pain to being pain-free as efficiently as possible, helping patients regain their desired quality of life.

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Cox Flexion Distraction vs. Spinal Decompression: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to treating spinal disc problems, two treatments are often discussed: Spinal Decompression and Cox Flexion Distraction (Inter-Segmental Decompression). While they may sound similar, these two approaches are very different in how they work and, more importantly, in the benefits they provide to the patient.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is a machine-based treatment. The patient is strapped to a table, usually on their back, and a mechanical pulling force is applied to the spine in an attempt to create negative pressure within the discs. The goal is to relieve pressure, reduce disc bulging, and allow more fluid and nutrients into the disc space. While some patients experience short-term relief, it is a passive treatment that relies on traction, without much ability to adapt in real time to the patient’s needs.

Cox Flexion Distraction

Cox Flexion Distraction (Inter-Segmental Decompression), on the other hand, is a hands-on technique performed with a specially designed table. Instead of simply pulling on the spine, the doctor gently guides the spine through precise, controlled movements. The patient is positioned on their stomach and the table “breaks” into two parts at a specific spinal segment. This method reduces pressure on spinal discs, improves spinal motion, and allows the doctor to tailor the treatment to the patient’s exact condition at every moment. Because it is guided and controlled by the doctor, not just a machine, the treatment can be adjusted immediately for comfort, safety, and effectiveness.

Cox Flexion Distraction experience

The real difference lies in the patient experience and results. Cox Flexion Distraction is more comfortable, more adaptable, and more focused on restoring natural spinal function. Patients often find it gentler than mechanical traction, with less risk of irritation or strain. The technique is supported by decades of clinical research and has proven success in treating conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.

In short, while both treatments aim to relieve disc-related pain, Cox Flexion Distraction provides a more precise and more patient-centred solution. This method combines advanced table technology with the skill of a trained doctor, giving patients a more effective path to lasting relief.