Flexion-Distraction Therapy, (F/D) is a gentle, chiropractic treatment procedure utilized for back and neck pain. Flexion-Distraction Therapy is a safe alternative to back surgery for those 95% of patients whose conditions do not demand surgical intervention. The doctor is in control of the treatment movements at all times.
Flexion-Distraction Therapy is utilized for many conditions such as:
- Failed Back surgical Syndromes
- Disc Herniation/Ruptured Disc/Bulging Disc/
- Sciatica/Leg pain
- “Whiplash” injuries
- Stenosis
- Arm Pain/Shoulder Pain
- Neck Pain and Headaches
- Failed Course of Steroid Injections
- Spondylolisthesis
- Headache
- General back muscle pain and spasms
- Pelvic Pain
- Arthritis
How does Flexion-Distraction Work?
For Disc related conditions:
- Increases the intervertebral disc height to remove annular tension on the annular fibers and nerve by making more room and improving circulation.
- Allows the nucleus pulposus, the center of the disc, to assume its central position within the annular fibers and relieves irritation of the spinal nerve.
- Restores vertebral joints to their physiological relationships of motion.
- Improves posture and locomotion while relieving pain, improving Healthy Body functions, and creating a state of well-being.
For Non-Disc related conditions:
Patients with other conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac restrictions and misalignment, certain types of spinal stenosis), Flexion/Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place the spinal joints into normal, painless movements so as to restore spinal motion without pain:
- The posterior disc space increases in height.
- F/D decreases disc protrusion and reduces stenosis.
- Flexion stretches the ligamentum flavum to reduce stenosis.
- Flexion opens the vertebral canal by 2 mm (16%) or 3.5 to 6mm more than extension.
- Flexion increases metabolite transport into the disc.
- Flexion opens the apophyseal joints and reduces posterior disc stress
- The nucleus pulposus does not move on flexion. Intradiscal pressure drops
- under distraction to below 100mm Hg. On extension the nucleus or annulus is seen to protrude posterior into the vertebral canal.
- Intervertebral foraminal openings enlarge giving patency to the nerve.
