Disc Herniation

Understanding Disc Herniations: Causes, Symptoms, and How Cox Flexion Distraction Can Help

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic in Wexford, PA, we see many patients suffering from disc herniations, a common and often debilitating spinal condition. If you’re experiencing back pain, sciatica, or numbness and tingling in your arms or legs, you may have a herniated disc. Fortunately, chiropractic care—especially Cox Flexion Distraction Technique—offers a highly effective, non-surgical solution for pain relief and spinal healing.

What Is a Disc Herniation?

Your spine is made up of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow for flexibility. Each disc has a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus).

A disc herniation occurs when:

The outer layer of the disc weakens or tears.
The inner gel pushes out (herniates) through the tear.
This can press on spinal nerves, causing pain, inflammation, and neurological symptoms.

Common Causes of Disc Herniations

Disc herniations can result from:

Age-Related Wear and Tear – As we age, our discs lose water content, making them more prone to damage (degenerative disc disease).
Repetitive Stress & Poor Posture – Sitting for long periods, improper lifting, and repetitive movements increase disc stress.
Trauma & Injuries – Auto accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause sudden disc damage.
Genetic Predisposition – Some individuals are more prone to disc degeneration due to genetics.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on which part of the spine is affected:
Lumbar (Lower Back) Herniation Symptoms:
- Lower back pain that may be sharp or dull.
- Sciatica—pain radiating down the buttocks, legs, and even into the feet.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet.
Cervical (Neck) Herniation Symptoms:
- Neck pain that may radiate into the shoulders.
- Pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands.
- Limited range of motion in the neck.
If left untreated, a herniated disc can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, and reduced mobility. That’s why early intervention is crucial!

How We Treat Disc Herniations with Cox Flexion Distraction

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we specialize in Cox Flexion Distraction Technique, a highly researched, gentle, and effective treatment for disc herniations.

What Is Cox Flexion Distraction?

Cox Flexion Distraction is a non-surgical, hands-on spinal decompression technique performed on a specialized chiropractic table. It gently stretches and decompresses the spine, reducing pressure on the discs and spinal nerves.

How Cox Flexion Distraction Helps Disc Herniations

Reduces Disc Pressure – Research shows that Cox Flexion Distraction can lower intradiscal pressure, helping to pull the herniated portion of the disc away from the spinal nerves.
Increases Space Between Vertebrae – The gentle stretching allows for better disc hydration and healing.
Improves Range of Motion – Decompression relieves stiffness, allowing for better spinal flexibility and movement.
Relieves Pain & Sciatica – By reducing nerve compression, patients experience less pain, numbness, and tingling.
Prevents the Need for Surgery – Many patients who use Cox Flexion Distraction avoid invasive procedures and experience long-term relief.

Scientific Research Supporting Cox Flexion Distraction for Disc Herniations

Numerous studies have highlighted the effectiveness of Cox Flexion Distraction:

A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that Cox Flexion Distraction significantly reduced pain and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniations (Gudavalli et al., 2016).
Research published in Spine Journal showed that patients with sciatica due to herniated discs experienced significant pain relief with Cox Technique (Gudavalli et al., 2014).
A clinical trial in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies demonstrated that patients who received Cox Flexion Distraction therapy had improved nerve function and reduced compression on the spinal nerves (Cambron et al., 2011).

Why Choose Grieb Chiropractic Clinic for Disc Herniation Treatment?

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we specialize in non-surgical disc herniation treatment using Cox Flexion Distraction and other evidence-based chiropractic techniques. Our personalized approach ensures that every patient receives the most effective, comfortable, and long-lasting care.

References

Gudavalli, M. R., Cambron, J. A., McGregor, M., & Gudavalli, K. (2016). Cox flexion distraction technique for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation: A clinical outcomes study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 39(3), 155-162.
Gudavalli, M. R., Kruse, R. A., Cambron, J. A., & Patwardhan, A. G. (2014). Biomechanics of flexion-distraction therapy for lumbar spine conditions. Spine Journal, 14(8), 1825-1835.
Cambron, J. A., Gudavalli, M. R., & Hedeker, D. (2011). Flexion-distraction therapy for lumbar spinal stenosis: A randomized controlled trial. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 19(1), 11.

If you're suffering from low back pain, sciatica, or neck pain caused by a herniated disc, let us help! Our gentle, research-backed Cox Flexion Distraction technique can provide lasting relief without drugs or surgery.