Cox® Technic System for Spinal Pain Management

Cox® Technic is a comprehensive system, not merely a chiropractic treatment technique. A system is defined as 'a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network.' The Cox® Technic System comprises protocols for doctors and their patients to follow, facilitating effective spinal pain management through advanced methods like flexion distraction therapy. Additionally, it brings together a network of like-minded chiropractic physicians who practice with a shared approach.

The parts of the Cox® Technic system foundationally include chiropractic treatment through Cox® Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression spinal manipulation, complemented by trigger point therapy, exercise, and nutrition. Additionally, spinal pain management may involve techniques such as electrical stimulation (low volt galvanism, tetanizing current, interferential, etc.), ultrasound, and acupuncture. The Cox® Technic physician is well-trained in various treatment modalities to assist patients effectively; therefore, this list isn't exhaustive. Achieving the best clinical outcomes is a collaborative effort between the doctor and patient, with realistic expectations set based on the latest spine research publications.

The Cox® Technic treatment is a well-researched approach to chiropractic treatment, backed by evidence and meticulously documented with its protocols. It draws upon extensive research from federally funded biomechanical and clinical studies by organizations like NIH and HRSA within the US government's health department. Much of this research utilized the Cox® Table by Haven Innovation. The findings range from case reports and series to biomechanical studies and randomized controlled trials involving notable chiropractic and medical institutions, such as the National University of Health Sciences, Palmer College of Chiropractic/Palmer Research Center, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Hines VA Hospital, and the University of Iowa. This wealth of research highlights the efficacy of flexion distraction therapy in managing spinal pain. The incorporated trigger point therapy works to relax the specifically involved paraspinal musculature while calming the nervous system between treatment sessions. 

Regular exercise is essential and heavily relies on the patient's commitment. It is recognized that, in cases of back pain and neck pain, the extensor muscles tend to tighten, resulting in weakened paraspinal, hip, and core muscles, along with tightened hamstrings—all of which support the spine. Therefore, it is vital that these muscles remain strong to maintain spinal health. 

Nutrition also plays a crucial role in spinal pain management. When experiencing back pain or disc herniation, the intervertebral discs often lose vital nutrients, such as glycosaminoglycan and chondroitin sulfate, due to degeneration. However, proper nutrition combined with appropriate treatment can promote regeneration. For instance, while 28 days of compression can degenerate a disc, 28 days of distraction can restore it. Incorporating nutrition into the treatment plan ensures that essential nutrients are available for potential absorption along with fluid into the discs. Dr. Cox initially formulated Discat Plus Enhanced in the 1960s and has refined it over the years in line with ongoing research. A high-quality daily multivitamin like Formula One is crucial for supplying essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids for protein metabolism, fat-lowering agents, digestive enzymes for improved absorption, and antioxidants usually recommended through 5 or 6 different formulas. Formula #2, containing Calcium Citrate plus Vitamin D3, supports bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, Flax Plus Fiber is beneficial for bowel health, as constipation can be uncomfortable for individuals suffering from back pain. Finally, the Disc & Joint Pain Relief Enhanced Complex provides a natural-sourced pain-relieving supplement containing curcumin, white willow bark, and black pepper (piperine), which enhances the effectiveness of curcumin. Ensuring that the body receives the proper nutrients to support healing through a comprehensive chiropractic treatment plan is a worthwhile endeavor.

The extensive list of conditions for which the Cox® Technic System is appropriate, based on tolerance testing, includes chronic low back pain, acute low back pain, herniated discs, ruptured discs, prolapsed disc herniation, extruded disc herniation, neck pain, acute neck pain, chronic neck pain, sciatica, radicular arm pain, radicular leg pain, radiculopathy, DISH, pregnancy-related back pain and leg pain, degenerative scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, headaches, degenerative disc disease, degenerated discs, and synovial cysts. Each condition has its nuances, but this chiropractic treatment, which often incorporates flexion distraction therapy, can lead to realistic expectations of relief in the realm of spinal pain management.

The Cox® Technic System has always aimed for 50% relief from spinal pain within a month of starting chiropractic treatment, care that is consistently observed by both the doctor and the patient. The 50% Rule serves as a fundamental guide for the Cox® Technic System. Achieving 50% relief—measured objectively through physical tests and subjectively via patient-reported improvement—dictates both the treatment frequency and protocol. Once 50% relief is achieved, appointments are typically reduced by half. For example, if you were initially seen daily, your visits would change to every other day. Many patients experience such improvement within their first one or two visits. After reaching this 50% threshold, the doctor might transition from Protocol I (single level flexion distraction therapy and decompression) to Protocol II (which includes single level flexion distraction and decompression along with range of motion exercises for that specific segment, such as flexion, lateral flexion, circumduction in the low back, and rotation in the neck). For those dealing with chronic back and neck pain conditions like spinal stenosis, a 50% reduction in pain becomes a realistic and welcomed goal, emphasizing 'control not cure' as a valuable outcome. It's hopeful for many patients to see even a 20% or 30% improvement after years of suffering or persistent pain following back surgery, for which Cox® Technic provides a gentle and effective treatment. Historically, the 50% benchmark has guided the Cox® Technic approach, while contemporary research indicates that a minimal clinical improvement of 20% or 30% is often considered necessary for medical interventions, such as back surgery, to be warranted. Cox® Technic typically surpasses these minimal clinical improvement goals when administered by well-trained and experienced chiropractic physicians.

Chiropractors trained in the Cox® Technic System are found worldwide, and in the US, 63.7% of chiropractors reported to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners that they utilize flexion distraction therapy in their practices. Additionally, approximately 3% of US chiropractors are certified, having undergone formal training in Cox® Technic. An online referral directory is available to help you find a physician who specializes in this chiropractic treatment. This directory includes only those actively certified doctors who have been re-certified or certified within the past two years, ensuring they remain committed to using Cox® Technic for effective spinal pain management, just like their colleagues. The Find a Physician online referral directory is accessible 24/7.

The Cox® Technic System of spinal pain management is a comprehensive approach that integrates various components into a personalized chiropractic treatment plan for each patient. Both the patient and doctor commit to this system for optimal and desired spine pain relief. This effective method includes flexion distraction therapy as a key technique to alleviate spinal pain. 

To see a video about Cox® Technic application and goals, please see this video: