Spinal Decompression Therapy in Brea, CA

Spinal decompression is a table-based treatment designed to gently reduce mechanical stress on the cervical or lumbar spine.

 

At Reborn Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Brea, we do not rely on one type of traction for every patient. Depending on your condition, examination findings, and response to treatment, Dr. Peter may use mechanical spinal decompression, Cox Flexion-Distraction, or a combination of both as part of a personalized conservative treatment plan.

 

What Is Spinal Decompression?

 

Mechanical spinal decompression uses controlled traction to gradually

stretch and unload selected areas of the spine.

 

The amount of traction can be adjusted throughout the treatment session based on the patient's condition and comfort.

 

The goal is to reduce mechanical stress, improve tolerance to movement, and support conservative management of selected disc, joint, and nerve-related conditions.

 

Spinal decompression is not appropriate for every type of neck pain, back pain, or sciatica.

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Cox Flexion-Distraction: A More Hands-On Approach to Decompression

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One of the techniques we frequently incorporate at Reborn Chiropractic & Wellness Center is Cox Flexion-Distraction.

 

Unlike conventional mechanical decompression, where traction is primarily delivered by the table, Cox Flexion-Distraction allows Dr. Yi to personally control the direction, amount, and movement of the decompression while continuously monitoring how the patient responds.

 

Using a specialized treatment table, gentle distraction is combined with controlled spinal movement to target specific areas of the cervical or lumbar spine.

 

This hands-on approach allows treatment to be modified in real time rather than relying solely on a predetermined traction cycle.

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Why We Incorporate Cox Flexion-Distraction

 

Depending on the patient's condition, Cox Flexion-Distraction may provide several advantages:

• Gentle, controlled spinal decompression

• More targeted treatment of specific spinal levels

• Real-time adjustment based on patient comfort and symptoms

• Controlled flexion and distraction rather than traction alone

• Ability to modify the treatment as symptoms improve

• A low-force option for patients who may not tolerate traditional spinal manipulation well

 

For many patients, we may begin with a more controlled hands-on approach and gradually incorporate mechanical decompression as tolerated.

 

The goal is not to apply the strongest traction possible. The goal is to determine which type and amount of decompression is most appropriate for the individual patient.

 

Mechanical Decompression + Cox Flexion-Distraction

 

These treatments do not necessarily replace one another.

 

For selected patients, we may combine Cox Flexion-Distraction with mechanical spinal decompression.

Cox Flexion-Distraction allows Dr. Peter to work more specifically with spinal movement and patient response, while mechanical decompression can provide controlled traction for a longer portion of the treatment session.

 

The appropriate approach depends on the patient's examination findings, symptoms, diagnosis, and tolerance to treatment.

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Conditions We May Evaluate

 

Decompression may be considered for selected presentations involving:

• Cervical or lumbar disc irritation

• Herniated or bulging discs

• Sciatica

• Radiating arm or leg symptoms

• Degenerative disc changes

• Certain forms of spinal stiffness

• Symptoms aggravated by compression or prolonged positioning

 

Your Evaluation

 

Before recommending decompression, Dr. Yi may assess:

• Symptom location and radiation

• Neurological findings

• Range of motion

• Orthopedic testing

• Prior imaging

• Previous treatment response

• Relevant medical history

 

Imaging or referral may be recommended when the diagnosis is unclear or when red flags are present.

 

What to Expect

Your treatment will depend on the type of decompression being performed.

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Mechanical Spinal Decompression

 

You will be positioned on the decompression table and secured according to the treatment area. Traction is gradually adjusted based on your condition and comfort.

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Cox Flexion-Distraction

 

You will lie on a specialized table while Dr. Yi applies gentle, controlled distraction and movement to targeted areas of the spine.

 

Because Cox Flexion-Distraction is performed manually, the treatment can be continuously modified according to your symptoms, mobility, and response.

 

Your decompression treatment may also be combined with:

• Chiropractic care

• Manual therapy

• Therapeutic exercise

• Activity modification

• Home mobility exercises

 

When Decompression May Not Be Appropriate

 

Decompression may be avoided in patients with certain conditions, including:

• Recent fracture

• Severe osteoporosis

• Spinal instability

• Certain postoperative conditions

• Progressive neurological deficits

• Infection or malignancy

• Pregnancy for lumbar treatment

• Severe symptoms requiring urgent medical care

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is decompression painful?

It should generally feel tolerable. Treatment is adjusted or stopped if symptoms worsen.

 

What is the difference between Cox Flexion-Distraction and regular spinal decompression?

Traditional mechanical decompression primarily uses a traction system to apply a controlled pulling force to the spine.

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Cox Flexion-Distraction is a more hands-on form of spinal decompression in which Dr. peter controls the distraction and movement of the table directly. This allows the treatment to be targeted and modified continuously according to the patient's response.

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At Reborn Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we may use either technique or combine them depending on the patient's condition.

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Is this the same as an inversion table?

No. Clinical decompression allows controlled positioning, force, and treatment duration.

 

Will decompression fix every herniated disc?

No. Results vary, and treatment depends on the full clinical picture.

 

Schedule a Decompression Evaluation

Contact Reborn Chiropractic & Wellness Center to determine whether spinal decompression may be appropriate for your symptoms.