Gentle flexion-distraction therapy in Towson, MD — a hands-on, non-invasive technique that decompresses the lower spine to relieve low back, disc and sciatic pain.
Gentle flexion-distraction therapy in Towson, MD — a hands-on, non-invasive technique that decompresses the lower spine to relieve low back, disc and sciatic pain. By easing pressure on discs and nerves without twisting or high-velocity thrusts, it offers Towson-area patients a comfortable, non-surgical path to relief from disc-related pain, sciatica, and leg symptoms that haven't responded to other care.
How it works
What to expect with flexion-distraction
Thorough exam first
We review your history and perform orthopedic, neurological, and movement testing to confirm which disc level is involved, rule out contraindications, and determine whether flexion-distraction is the right fit for your spine.
A personalized decompression plan
You get a plain-English explanation of your findings and a specific, time-bound care plan, with measurable goals and a clear endpoint rather than open-ended visits.
Hands-on table work & rehab
Each session combines the flexion-distraction technique with any needed adjustments and, as you progress, corrective exercises that build core support so the relief lasts.
Why patients choose it
Benefits of flexion-distraction
Natural, non-invasive disc and nerve symptom relief
Comfortable rhythmic motion — no high-velocity thrusting
Increases disc height and reduces nerve root pressure
Suitable for most ages, including older adults
Pairs naturally with spinal adjustments and rehab
Documented improvement in pain and range of motion
The basics
About flexion-distraction
The lumbar discs act as shock-absorbing cushions between each vertebra. When a disc bulges, herniates, or begins to degenerate, it can press on nearby nerves and trigger pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into the leg. Flexion- distraction addresses this by gently cycling the spine through a pumping motion that increases disc height, reduces pressure inside the disc, and encourages nutrients and fluid back into the disc tissue.
Unlike motorized traction, flexion-distraction is guided entirely by the doctor's hands, which means each movement is tailored to what that specific spinal level needs in real time. The result is a highly controlled, highly comfortable session that patients often describe as relaxing — and a treatment that pairs naturally with spinal adjustments and corrective exercise for lasting results.
New Patients Welcome
New patients welcome — book your first visit today
Your first visit is all about you — a one-on-one consultation, a thorough exam, and a clear, plain-language explanation of how we can help, plus a care plan built around your goals.
Our office is here to help you find relief from disc and sciatic pain without surgery. Flexion-distraction is a hands-on chiropractic technique performed on a specialized table whose lower section flexes, extends, and laterally tilts under the doctor’s guidance, gently decompressing the lumbar discs and surrounding joints.
On your first visit, Dr. Abosh performs an exam to confirm the target disc level and rule out anything that would make flexion-distraction the wrong fit. This assures he has a thorough understanding of what’s driving your pain before recommending a plan.
Depending on what your exam finds, we may recommend flexion-distraction alone or combined with spinal adjustments and corrective exercise. We’ll work with you to build a treatment plan with measurable goals and a clear endpoint. We provide flexion-distraction therapy in Towson, MD in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. We specialize in helping you:
Relieve disc and nerve symptoms naturally
Move through a comfortable, rhythmic motion — no high-velocity thrusting
Increase disc height and reduce nerve root pressure
Restore normal motion to the lumbar spine
Build core support so relief lasts
We want to find the disc level driving your pain and build a custom plan to decompress it. If you’re dealing with low back or sciatic pain, get in touch with us to book your appointment today.
What Does Flexion-Distraction Do?
Flexion-distraction was developed by Dr. James Cox in the 1960s and is one of the most widely researched conservative treatments for lumbar disc conditions. While the table creates a gentle distraction force, Dr. Abosh applies light, controlled pressure to the affected spinal level, producing a rhythmic pumping motion that decompresses the disc and surrounding joints.
The goal is to increase the height of the disc space, reduce the internal disc pressure (which can help a bulging or herniated disc retract), decrease nerve root pressure, and restore normal motion to the lumbar spine. Because the technique is entirely hands-on, Dr. Abosh can adjust the force and direction moment-to-moment based on how your spine responds.
Common Reasons to See Us for Flexion-Distraction Therapy
Flexion-distraction is a strong fit for patients dealing with:
Disc injuries — herniated, bulging, or degenerative discs causing local or radiating pain
Sciatica — leg pain, numbness, or tingling traced back to lumbar nerve root compression
Back pain — especially chronic low-back pain that hasn’t fully responded to adjustments alone
Pinched nerves in the lumbar spine — facet-related or foraminal narrowing
Older adults or patients who prefer a very gentle approach to lumbar care
Flexion-distraction offers a gentle, well-researched path to relief:
Natural, non-invasive disc and nerve symptom relief
Comfortable rhythmic motion — no high-velocity thrusting
Increases disc height and reduces nerve root pressure
Suitable for most ages, including older adults
Pairs naturally with spinal adjustments and rehab
If you’re not sure whether you’re a candidate, the answer starts with an exam — not guesswork.
Get Flexion-Distraction Therapy in Towson, MD
At Towson Integrative Health, Dr. Paul Abosh brings together flexion-distraction, spinal adjustments, and corrective rehab into one cohesive plan built around your specific findings. Patients from Towson, Lutherville, Timonium, Cockeysville, and Parkville trust us because we give them a straight answer about what’s driving their pain and a realistic, time-bound plan to fix it — not an open-ended commitment.
Flexion-distraction is a hands-on chiropractic technique performed on a segmented table. The doctor gently flexes and distracts the lower spine in a rhythmic, pumping motion that decompresses the discs, reduces nerve pressure, and improves spinal mobility — all without forceful thrusts.
▸Does flexion-distraction hurt?
Most patients find it comfortable or even relaxing. Because the force is gentle and guided entirely by the doctor's hands, it rarely causes the soreness that sometimes follows high-velocity adjustments. A little post-session muscle fatigue is normal and typically fades within a day.
▸What conditions does flexion-distraction treat?
It's used most often for lumbar disc herniations or bulges, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, and low back pain with leg symptoms. It can also benefit spinal stenosis and some cases of scoliosis-related discomfort.
▸How is flexion-distraction different from a regular chiropractic adjustment?
A standard adjustment uses a quick, controlled thrust to restore joint motion. Flexion-distraction is entirely hands-on and gradual — the doctor controls every movement in real time, which allows precise targeting of individual spinal segments and makes it a gentler option for many patients.
▸Is flexion-distraction safe?
Yes. It's one of the most researched conservative therapies for lumbar disc conditions and is considered very safe when performed by a trained chiropractor. We screen every patient before starting and do not use this technique in the presence of fractures, certain tumors, or severe osteoporosis.
▸Will my insurance cover flexion-distraction?
Many major plans cover chiropractic services, including the manipulation component of flexion-distraction. We'll verify your benefits before your first visit and walk you through any out-of-pocket cost. Affordable self-pay options are available.
▸Can flexion-distraction help my sciatica?
Often, yes. By increasing the disc space and reducing pressure on the nerve root, flexion-distraction directly targets the mechanical cause of most sciatic pain. Many patients notice reduced leg pain within the first few sessions.
▸Do I need imaging before starting care?
Not always. We can often begin treatment based on your exam findings alone. If imaging already exists, bring it — it helps us target the right level. We order new imaging only when it would meaningfully change your care.
▸What should I do at home between sessions?
Stay gently active — walking is ideal. Avoid prolonged sitting or bending that worsens your symptoms. Dr. Abosh will give you specific stretches and posture tips to support your progress between visits.
Still have questions? Contact us — we're happy to help.
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