Gentle Spinal Relief for Back Pain & Disc Conditions

Flexion distraction is a low-velocity, mechanically assisted spinal manipulation performed on a specialized segmented table to gently decompress the lumbar spine and reduce pressure on irritated discs and nerves. It is designed for patients dealing with chronic low back pain, disc herniations, lumbar spinal stenosis, sciatica, and related conditions who want a non-surgical, non-thrust approach to spinal care. 

Research measuring intradiscal pressure during the procedure found that pressure decreased at all studied disc levels — findings consistent with the hypothesis that flexion distraction may draw displaced disc material back toward the center of the disc. 

At RxWellness Spine & Health, our clinical team integrates flexion distraction into a personalized, multidisciplinary care plan — combining gentle spinal work with rehabilitation and supportive therapies to address both your pain and its underlying cause.

New to RxWellness? Your first visit — consultation, examination, and treatment — is just $19. Book your new patient appointment today.

Key Takeaways

• Flexion distraction gently stretches and decompresses the spine using a specialized segmented table
• Reduces intradiscal pressure to relieve pain from herniated discs, stenosis, and sciatica
• Integrated with chiropractic care and rehabilitation for a complete, whole-body recovery approach
• Non-surgical, in-office treatment with no downtime — most patients resume normal activity the same day
• RxWellness has 12 locations conveniently located throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland
• Most major insurance plans are accepted at all locations, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and UHC
• Care delivered by our board-certified clinical team under physician oversight

What Is Flexion Distraction and How Does It Work?

Flexion distraction is a chiropractic spinal manipulation technique that uses a specially designed segmented table to apply gentle, rhythmic flexion and traction to the lumbar spine. Rather than high-velocity thrusts, it uses slow, controlled movement to decompress spinal segments — reducing pressure on discs, nerves, and posterior joints while improving segmental motion. 

Research confirms that flexion distraction “maintains the intervertebral height, thereby preventing degeneration of the peripheral annulus fibrosus, which is sensitive to pain,” and that “the disc pressure is reduced, and the resulting centripetal force repositions the laterally displaced nucleus pulposus to the center.” 

• Applies flexion, distraction, and lateral movements to target specific spinal levels
• Reduces intradiscal pressure, which may allow displaced disc material to move back toward the center
• Opens the spaces between vertebrae, reducing compression on spinal nerves and facet joints
• Improves fluid exchange within the disc, supporting disc health and reducing inflammation
• Distinct from high-velocity adjustments — no thrusting, cracking, or cavitation involved

What Conditions Does Flexion Distraction Treat?

Flexion distraction is most commonly used for lumbar spine conditions in which disc compression, nerve irritation, or restricted spinal motion drives pain and dysfunction. It is especially well-suited for patients who haven’t responded to other conservative treatments or who aren’t candidates for high-velocity adjustments. 

In a case series of 69 patients treated with flexion distraction for post-surgical continued pain, “54 (81%) of the patients showed greater than 50% reduction in pain levels at the end of the last treatment” over a mean of 11 visits. 

Conditions commonly addressed with flexion distraction:

• Chronic low back pain (non-specific and discogenic)
• Lumbar disc herniation and bulging discs
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
• Degenerative disc disease
• Facet syndrome and mechanical low back pain
• Post-surgical continued low back pain

Understanding what to expect during your flexion distraction treatment can help you prepare for your first visit.

What Should You Expect During Flexion Distraction Treatment?

Flexion distraction at RxWellness is a calm, hands-on experience performed on a specialized segmented table. Most patients describe the sensation as a gentle, rhythmic stretch across the lower back — nothing forceful or abrupt.

• Consultation and health history review — Your provider reviews your symptoms, prior imaging, and health history to confirm flexion distraction is appropriate
• Physical and orthopedic evaluation — A focused exam assesses spinal motion, nerve function, and areas of restriction
• Personalized care plan — Your clinical team identifies which spinal levels to target and how flexion distraction fits your broader treatment approach
• Treatment session — You lie face-down on the segmented table while your provider applies gentle distraction and flexion to specific lumbar segments; sessions typically last 15–30 minutes
• Post-treatment guidance — Your provider reviews home care recommendations and supportive therapies
• Follow-up and progress monitoring — Outcomes are tracked across visits, and your care plan adjusts as your condition improves

What to expect after treatment:

• Most patients experience no downtime and return to normal activity the same day
• Mild soreness in the treated area is possible after early sessions and typically resolves within 24 hours
• Improvement builds progressively across a course of care

Who Is a Good Candidate for Flexion Distraction?

Flexion distraction is a strong option for patients with lumbar disc or nerve-related pain who want a gentle, non-surgical approach — particularly those who haven’t found relief through medication, exercise alone, or standard chiropractic adjustments. It is especially well-suited for older adults, post-surgical patients, and anyone who cannot tolerate high-velocity spinal manipulation.

Ideal candidates include:

• Adults with chronic or recurring low back pain that hasn’t resolved with conservative care
• Patients with confirmed disc herniation, bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease
• Older adults with lumbar spinal stenosis seeking non-surgical options
• Patients with sciatica or radiating leg pain from lumbar nerve compression
• Those who have had prior spinal surgery and continue to experience pain
• Individuals seeking an opioid-sparing, drug-free approach to spinal pain management

Those who should consult our clinical team before proceeding:

• Patients with inflammatory spondyloarthropathies or marked spinal instability
• Those on high-risk anticoagulation therapy or who are pregnant
• Anyone with acute, progressive neurological changes requiring immediate specialist evaluation

Every treatment decision at RxWellness begins with a thorough clinical evaluation to determine whether flexion distraction is the right fit and how it should be combined with other therapies.

Not sure if flexion distraction is right for you? Our clinical team will evaluate your condition and recommend the best path forward. Schedule your consultation or call your nearest RxWellness location.

Why Choose RxWellness Spine & Health for Flexion Distraction?

RxWellness Spine & Health brings together chiropractors, rehabilitation specialists, and clinical support staff under one roof — giving patients access to a coordinated care model that addresses the full picture of their condition. Our team uses flexion distraction as one component of a structured plan that may also include active rehabilitation, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle education.

• 150,000+ patients treated across all RxWellness locations
• 7,500+ five-star reviews
• INC 5000 ranked #1,523 (2025) — three consecutive years of recognition
• Inc. Regionals Mid-Atlantic #45 (2025)
• 12 state-of-the-art facilities across Virginia and Maryland
• Board-certified clinical team under physician oversight
• Most major insurance is accepted at all locations
• Same-day and next-day appointments available

The RxWellness Three-Phase Care Model

Recovery at RxWellness follows a structured progression designed to move patients from pain relief to lasting recovery.

• Phase 1 — Relief Care: Reduces pain intensity and calms disc and nerve irritation to restore basic daily comfort and mobility
• Phase 2 — Corrective Care: Rebuilds spinal stability and motion tolerance through progressive rehabilitation as symptoms improve
• Phase 3 — Wellness Care: Supports long-term spinal health with periodic check-ins, home exercise guidance, and early management of recurring symptoms

Does Insurance Cover Flexion Distraction at RxWellness?

Most major insurance plans are accepted at all RxWellness locations, and flexion distraction — delivered as part of a chiropractic care visit — is commonly covered. Call your nearest location to verify your specific benefits before your first appointment.

Accepted insurance carriers:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• FSBP
• GEHA
• Medicare (all locations except Arlington)
• UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
• Johns Hopkins EHP (Baltimore, Laurel, and Silver Spring locations only)

Auto insurance and workers’ compensation:

• RxWellness works directly with auto insurance carriers — patients typically pay nothing out of pocket
• Workers’ compensation claims are billed directly to your employer’s carrier

Frequently Asked Questions About Flexion Distraction

Is Flexion Distraction safe for people with herniated discs or spinal stenosis?

Yes — flexion distraction is a gentle, low-force technique specifically studied in patients with disc herniations and lumbar spinal stenosis. A pilot RCT of older adults with spinal stenosis reported no adverse events across all treatment groups. A thorough clinical evaluation is always performed first to confirm that the technique is appropriate for your condition.

Does insurance cover Flexion Distraction treatment?

In most cases, yes. RxWellness accepts most major insurance plans — including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, GEHA, FSBP, and UnitedHealthcare. Medicare is accepted at all locations except Arlington. Patients seen for motor vehicle accidents or workers’ compensation often have no out-of-pocket cost. Call your nearest location to verify your specific benefits.

How long does Flexion Distraction take to work?

Most patients notice improvement within the first several visits, though the timeline varies by condition and severity. In a randomized clinical trial follow-up, patients who received flexion distraction maintained significantly lower pain scores over the following year than those in the physical therapy exercise group (p = 0.02). A standard course typically spans several weeks, with visit frequency tapering as symptoms improve.

What should I expect at my first Flexion Distraction appointment at RxWellness?

Your first visit includes a full consultation, physical and orthopedic examination, and your first treatment — all for $19 as a new patient. Your provider will review your health history and imaging, evaluate spinal motion, and discuss a care plan before beginning treatment. Flexion distraction is performed on a segmented table and typically feels like a gentle, rhythmic stretch.

Who is the best candidate for Flexion Distraction?

Flexion distraction works best for patients with disc-related or nerve-related lumbar pain — including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease — who want a non-surgical, low-force option. It is particularly well-suited for older adults and post-surgical patients. Patients with spinal fractures, active spinal infections, known malignancy, or cauda equina symptoms are not candidates and will be referred appropriately.

Find Lasting Relief with Flexion Distraction at RxWellness Spine & Health

Flexion distraction offers a targeted, evidence-informed path to relief for patients dealing with disc pain, nerve compression, spinal stenosis, and chronic low back conditions — without surgery, opioids, or high-force manipulation. At RxWellness, it is one component of a coordinated care model designed to reduce your pain, restore your function, and support your spinal health long term.

Take the 1st step towards recovery by booking your consultation online today! 

Serving patients across Northern Virginia and Maryland, including Herndon, Ashburn, Arlington, Vienna, Alexandria, Aldie, Tysons, Baltimore, Bowie, Laurel, Rockville, and Silver Spring.