Cox® Decompression: Gentle Care That AS Patients Can Finally Tolerate
WHEN YOUR SPINE NEEDS A GENTLE TOUCH: CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
If daily back pain and stiffness are stealing your joy and leaving you wondering what the future holds, you are not alone. If you or someone you love has been told about having a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) — or suspects something similar might be behind stubborn back and hip pain — you deserve honest answers and genuine hope. Here's some encouraging news: chiropractic care, delivered with the right approach, can be a significant part of your path toward feeling better.
YOUR CHIROPRACTOR MAY CATCH WHAT OTHERS MISS
A 2026 case study that came out in Cureus tells the story of a 15-year-old girl who had suffered three years of chronic low back and hip pain — moderate to severe, daily, and barely touched by physical therapy, medication, or injections. A lumbar MRI had offered little explanation, leaving her and her family still searching for answers. Her chiropractor looked beyond the normal-looking scans and listened closely enough to suspect that inflammation, not structure, was at the root of her suffering. A pelvic MRI was ordered, revealing bilateral sacroiliac joint damage consistent with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis. A timely referral to rheumatology ensued, and with proper treatment she began to improve. (1) Your chiropractor here at Old Mill Chiropractic is trained to do more than alleviate pain — we're also skilled at recognizing when something more is going on and arranging for you to get the right help.
GENTLE CARE THAT RESPECTS INFLAMED SPINES
For patients with AS, a more forceful approach simply won't do — and your chiropractor know how to adjust spinal manipulation treatment to meet your needs. As James M. Cox, DC, DACBR, developer of the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, explains from a case submitted by Dr. Mike Poulin of Virginia: "High velocity, low amplitude adjusting is not very well tolerated by these patients, and long y-axis Cox® decompression is welcome relief."
Cox® Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression uses slow, gentle, hands-on traction along the spine's long axis — no forceful thrusting, no jarring impact. This long y-axis decompression gently opens spinal joints, lowers pressure on inflamed tissues, and restores motion in a way that AS patients can actually tolerate and appreciate. Dr. Poulin's patient with ankylosing spondylitis experienced meaningful pain relief through this approach. (2)
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIMPLY ENDURE IT
Whether you're newly diagnosed, still searching for answers, or looking for conservative care to complement your medical treatment, chiropractic has a beneficial role to play. The goal is never to replace your medical specialist or rheumatologist — it's about working hand in hand with your medical team so you can move a little more freely and wake up each day with a little less pain.
CONTACT Old Mill Chiropractic
You deserve a chiropractor who truly listens, takes care of you with gentleness and respect, and always has the whole you in mind.
Take the first step toward feeling better — schedule your chiropractic appointment today!
