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 diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) — or has an idea that something similar might be behind stubborn back and hip pain — you merit honest answers and real hope. Here's some good 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 published 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 hardly touched by physical therapy, medication, or injections. Even after imaging came back looking mostly normal, the answers — and the relief — still felt out of reach. Her chiropractor looked beyond the normal-looking scans and listened closely enough to question if 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. Her chiropractor made sure she got to the right specialist quickly, and with proper treatment, she finally began to feel like herself again. (1) Your chiropractor here at Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers is trained to do more than relieve pain — we're also skilled at recognizing when something more is going on and getting you to 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."
With Cox® Technic, your chiropractor uses a slow, rhythmic, hands-on motion to softly decompress the spine — no sudden movements, no harsh forces, just gentle relief. This long y-axis decompression gently opens spinal joints, reduces pressure on inflamed tissues, and brings back motion in a way that AS patients can actually tolerate and appreciate. Dr. Poulin's patient with ankylosing spondylitis felt meaningful pain relief via this approach. (2)
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIMPLY ENDURE IT
Whether you're newly diagnosed, still searching for answers, or scoping out options for conservative care to complement your medical treatment, chiropractic has a thoughtful role to play. The goal is never to replace your medical specialist or rheumatologist — it's about partnering with your medical team to help you move better, hurt less, and get back to living your life.
CONTACT Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers
You deserve a chiropractor who truly listens, takes care of you with gentleness and respect, and always has the whole you in mind.
