Feeling Stuck with Lower Back Pain? Cox Traction May Help

If you have lower back pain that is accompanied by leg numbness, tingling, burning, cramps, or difficulty walking long distances, lumbar spinal stenosis may be the culprit.

What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal (the tunnel that carries your spinal cord and nerves) starts to narrow. This narrowing is usually the result of age-related degenerative changes that build up over time, including:

• Disc changes – the discs between your vertebrae lose height and can bulge, encroaching on nerve space

• Arthritic changes in the facet joints – bony overgrowth and thickened ligaments can crowd the canal

• Joint degeneration – wear and tear around the small joints of the spine reduces flexibility and space

As these changes progress, the nerves in the lower spine can become irritated or compressed, leading to symptoms such as:

• Low back pain

• Sciatica or shooting pain into the legs

• Numbness, tingling, or burning in the legs or feet

• Muscle cramps or weakness

• Difficulty walking long distances

• The instinct to bend forward while walking (because leaning forward opens up the spinal canal and relieves pressure)

How Is It Diagnosed?

An MRI or X-ray can show the narrowing and degenerative changes, but chiropractors are also experts at recognizing spinal stenosis based on symptoms, history, and examination findings.

How Cox Traction Helps

Cox traction is a gentle, non-surgical therapy that specifically targets the narrowing and nerve compression of spinal stenosis. Using a specially designed table, your chiropractor applies controlled, targeted stretching to the spine. This can:

• Create more space in the spinal canal

• Reduce nerve pressure

• Ease back and leg pain

• Improve walking distance and mobility

Because Cox traction is customized to each patient, the angle, movement, and force are carefully adjusted to match your condition, making it both safe and effective.

At Mountain Health and Performance, we often combine Cox traction with:

• Laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation

• Spinal manipulation (if appropriate) to improve mobility

• Targeted rehab protocols designed specifically for spinal stenosis

This multi-modal approach not only provides pain relief but also helps restore function and keep you active long-term.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re struggling with back or leg pain from spinal stenosis, book a consultation with one of our chiropractors at Mountain Health and Performance. Together, we’ll build a treatment plan that helps you move with less pain and more confidence.

Dr. Amy Wiggins

BKin, DC

North Vancouver Chiropractor