Ask Dr. Weiland: What Is Cox Flexion Distraction—and Why Do You Use It?
- Aimee M McGrath
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
When most people think of chiropractic care, they picture quick adjustments and the familiar "pop" that often comes with them. But chiropractic care isn't one-size-fits-all.
Dr. Katrina Weiland has advanced training in the Cox Flexion Distraction Technique (CFD), a gentle, research-supported method that can help patients with conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and chronic back pain.
We sat down with Dr. Weiland to learn more about this specialized technique, why she chooses it, and what patients can expect.
Q: Dr. Weiland, what exactly is Cox Flexion Distraction?
Dr. Weiland:
Cox Flexion Distraction is a specialized chiropractic technique that's very different from what many people imagine when they think of chiropractic care.
Instead of using forceful twisting or quick movements, I use a specially designed chiropractic table that allows me to gently guide your spine through controlled movements. This helps reduce stress on the discs, joints, and nerves while encouraging healthier movement throughout the spine.
For many patients, it's an incredibly comfortable treatment.
Q: Who is this technique best suited for?
Dr. Weiland:
Some of my best results come from patients dealing with:
Herniated discs
Bulging discs
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Pinched nerves
Chronic neck or lower back pain
Of course, every patient is different. That's why I always perform a thorough examination before recommending any treatment. My goal is to determine what's causing your symptoms—not just where you hurt.
Q: Many people have never heard of Cox Flexion Distraction. Why do you think that is?
Dr. Weiland:
That's a great question.
Most people search for their condition—like "sciatica" or "herniated disc"—rather than the name of the technique that might help them.
They don't know this option exists until someone introduces it to them. Once patients understand how gentle and effective it can be, they're often surprised they've never heard of it before.
Q: One thing you've said before is that you care more about how someone functions than how they feel. What do you mean by that?
Dr. Weiland:
Pain is important—but it doesn't always tell the whole story. In chiropractic, we often say that pain is the last symptom to appear and the first symptom to disappear.
Someone can feel better while their spine still isn't functioning the way it should. My goal isn't simply to help you hurt less today. It's to improve how your body moves and functions so you're less likely to keep experiencing the same problem over and over again.
When we improve function, pain often follows.
Q: Is this basically the same thing as spinal decompression?
Dr. Weiland:
People ask me that a lot.
Both treatments are designed to reduce pressure on the spine, but they're different.
Cox Flexion Distraction is a hands-on chiropractic technique. I'm evaluating your movement throughout the treatment and making adjustments based on how your body responds. It's very personalized.
Q: What surprises patients the most after their first treatment?
Dr. Weiland:
Honestly, how gentle it is.
Many new patients arrive expecting a lot of twisting or forceful adjustments.
Instead, they often tell me,
"That's it? That was actually relaxing."
Especially for people who are nervous about chiropractic care, this technique can completely change their expectations.
Q: Does this work for everyone?
Dr. Weiland:
No treatment works for every single person, and I think it's important to be honest about that. That's why I always begin with a complete evaluation. Sometimes Cox Flexion Distraction is exactly what someone needs.
Sometimes another chiropractic technique is more appropriate. Sometimes chiropractic isn't the right answer at all, and I'll recommend additional evaluation or another healthcare provider.
My responsibility is to recommend what's best for the patient—not to fit everyone into the same treatment.
Q: What would you say to someone who's been living with back pain for months—or even years?
Dr. Weiland:
Don't assume it's just something you have to live with. Many people wait until they're in severe pain before they seek care. By then, the underlying problem has often been there for quite some time.
The sooner we can identify what's affecting the way your spine functions, the sooner we can begin working toward improving it.
You don't have to wait until you're miserable to find out what options are available.
Considering Chiropractic Care?
If you're experiencing chronic back pain, sciatica, disc problems, or spinal stenosis, Dr. Katrina Weiland can evaluate your condition and determine whether the Cox Flexion Distraction Technique—or another personalized chiropractic approach—is right for you.
At Mountainside Chiropractic, the goal isn't simply to reduce pain. It's to help your body function better so you can continue living the life you love.
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