Index to Chiropractic Literature
Index to Chiropractic Literature
My ICL     Sign In
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Index to Chiropractic LiteratureIndex to Chiropractic LiteratureIndex to Chiropractic Literature
Share:

For best results switch to Advanced Search.
Article Detail
 Return to Search Results
Article ID
Title
URL https://journal.parker.edu/article/78027-cox-flexion-distraction-utilized-in-the-management-of-a-lower-back-pain-in-a-patient-with-an-l4-l5-synovial-cyst-a-case-report
Journal J Contemp Chiropr. 2022 ;5(1):50-56
Author(s)
Subject(s)
Peer Review Yes
Publication Type Case Report
Abstract/Notes

Objective: To describe the chiropractic treatment of a patient with a chronic, symptomatic L4-L5 synovial cyst using the Cox® flexion-distraction manipulation.

Clinical Features: A 75-year-old retired postal worker had lower back pain radiating into his right buttock, of non-traumatic onset. The pain was present for 4-5 months and was rated as severe when standing or walking. Magnetic resonance imaging documented a large synovial cyst at L4-L5.

Intervention and Outcomes: Treatment consisted of Cox® flexion-distraction to the lumbar spine for a total of 6 treatments over approximately 3 weeks. The initial numerical pain rating scale (NPR) was 3-4 at rest and was rated as severe when standing or walking. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was 48%. The final NPR was rated as 0 at rest, and the ODI was 36%. This represents a 25% improvement in the ODI and a 100% improvement in resting pain.

Conclusion: The Cox® flexion-distraction manipulation may be an effective conservative option for symptomatic lumbar synovial cysts. This becomes important in a patient who has several co-morbidities which make surgery a riskier option.

Author keywords: Chiropractic; Synovial Cyst; Low Back Pain; Flexion-Distraction

This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. Click on the above link for free full text.

 
      

Search Tips
  • Enclose phrases in "quotation marks".  Examples: "low back pain", "evidence-based"
  • Retrieve all forms of a word with an "asterisk*", also called a wildcard or truncation.  Example: "chiropract*" retrieves chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractors
  • Register an account in My ICL to save search histories (My Searches) and collections of records (My Collections)
Advanced Search Tips