Overview
Spinal decompression is a gentle, non-surgical therapy that relieves pressure on the discs and nerves of the spine. At Philiatros Healthcare in Belleville, Illinois, Dr. Charles Portwood uses Cox Flexion Distraction — a research-backed decompression technique performed on a specialized table that allows controlled, segment-by-segment traction of the lumbar or cervical spine.
Unlike traction machines that pull broadly across the whole spine, Cox Technique targets the exact disc level causing your pain. It opens the disc space, reduces pressure inside the disc, and creates room for inflamed nerve roots to recover — often without the need for surgery, epidural injections, or long-term pain medication.
Conditions treated
- Herniated and bulging discs (lumbar and cervical)
- Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
- Cervical radiculopathy ("pinched nerve" in the neck)
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint syndrome
- Failed back surgery syndrome (post-laminectomy)
- Chronic low back pain unresponsive to other care
What to expect
MRI Consultation
Bring your most recent lumbar or cervical MRI (on disc or paper). Dr. Portwood — board certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound (RMSK) — will review the imaging with you and explain exactly which disc levels are involved.
Examination & diagnosis
A focused orthopedic and neurological exam confirms which structures are generating your pain and whether decompression is appropriate for your case.
Treatment plan
Most patients are scheduled for a series of decompression sessions, often combined with adjunct care (acupuncture, dry needling, or rehabilitative exercise) based on your diagnosis.
Decompression sessions
Each session takes 15-20 minutes on the Cox table. The motion is gentle and rhythmic — most patients describe it as relaxing, not painful. Many feel relief within the first 4–6 visits.
Why Cox Flexion Distraction?
Cox Technique is one of the most extensively researched non-surgical disc treatments in the chiropractic profession, with clinical studies supporting its use for lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy. Dr. Portwood is trained in the protocol and has used it with Belleville-area patients for over three decades.
Compared to surgery, Cox decompression is:
- Non-invasive - no incisions, no anesthesia, no hospital stay
- Low risk - gentle force, no medication side effects
- Diagnostically targeted - guided by your MRI findings, not guesswork
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spinal decompression painful?
No. Cox Flexion Distraction uses gentle, controlled motion. The vast majority of patients find sessions relaxing. If any movement reproduces your pain, Dr. Portwood will adjust the protocol immediately.
How many sessions will I need?
Most lumbar disc cases respond within 12-20 sessions over 4-8 weeks, though many patients feel meaningful relief within the first 1-2 weeks. Your exact treatment plan depends on your MRI findings and clinical exam.
Can spinal decompression help me avoid back surgery?
For many patients with disc herniation, radiculopathy, or stenosis, yes. Cox Technique has published research supporting its use as a first-line conservative treatment before considering surgical options. We do not, however, treat every case — if your imaging or symptoms suggest decompression is unsafe or unlikely to help, we'll tell you and refer you appropriately.
Do you treat patients from Scott AFB and the surrounding area?
Yes. We see patients from Belleville, Shiloh, O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, Swansea, Mascoutah, and Scott Air Force Base.
What's the difference between Cox decompression and a traction machine like DRX9000?
Both aim to reduce intradiscal pressure, but Cox is performed by the doctor with hands-on control, allowing real-time adjustment to your symptoms and targeting of specific spinal segments. Machine-based traction applies a preset force across the whole region.