James Cox, DC, ’63; DACBR, a graduate of National College of Chiropractic (NCC), now National University of Health Sciences (NUHS), was a renowned figure in chiropractic medicine and a true innovator whose contributions shaped the industry we know today. Dr. Cox passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 84, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
He is best known for developing the Cox Flexion-Distraction and Decompression Adjustment Manipulation Instrument, commonly called the Cox Table, and the widely recognized spinal manipulation, the Cox Technic. Practicing primarily out of his Ft. Wayne, Indiana clinic, Dr. Cox also traveled extensively, sharing his expertise, the Cox Table, and the Cox Technic with chiropractic physicians, students and faculty at practices and institutions across the country. Among his many colleagues, two NUHS alumni, George Joachim, DC, DACRB, and Kurt Olding, DC, FIANM, remain particularly dedicated to preserving and advancing Dr. Cox’s legacy. Both Drs. teach continuing education for NUHS through a partnership with the Cox Technic.
Dr. Joachim earned his Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DC) degree from NCC in 1996. During his studies, he served as a research assistant on the federal study, “The Biomechanics of Flexion Distraction Adjusting,” working closely with former NUHS professor Dr. Maruti Gudavalli and meeting Dr. Cox for the first time. He holds certifications in Cox Technic from NUHS, Chiropractic Rehabilitation from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC), and Permanent Impairment Ratio from Parker College. Dr. Joachim owns and operates Aaron Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he also contributes to the profession by instructing regional seminars, presenting at state association events, and teaching Cox Technic courses. He holds a diplomate from the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board and serves as a member of the official chiropractic care team for the Fort Wayne Komets professional hockey team and the Fort Wayne Fury Pro basketball team.
“Dr. Cox had an incredible mind, a generous heart and gave selflessly-not just of his time, but also his treasure,” Dr. Joachim said. “He was deeply philanthropic, constantly contributing to research. Everything he did in life had a purpose, and he changed countless lives with his positive attitude. For probably the smartest man I’ve ever met, he carried a quiet confidence and remarkable humility. He was an amazing influence on my life and career in chiropractic medicine.”
Dr. Olding, a 1984 graduate of NCC, is a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist and Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO), a designation he earned in 2015. He serves on the Academy’s board, contributing his expertise to advance the profession. Dr. Olding owns and operates Minster Chiropractic Center in Minster, Ohio, where he treats patients and specializes in the Cox Technic, a certification he achieved in 2009. Since 2015, he has been a full-time instructor, teaching Cox Technic courses, instructing regional seminars and delivering state association presentations. In addition to his clinical and teaching roles, Dr. Olding is actively involved in research. He has co-authored studies published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, collects clinical data on balance and Cox Technic treatments and leads hands-on workshops. Following in the footsteps of his mentor, Dr. Cox, he remains dedicated to advancing chiropractic research and education at every level.
“Dr. Cox had a profound impact on my career. After 15 years in practice, I thought I was using the Cox technique, but I realized I wasn’t,” Dr. Olding said. “Working under his guidance was a true revelation. My practice was already successful, but the past 20 years of learning from and working alongside Dr. Cox have made it far more fulfilling. He had a unique ability to lift everyone to his level, which, to me, defines true leadership. He didn’t bring people down-he inspired them to grow, learn and follow his example. That was his greatest influence, and I hope we can all pay it forward.”
Drs. Joachim and Olding discovered their passion for chiropractic care through high school sports injuries. As a Junior, Dr. Olding Injured his back playing football and found relief through chiropractic treatment, calling it the best decision he’s ever made. Similarly, Dr. Joachim twisted his ankle during basketball season and was sidelined after seeing a medical doctor. However, when a teammate with the same injury sought chiropractic care and returned to play that season, Dr. Joachim followed suit and was back on the court that season, too. For both Drs., this early experience with the benefits of chiropractic care sparked their interest in the field and led them to pursue careers in the profession. With both having established their careers in chiropractic medicine, their focus has shifted since Dr. Cox passed. Now, their mission is to highlight his principles and ensure that he and his work will live on.
Honoring Dr. Cox’s legacy means more than recognizing his contributions to chiropractic medicine. Dr. Olding and Dr. Joachim strive to carry his character into both their work to better the chiropractic medicine industry as a whole. Dr. Cox’s humility, intelligence, passion and generosity were his most admirable traits, shaping both the exceptional quality of his work and the person he was. He was deeply loved and respected by all.
“Many chiropractic physicians don’t push themselves to stay Involved in research, write scientific papers, or explore opportunities to grow within the profession and support each other. Dr. Cox was dedicated to bridging that gap, bringing chiropractic doctors and the profession closer together. That’s what we will continue to strive for to the best of our knowledge and abilities into the future,” Dr. Joachim said. Dr. Cox emphasized both the importance of character and evidence-based clinical practice, a key aspect of preserving his legacy. “He cared about the whole system and staying up-to-date with research-based care,” Dr. Joachim explained, “Our seminars focus on that-we’ll show you how to perform a thorough exam, how to diagnose and how to treat effectively.”
Dr. Joachim shares that his approach to chiropractic care has evolved throughout his career. While he learned foundational practices in college, working with Dr. Cox and applying his technique emphasized the importance of tailoring treatments to each patient. Dr. Cox and his teachings deeply shaped Dr. Joachim’s approach to patient care. “The idea of providing care that eliminates the risk of iatrogenesis truly inspires my approach,” Dr. Joachim said. “Dr. Cox has challenged us to consider whether there’s a better method to treat patients. As a physician, it’s reassuring to know I can rely on science to deliver the best possible care. I can sleep well at night knowing I’m not causing harm and that my patients’ outcomes will be more successful.”
Dr. Olding credits Dr. Cox with teaching him how to effectively communicate with patients, helping them understand their diagnoses in a clear and reassuring way. Working alongside Dr. Cox also gave him the confidence to treat a wider range of patients he once hesitated to take on. “If you give patients a thorough, evidence-based diagnoses after their examination, that alone is a form of treatment,” Dr. Olding explained.
“Simply explaining what’s wrong in a way that doesn’t intimidate or scare them can make a real difference-that’s something I learned from Dr. Cox. The biggest change I’ve made in my practice is how I communicate with patients. I make sure they fully understand their condition and provide them with an evidence-based treatment plan to go with it.”
“Ego wasn’t even in Dr. Cox’s vocabulary,” said Dr. Joachim. “He never sought the spotlight and often said he wanted to be a small-town country chiropractor, but life and his intellect led him in a different direction. When he began seeing success with tough cases, he shared his findings. Without his early research, we wouldn’t have the knowledge we do today. Now, we’re focused on helping the next generation of chiropractic physicians learn from his work and the legacy he’s left behind.”
“I found Dr. Cox to be the rarest combination of intellect, passion and humility. His unrivaled knowledge of the spine and its care, his passion to share it with his chiropractic colleagues, and his humility in doing so drew many of us to him,” Dr. Olding said. “It is rare to find such a blend of intelligence, integrity and dedication.”
Dr. Cox’s groundbreaking contributions to chiropractic care, combined with his remarkable character, leave behind a lasting and profound legacy. His work transformed lives and shaped the profession, and through the dedication of individuals like Dr. Joachim, Dr. Olding, and others who knew him, his vision will continue to thrive. Dr. Cox’s memory will remain a guiding light, inspiring innovation, compassion and excellence in chiropractic medicine for generations to come.
