Chiropractic Glossary
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Adrenal GlandsThe adrenal glands are small but powerful endocrine glands that play a key role in various bodily functions.Aerobic ExercisesAerobic exercises are an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, offering numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being.Afferent NervesAfferent nerves, also known as sensory nerves, are an essential component of the nervous system.Acute Back PainAcute Back Pain is a chiropractic term explained below by Arrowhead Clinic.Antalgic PositionAntalgic position, also known as antalgic posture or antalgic gait, refers to a body position or manner of walking that is adopted to avoid or reduce pain.Anterior TiltAnterior refers to the front or forward-facing aspect of the body.Atlas In Chiropractic CareThe atlas is the topmost vertebra of the spine, located at the base of the skull.Articulation In Chiropractic CareArticulation refers to the connection between two bones, typically formed by a joint.AtrophyAtrophy is a medical condition characterized by the wasting away or loss of muscle tissue, resulting in decreased muscle mass and strength.Activator MethodA low-force chiropractic technique using a handheld spring-loaded instrument to deliver gentle, targeted adjustments.Acromioclavicular JointThe joint connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade, commonly injured by direct impact or seat belts.Annular TearA crack in the tough outer ring of a spinal disc that can cause back or neck pain or produce no symptoms.Ankylosing SpondylitisAn inflammatory arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joints that needs rheumatology care; adjustments are contraindicated in fused disease.
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BiomechanicsBiomechanics is the study of how humans move and function from a mechanical perspective.Babst BoardA Babst Board, also known as a chiropractic drop table, is a specialized piece of equipment used by chiropractors to perform spinal adjustments and manipulationBack PainChronic back pain is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people in the United States.Bilateral In Chiropractic CareIn medical terminology, “bilateral” refers to having or relating to two sides.Bioelectrical Impedance AnalysisBioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive method for measuring body composition, including body fat percentage, lean body mass, and total body waBursitisBursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae become inflamed.Bulging DiscA spinal disc that extends beyond its normal boundary while its outer layer stays intact.
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Cerebral HemispheresThe brain is the most intricate organ in the human body, responsible for controlling every aspect of our lives, from basic functions like breathing and heart raChiropractic AdjustmentsChiropractic care has been gaining popularity as a safe, effective, and drug-free approach to treating various musculoskeletal conditions.Chiropractic Examination ProceduresChiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromuscular disorders.Chronic ConditionsChronic conditions can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, causing persistent pain, discomfort, and limitations in daily activities.Congenital ConditionsCongenital conditions are a group of disorders that are present at birth and can affect various aspects of an individual’s health and development.CAT ScanA Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan, also known as a CT Scan, is a sophisticated medical imaging technique that uses a combination of X-rays and computerCompressive LesionCompressive lesions are a common concern among patients seeking chiropractic care in Georgia.CavitationCavitation is a phenomenon that plays a essential role in chiropractic care, helping to restore joint mobility, alleviate pain, and improve overall musculoskeleChiropractic AdjustmentA chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a therapeutic treatment performed by a licensed chiropractor.Chiropractic BiophysicsChiropractic Biophysics (CBP) is a cutting-edge approach to spinal health that has revolutionized the way chiropractors diagnose and treat patients.Compensation ReactionCompensation reaction is a common phenomenon that occurs when the body adapts to injuries or misalignments.Cervicogenic HeadacheHead pain that originates from the neck, often following whiplash or a car accident injury.Cervical MyelopathySpinal cord compression in the neck, a serious condition that needs prompt medical evaluation and referral.Cervical VertigoDizziness believed to originate from the neck, often following whiplash, distinct from inner-ear vertigo.Cervical StenosisA narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck that can affect the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots.Cervical LordosisThe neck’s normal inward curve, which whiplash or poor posture can flatten or reverse over time.Cauda Equina SyndromeSevere compression of the nerve roots at the base of the spine; a medical emergency needing immediate hospital care.CervicalgiaThe medical term for neck pain that stays in the neck region; a symptom label rather than a specific diagnosis.Compression FractureA collapse of a spinal vertebra from trauma or weakened bone that requires medical evaluation and imaging.Cold Laser TherapyA painless treatment that applies low-intensity light to injured tissue to help ease pain and support healing.CostochondritisInflammation of the rib cartilage at the breastbone that causes chest wall pain, diagnosed after heart and lung causes are excluded.
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DermatomesDermatomes is a chiropractic term explained below by Arrowhead Clinic.DiagnosisChiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromuscular disorders.Diagnostic ImagingDiagnostic imaging plays a essential role in chiropractic medicine, enabling practitioners to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal condDiathermy TherapyDiathermy therapy is a valuable treatment option for chiropractic patients seeking relief from pain, inflammation, and other common issues.Degenerative Disc DiseaseThe natural age-related wear of spinal discs that can sometimes cause back pain and stiffness.Diversified TechniqueThe most common chiropractic adjustment, using a precise manual thrust to restore proper joint motion.Disc DesiccationThe loss of water content within a spinal disc, an early imaging sign of disc degeneration.Dowager’s HumpA rounded forward curve at the base of the neck and upper back, clinically described as hyperkyphosis.
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Extension MovementsExtension movements are an essential aspect of maintaining spinal health and overall well-being.Electrical Muscle StimulationElectrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is an innovative and highly effective treatment used by chiropractors to help patients manage pain, improve muscle function,Electromyography TestingElectromyography (EMG) testing is a diagnostic procedure that plays a crucial role in chiropractic care.
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Flaccid MusclesFlaccid muscles can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, causing weakness, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing daily tasks.Flexion MovementsFlexion movements are an essential aspect of human mobility and play a crucial role in maintaining spinal health.Facilitative LesionFacilitative lesions are a common spinal issue that many chiropractic patients face.Facet SyndromePain from the small facet joints of the spine that causes localized neck or back stiffness.Forward Head PostureA posture where the head sits ahead of the shoulders, straining the neck and upper back.Flexion-Distraction TechniqueA gentle table-based chiropractic technique that stretches the spine to relieve disc pressure and low back pain.Foraminal StenosisA narrowing of the small openings where spinal nerve roots exit, distinct from central spinal canal narrowing.Facet ArthropathyDegenerative arthritis of the spine’s facet joints that can cause stiffness and localized pain.Facet HypertrophyThe enlargement of the spine’s facet joints, an imaging finding that can contribute to nerve narrowing.FibromyalgiaA chronic condition of widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems that is managed with a physician-led care plan.
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ICD CodesAs a chiropractic patient, you may have heard your healthcare provider mention ICD codes during your visits.Impairment RatingsImpairment ratings are an important aspect of chiropractic care, particularly for patients in Georgia who have suffered injuries or have chronic conditions.Interference PatternsInterference patterns are an important concept in chiropractic care that can significantly impact your spinal health and overall well-being.Intervertebral DiscsIntervertebral discs are essential components of the spine, playing a crucial role in spinal health and function.Inferior PositioningInferior positioning is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide.Inflammation ResponseInflammation is a complex biological response that plays a crucial role in the body’s defense against harmful stimuli.
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Maintenance Care PlansMaintenance Care Plans is a chiropractic term explained below by Arrowhead Clinic.Massage TherapyMassage therapy is a powerful tool for promoting relaxation, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being.Maximum Medical ImprovementWhen seeking chiropractic treatment for an injury or chronic condition, patients often hear the term “Maximum Medical Improvement” or MMI.MRI ImagingMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become an essential tool in the world of chiropractic care, providing invaluable insights into the musculoskeletal system aMuscle SpasmA sudden involuntary muscle contraction that often follows strain or a car accident.Myofascial PainChronic pain from muscle and fascia, often tied to trigger points and past injury.Meralgia ParestheticaBurning, tingling, or numbness on the outer thigh caused by compression of a sensory nerve near the hip.MyotomesGroups of muscles controlled by a single spinal nerve root, tested to check for nerve root problems.
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Narrative ReportsNarrative reports are an important component of chiropractic care, serving as a comprehensive record of a patient’s journey from initial assessment to treatmentNerve RootThe point where a spinal nerve exits the spine, and a common source of radiating arm or leg pain.Nerve Compression SyndromeAn umbrella term for conditions in which a nerve is squeezed or irritated, whether in the spine or elsewhere.Nerve FlossingA gentle exercise technique that glides an irritated nerve through its surrounding tissue to ease tension.Nerve PainA burning, shooting, or tingling type of pain caused by nerve irritation rather than muscle or joint injury.
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The Facet JointsFacet joints are essential components of the spine that play a crucial role in maintaining spinal mobility and stability.The Autonomic Nervous SystemThe autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a complex network of nerves that regulates involuntary functions in the body.The Brain StemThe brain stem is an important part of the central nervous system, serving as a relay center that connects the brain to the spinal cord.The Central Nervous SystemThe central nervous system (CNS) is a important component of the human body, responsible for controlling and coordinating most of our bodily functions.The CerebellumThe cerebellum, a small but key part of the brain, plays a essential role in various body functions.The CoccyxThe coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is a small triangular bone located at the bottom of the spine.The Davis SeriesThe Davis Series is a revolutionary spinal decompression technique that has gained significant attention in the chiropractic community for its ability to promotThe ForamenThe foramen are essential openings in the human body that allow nerves, blood vessels, and other structures to pass through.The Frontal PlaneThe frontal plane is an important aspect of human anatomy that plays a significant role in chiropractic care.The Initial Intensive Care PhaseThe Initial Intensive Care Phase is a crucial stage in the chiropractic treatment process, designed to address acute pain, promote healing, and set the foundatiThe Lumbar SpineThe lumbar spine, also known as the lower back, is a vital component of the human spinal column.The Neural CanalThe neural canal is a vital structure within the human body that plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system.Thoracic SpineThe middle, twelve-vertebra section of the spine that connects to the ribs and supports posture and breathing.Trigger PointA tight muscle knot that can cause pain locally or refer it to another area.Thompson Drop TechniqueA low-force chiropractic technique using a drop-piece table that falls slightly to assist a gentle adjustment.Therapeutic UltrasoundA noninvasive therapy that uses sound waves to deliver deep heat to soft tissue, easing muscle pain and stiffness.Tension HeadacheA dull, band-like headache often associated with tight neck, shoulder, and scalp muscles.Trapezius MuscleThe large kite-shaped muscle of the neck, shoulders, and upper back that controls the shoulder blades.Thoracic Outlet SyndromeCompression of nerves or blood vessels between the neck, collarbone, and first rib, causing arm pain, numbness, or circulation changes.
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Health Maintenance CareChiropractic care has long been recognized as an effective approach to managing pain, improving mobility, and promoting overall health.HomeostasisHomeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.HypermobilityHypermobility is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet it often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood.Herniated DiscA spinal disc whose soft center pushes through its outer wall, often irritating nearby nerves.
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KyphosisKyphosis is a common spinal condition that affects people of all ages, causing an excessive forward curvature of the spine.Kinesiology TapeAn elastic therapeutic tape applied over muscles and joints for light support without restricting movement.
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Lateral PositioningChiropractic care is a holistic approach to health and wellness that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.Listing TerminologyChiropractic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromuscular disorders, with a particulaLordosisLordosis is a common spinal condition that affects millions of people worldwide.Ligaments and TendonsThe fibrous connective tissues that stabilize joints (ligaments) and transmit muscle pull to bone (tendons).Lumbar PlexusA network of nerves in the lower back (L1-L4) that supplies sensation and movement to the hip, thigh, and groin.LumbagoAn older general term for pain in the lower back that describes a symptom rather than a diagnosis.Levator ScapulaeA neck muscle running to the shoulder blade that lifts the scapula and is a frequent source of a stiff neck.
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Spinal FixationSpinal fixation is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility.SacrumThe triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects the backbone to the pelvis.Sacroiliac JointThe paired joints where the sacrum meets the pelvis, a common source of one-sided lower-back pain.Spinal CordThe bundle of nerve tissue inside the spine that carries signals between the brain and the body.Spinous ProcessThe bony projection on the back of each vertebra that you feel as a bump and where muscles attach.ScoliosisAn abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that can affect posture, balance, and comfort.SciaticaPain that radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower back into the leg, often from disc injury.Spinal StenosisA narrowing of the spinal canal that can press on nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness.SpondylolisthesisA condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often in the lower back.SpondylosisThe age-related wear of the spine’s discs and joints, essentially a form of spinal arthritis.Soft Tissue InjuryDamage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments, such as sprains and whiplash from a crash.Spinal Decompression TherapyA nonsurgical motorized traction therapy that gently stretches the spine to relieve disc and nerve pressure.Spinal TractionSpinal traction gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on discs and nerves.Shoulder ImpingementPinching of the rotator cuff tendons or bursa under the top of the shoulder when the arm is raised.SacroiliitisInflammation of the sacroiliac joints between the spine and pelvis that causes lower back and buttock pain.SpondylolysisA stress fracture in the pars interarticularis of a vertebra, common in young athletes with low back pain.Straight Leg Raise TestAn exam maneuver that lifts the straightened leg to check for irritation of a lower back nerve root.
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Vertebral LippingVertebral lipping, also known as osteophyte formation, is a common condition that affects the spine and can cause a range of symptoms.VertebraeThe individual bones that stack to form the spinal column and protect the spinal cord.Vertebral SubluxationA spinal segment that has lost normal motion or alignment and may irritate surrounding nerves and muscles.
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Where Is The Cervical SpineThe cervical spine, or neck, is a key part of the human body, supporting the head and protecting the spinal cord.WhiplashA neck injury from sudden back-and-forth head motion, most often caused by a car accident.
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RadiculopathySymptoms from a compressed spinal nerve root that radiate pain, numbness, or weakness along a nerve.Referred PainPain felt in one area but caused by a problem elsewhere, such as a spinal nerve issue.Range of MotionRange of motion is how far a joint moves through its normal arc, measured during chiropractic assessment.RetrolisthesisA backward shift of one vertebra relative to the one below it, usually identified on a side-view X-ray.
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Pinched NervePressure on a nerve from surrounding tissue that disrupts function and causes pain or numbness.Piriformis SyndromeButtock and leg pain caused when the piriformis muscle irritates the nearby sciatic nerve.ProprioceptionProprioception is the body’s sense of joint and limb position that supports balance and injury recovery.Postural AssessmentA postural assessment evaluates how the head, spine, and hips align to find imbalances affecting the spine.Psoas MuscleThe deep hip flexor muscle that connects the lower spine to the thigh and helps stabilize the lower back.
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Gonstead TechniqueA precise full-spine chiropractic method that analyzes the spine in detail to adjust specific misaligned joints.Graston TechniqueAn instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy that uses stainless steel tools to address scar tissue and muscle restrictions.
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