Browse 34 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Brentwood Estates.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a patented, hands-on soft-tissue treatment that combines precise pressure with patient movement to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, ligaments, And nerves. Developed by chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, it aims to restore normal motion, reduce pain, And improve function in injured or overused tissues.
Adjustment is a controlled, precise force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part. Adjustments aim to improve joint motion, reduce pain, And restore proper function by correcting misalignments or restrictions. This procedure is often performed manually but may also use specialized instruments.
American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional organization in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. Founded in 1963, it advocates for chiropractic care, sets ethical standards, provides continuing education, And promotes research to improve patient health and safety. The association also works with policymakers to ensure access to chiropractic services.
Atlas Orthogonal is a precise chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. Atlas Orthogonal uses gentle, instrument-based adjustments instead of manual manipulation to restore proper spinal alignment, reduce nerve interference, And improve overall body function.
Cervical Spine is the uppermost part of the spinal column, consisting of seven vertebrae labeled C1 to C7. These bones form the neck, support the skull, protect the spinal cord, And allow head movement in multiple directions. The cervical spine also contains nerves that control sensation and function in the arms, hands.
Chiropractic Activator is a small, handheld instrument used by chiropractors to deliver a gentle, precise impulse to the spine or joints. This tool helps restore proper movement and alignment without the manual force used in traditional adjustments, making it a low-force alternative for patients of all ages.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine or other body part. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And restore proper function to muscles and joints. Adjustments are commonly used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, And joint stiffness.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a chiropractic technique that combines biology, physiology, And physics to analyze and correct spinal alignment. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And customized treatment plans to improve posture, reduce pain, And restore spinal health over time. The method focuses on long-term structural changes rather than temporary relief.
Chiropractic Care is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through manual adjustments to the spine and other joints. Chiropractic Care aims to improve mobility, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal without surgery or medication. It's commonly used for back pain, neck pain, headaches, And joint issues.
Chiropractic License is an official state-issued credential that legally permits a Doctor of Chiropractic to diagnose, treat, And manage musculoskeletal conditions using spinal adjustments and related therapies. Chiropractic Licenses require passing national board exams, completing an accredited doctoral program.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by licensed chiropractors to improve joint movement, reduce pain, And restore function in the spine and other joints. Chiropractic Manipulation involves applying controlled force to a joint that's stiff, misaligned, Or not moving properly, often producing a popping or cracking sound.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal function. It uses non-surgical, drug-free methods to diagnose and treat neurological disorders by assessing how misalignments in the spine affect nerve signals, brain function, And overall health.
Chiropractic School is an educational program that trains students to become Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs). These schools teach anatomy, spinal health, And hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions without surgery or drugs. Programs typically last 3-4 years after undergraduate studies and include clinical training.
Chiropractic Table is chiropractic Tables are specialized medical tables used by chiropractors to position patients safely and comfortably during spinal adjustments and therapies. They feature adjustable sections, drop mechanisms, Or hydraulic lifts to assist with precise manual manipulations, decompression, Or traction techniques. These tables support proper alignment and reduce strain on both patient and practitioner.
Cox Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain, particularly from disc herniation, sciatica, And spinal stenosis. It uses a specialized table to stretch and decompress the spine, improving mobility and reducing pressure on nerves. Developed by Dr. James Cox, this method combines flexion, distraction, And manual adjustments for targeted relief.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic use hands-on spinal adjustments and other non-surgical techniques to improve function, reduce pain.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses controlled electrical currents to cause muscle contractions. These contractions help reduce pain, improve circulation, And promote healing in injured or weakened muscles. The treatment is often used alongside chiropractic care to support recovery from injuries, surgery, Or muscle overuse.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to treat back pain, herniated discs, And sciatica. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine, creating negative pressure to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and improve mobility. The method combines rhythmic flexion movements with targeted distraction forces.
Graston Technique is a specialized form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And chronic inflammation in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. Graston Technique involves stainless steel tools that glide over the skin to break up adhesions and promote healing in injured soft tissues.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, legs, Or arms, depending on the disc’s location along the spine. Herniated discs commonly occur in the lower back or neck.
Intersegmental Traction is a gentle chiropractic therapy that uses a specialized table with rolling rollers to stretch and mobilize the spine. This process helps restore normal motion, reduce stiffness, And improve circulation between spinal joints, often used to complement spinal adjustments or relieve back pain.
Lumbar Spine is the lower part of the spine, consisting of five large vertebrae labeled L1 to L5, located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It supports most of the body’s weight, enables movement like bending and twisting.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia is a specialized medical procedure where a trained provider performs gentle joint or spinal movements while the patient is under light sedation. This approach helps break up scar tissue, restore movement, And reduce chronic pain when standard treatments have not worked.
Motor Vehicle Accident is an unexpected event involving at least one moving vehicle that results in property damage, injury, Or death. These accidents occur on roads and highways when vehicles collide with each other, pedestrians, animals, Or stationary objects like trees or guardrails. Causes include driver error, speeding, distracted driving, weather conditions, Or mechanical failure.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge and skills of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams help ensure chiropractors meet consistent competency standards before obtaining licensure in the United States.
NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, an independent organization that creates and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge and skills of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams help ensure chiropractors meet minimum competency standards before obtaining licensure to practice in the United States.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of auto insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other related costs after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder and their passengers without needing to determine fault first. Coverage limits and rules vary by state.
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body and occurs when the nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc, bone spur, Or spinal stenosis.
Scoliosis is a medical condition where the spine curves sideways, often forming a C or S shape instead of a straight line. This curvature can occur at any age but is most commonly detected during growth spurts in adolescence. While mild cases may not cause symptoms, severe scoliosis can lead to pain, breathing difficulties, Or reduced mobility.
Spinal Adjustment is a manual procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor to apply controlled force to a specific joint in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And restore proper alignment, which may help relieve pain and improve function. Adjustments are often used to address back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It uses gentle stretching to create negative pressure within spinal discs, helping herniated or bulging discs retract and promoting healing by allowing oxygen, water.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by chiropractors and other healthcare providers to apply controlled force to joints in the spine. This process aims to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And enhance physical function by addressing stiffness or misalignments in the vertebrae. It's often called a spinal adjustment and is a core part of chiropractic care.
Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the human spine, located between the cervical spine in the neck and the lumbar spine in the lower back. It consists of twelve vertebrae labeled T1 through T12, which connect to the rib cage and support the upper body. This section protects vital organs and enables movements like twisting and bending.
Workers Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical benefits, wage replacement, And rehabilitation services to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. It ensures injured workers receive timely care without proving employer fault. While protecting employers from costly lawsuits.
