Browse 35 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 hands-on soft tissue treatment that combines movement and precise pressure to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. Developed by chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, it aims to restore normal function, reduce pain, And improve range of motion by targeting injured or overused tissues directly.
Acute Pain is sudden, sharp discomfort that starts quickly and lasts a short time, usually less than three to six months. Acute Pain acts as a warning signal from the body that injury, illness, Or tissue damage may have occurred, prompting immediate attention to prevent further harm.
Adjustment is a precise manual procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part. The goal is to restore proper movement, reduce nerve irritation, And improve overall function without surgery or medication. Adjustments are tailored to each patient’s condition and comfort level.
Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist is a chiropractor who has completed additional postgraduate training and passed rigorous exams in neurology, earning certification from the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. This certification demonstrates advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions using non-surgical, drug-free methods.
CBP is Chiropractic BioPhysics, a specialized chiropractic technique that combines spinal adjustments, postural corrective exercises, And structural rehabilitation to improve spinal alignment and overall health. CBP uses scientific measurements, X-rays, And precise calculations to create personalized treatment plans aimed at restoring normal spinal curvature and function.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint, usually in the spine, to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore normal movement. These adjustments are based on the idea that proper spinal alignment supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a chiropractic technique that combines spinal adjustments, corrective exercises, And postural remodeling to restore normal spinal alignment and improve nervous system function. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And scientific principles to identify and correct spinal abnormalities linked to pain, posture, And overall health.
Chiropractic Care is a health profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care uses hands-on spinal adjustments and other manual techniques to improve joint function, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal. It's often used for back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Chiropractic License is an official authorization granted by a state licensing board that permits an individual to practice chiropractic care legally. It confirms the practitioner has completed required education, passed national exams.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by chiropractors to apply controlled force to joints, especially in the spine, to improve motion, reduce pain, And restore function. It often produces a popping sound as gas releases from the joint. This method aims to correct misalignments and support the body’s natural healing process.
Chronic Pain is persistent discomfort lasting three months or longer, even after the initial injury or illness has healed. Chronic Pain often signals changes in the nervous system rather than ongoing tissue damage, affecting daily activities, sleep, And emotional well-being. Unlike short-term pain, it requires long-term management strategies to improve quality of life.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves. It uses controlled traction to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within spinal discs. This helps herniated or bulging discs retract, promotes nutrient flow, And reduces pain in the back, neck, Or limbs.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks through a tear in its tough outer layer. This leakage can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Disc herniations often occur in the lower back or neck due to injury, aging, Or strain.
Electromyography is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and the nerves controlling them. Small electrodes or needles are placed on or into muscles to record signals when muscles contract or rest. This helps diagnose nerve or muscle disorders and guides treatment decisions.
EMG is a medical test that measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves. EMG stands for electromyography. It uses small needles or surface sensors to record signals when muscles contract or rest. Doctors and chiropractors use EMG to diagnose nerve damage, muscle disorders, Or spinal problems like pinched nerves or herniated discs.
Flexion-Distraction Technique is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic method used to treat spinal disc injuries and relieve back pain. It involves a specialized table that slowly stretches and flexes the spine to reduce pressure on discs, improve mobility, And promote healing without forceful manipulation.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors and physical therapists to detect and break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. Graston Technique involves stainless-steel tools to scrape and massage muscles, tendons, And ligaments, helping reduce pain and improve movement after injuries or overuse.
ICD-10 Codes is a standardized system of medical diagnosis codes used worldwide to classify diseases, injuries, And health conditions. Created by the World Health Organization, these codes help healthcare providers, including chiropractors, document patient conditions accurately for billing, treatment tracking, And insurance claims. Each code describes a specific health issue in detail.
Impairment Rating is a percentage score that measures how much a permanent injury limits a person’s ability to perform daily activities or work tasks. It's determined by medical professionals using standardized guidelines, often after an injury has reached maximum medical improvement. The rating helps decide compensation in workers’ compensation, personal injury, Or disability claims.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, Or irritation, designed to protect and heal damaged tissues. It involves increased blood flow, white blood cells, And chemical signals that cause redness, warmth, swelling, Or pain. While acute inflammation is temporary and helpful, chronic inflammation can contribute to long-term health problems like arthritis or back pain.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. This process helps restore spinal motion, reduce stiffness, And improve circulation between vertebrae without manual adjustment. It's often used alongside other treatments for back pain, disc issues, Or postural imbalances.
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament—the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones at joints—caused by sudden stretching beyond its normal range. This overstretching tears fibers, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, And reduced joint stability. Sprains commonly occur in ankles, knees, wrists, And fingers during physical activity or accidents.
Muscle Strain is an injury that occurs when muscle fibers stretch or tear due to overuse, sudden force, Or improper movement. It often causes pain, swelling, And limited movement in the affected area. Muscle strains range from mild soreness to severe tears requiring medical attention. Common in sports, work.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that gently stretches and loosens the fascia, the thin layer of connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. This technique helps reduce pain, improve movement, And restore function by releasing tightness or restrictions in the fascia caused by injury, inflammation, Or poor posture.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge, skills, And abilities required for entry-level chiropractic practice in the United States. These exams ensure chiropractors meet national competency standards before obtaining licensure.
NCMIC is a specialized insurance provider focused on serving chiropractors and their practices. NCMIC offers malpractice insurance, business coverage, And risk management resources tailored to the unique needs of chiropractic professionals, helping them protect their practices and patients.
Nerve Compression is a condition where a nerve is squeezed or pressed by surrounding tissues like bones, muscles, Or tendons. This pressure can disrupt nerve function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Nerve Compression often occurs in the spine, wrists, Or elbows and may result from injury, repetitive motion.
Neuromuscular Reeducation is a therapeutic process that retrains the brain, nerves, And muscles to work together correctly after injury, surgery, Or chronic pain. It uses specific exercises, manual techniques, And sensory feedback to restore normal movement patterns, reduce pain, And improve coordination and strength.
Orthopedic Tests are hands-on examinations chiropractors and doctors use to find muscle, joint, Or nerve problems. These tests involve specific movements, pressure, Or positions that reproduce pain or show limited motion, helping pinpoint injuries like sprains, disc herniations, Or nerve compression without machines or scans.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other costs after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder and passengers even if they did not cause the accident. Coverage limits and rules vary by state.
Range of Motion is the full movement potential of a joint, typically measured in degrees of a circle. It shows how far a joint can move in different directions, like bending, straightening, Or rotating. Healthy joints have a normal range. While injuries or conditions may limit it. Chiropractors and doctors use this measure to assess joint health and track recovery.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And promote healing. It includes techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, ease tension, And restore normal function without surgery or medication.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical, motorized traction therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal discs. Spinal Decompression gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs to promote retraction of herniated or bulging discs and enhance nutrient flow to affected areas.
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through it. This condition most commonly occurs in the lower back and neck and often develops due to aging, arthritis, Or wear-and-tear changes in the spine. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, Or weakness in the legs, arms, Or torso.
Workers Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Workers Compensation ensures injured workers receive prompt care without proving employer fault. While employers gain protection from most lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
