Browse 37 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Hermitage.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a hands-on soft-tissue treatment method used by trained healthcare providers to diagnose and treat injuries involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, And nerves. Active Release Technique combines precise pressure with specific patient movements to break up scar tissue, restore motion, And reduce pain caused by repetitive strain, overuse, Or trauma.
Adjustment is a precise manual procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint, typically in the spine, to restore proper motion, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments aim to correct misalignments, relieve nerve pressure, And support the body’s natural healing ability without surgery or medication.
Atlas Orthogonal is a specialized chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. This method uses precise, low-force adjustments delivered by a mechanical instrument to restore proper spinal alignment without manual twisting or cracking. It aims to relieve nerve pressure, improve posture, And reduce pain related to neck and spine issues.
Chiropractic Activator is a handheld, spring-loaded instrument used by chiropractors to deliver a precise, low-force impulse to specific joints in the spine or extremities. This tool helps restore proper motion and alignment without the twisting or cracking often associated with manual adjustments, making it a gentler option for certain patients.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise manual procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part. The goal is to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore normal movement. Adjustments are often performed using hands or specialized instruments and are tailored to each patient’s condition.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a chiropractic technique that combines biology, physics, And geometry to analyze and correct spinal alignment. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And individualized 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 health profession focused on diagnosing, treating, And preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractic Care uses hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. The practice emphasizes the relationship between the spine and nervous system and its impact on overall health.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to joints, especially in the spine, to improve motion, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing. The technique often produces a popping sound called cavitation, which is gas releasing from the joint fluid.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders through non-surgical, drug-free methods. Chiropractic Neurologists assess brain, spinal cord, And nerve function to identify dysfunctions and use targeted adjustments, exercises, And therapies to restore balance and improve neurological health.
Chiropractic School is an educational institution that trains students to become Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). These programs teach anatomy, spinal health, manual adjustments, And patient care over 3 to 4 years of graduate-level study. Graduates must pass national board exams to earn a license to practice chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Table is chiropractic tables are specialized medical devices designed for spinal and joint adjustments during chiropractic care. These tables provide support, stability, And precise positioning to help chiropractors safely manipulate the spine, pelvis, Or extremities while reducing patient strain and improving treatment accuracy.
Coccyx Pain is discomfort or tenderness in the small bone at the very bottom of the spine, called the coccyx or tailbone. Coccyx Pain often results from falls, prolonged sitting, childbirth, Or repetitive strain, causing sharp or dull aches that worsen with pressure or movement. It can interfere with daily activities like sitting, standing, Or walking.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves by gently stretching the spine. This therapy uses a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within the disc, promoting retraction of herniated or bulging discs and improving nutrient flow to affected areas. It's commonly used for back pain, sciatica, And disc-related conditions.
Disc herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its tougher outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, arms, Or legs. Disc herniation often occurs in the lower back or neck and is commonly linked to aging, injury, Or strain.
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 non-surgical, drug-free approaches such as spinal adjustments, manual therapies, And rehabilitative exercises to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, And support overall health.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pressure and treat conditions like disc herniation, sciatica, And back pain. It involves a specialized table that flexes and distracts the spine, creating negative pressure to decompress discs and improve mobility. This method is often used for patients who need a less forceful approach than traditional spinal adjustments.
Gonstead Technique is a precise, hands-on chiropractic method that focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine and pelvis. Gonstead Technique uses detailed analysis, including X-rays, palpation.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle tightness. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to break down adhesions and improve range of motion, often reducing pain and speeding recovery from injuries like strains, sprains, And post-surgical stiffness.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, legs, Or arms. Herniated discs often occur in the lower back or neck and may result from aging, injury.
Impairment Rating is a percentage score assigned by a licensed medical provider to describe how much a permanent injury limits a person’s ability to perform daily activities or job tasks. It follows standardized guidelines, often from the American Medical Association, to ensure fairness in legal or insurance claims.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. This passive treatment aims to improve spinal motion, reduce stiffness, And enhance circulation between vertebrae without manual adjustments or cracking.
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament—the tough, fibrous band connecting bones at a joint—caused by sudden stretching or tearing. Ligament sprains occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, often during sports, falls, Or accidents. They typically cause pain, swelling, bruising, And difficulty moving the affected joint.
Maximum Medical Improvement is the point in a patient’s recovery where their condition has stabilized, And further significant improvement is unlikely, even with continued medical treatment. It marks the end of active healing and is often used in legal or insurance contexts to assess long-term outcomes, disability, Or compensation.
Muscle Strain is an injury that occurs when muscle fibers stretch or tear due to overuse, sudden force, Or improper movement. Muscle Strains often cause pain, swelling, And limited mobility, commonly affecting the back, neck, legs, Or shoulders. They range from mild discomfort to severe tears requiring medical attention.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that gently stretches and releases tightness in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. This technique aims to relieve pain, improve mobility, And restore normal function by applying sustained pressure to areas of tension or restriction. It's commonly used for chronic pain, injuries, And postural issues.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge, skills, And abilities of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams help ensure chiropractors meet national competency standards before entering practice or 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 professionals. NBCE exams ensure chiropractors meet national competency standards before entering practice or obtaining licensure in the United States.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other related costs after a vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder and passengers without needing to determine fault first.
Pinched Nerve is a condition where surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons, press against a nerve, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness. Pinched Nerve often occurs in areas like the neck, back, Or wrists and can result from injury, poor posture, Or repetitive motions. Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction is a condition where the sacroiliac joints, located where the spine meets the pelvis, become painful due to improper movement or alignment. These joints normally allow slight motion to absorb stress, But dysfunction occurs when they move too little or too much, causing lower back, hip.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often appears during the growth spurt just before puberty. Scoliosis can occur due to muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, Or birth defects, But the most common type has no known cause. Mild curves may not need treatment. While severe cases can affect breathing and movement.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or traction device. This process helps create space between vertebrae, allowing herniated or bulging discs to retract and promoting healing by improving blood flow and nutrient exchange.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by chiropractors and other trained healthcare providers to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. This force helps improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by addressing stiffness, misalignments, Or nerve irritation. The procedure often produces a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint.
TENS Unit is a small, portable device that sends low-voltage electrical currents through the skin to block pain signals. It stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. TENS Units are battery-powered and typically used with adhesive electrode pads placed on the skin near painful areas. The device is non-invasive and often used for temporary pain relief in muscles, joints.
Thompson Drop Technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specialized table with drop-away sections to assist in spinal corrections. The technique involves a quick, gentle thrust from the chiropractor while the table section beneath the patient drops slightly, enhancing the effectiveness of the adjustment without excessive force.
Worker's Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. It ensures workers receive necessary care without proving employer fault while protecting employers from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
Workers Compensation Board is a government agency that oversees workers' compensation programs, ensuring injured employees receive medical care and wage replacement benefits after job-related injuries. Workers Compensation Board also enforces rules that protect employers from lawsuits while providing a fair process for claims.
