Browse 32 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Hermitage.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Activator Method is a chiropractic technique that uses a small, handheld instrument called an Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver a gentle, low-force impulse to specific areas of the spine or joints. This method aims to restore proper motion and alignment without manual twisting or cracking, making it suitable for patients who prefer a lighter touch or have conditions that require a more precise approach.
Adjustment is a precise, controlled force applied by a chiropractor to a joint in the spine or other part of the body to improve motion, reduce pain, And restore function. Adjustments are a core part of chiropractic care and are often performed using the hands or a small instrument. The goal is to correct misalignments, known as subluxations, that may interfere with the nervous system and overall health.
Atlas Orthogonal is a precise chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignment of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. This method uses gentle, non-invasive adjustments delivered by a specialized instrument to restore proper spinal alignment and nervous system function without forceful cracking or twisting of the neck.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine or other body area. The goal is to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore normal movement. Adjustments are often used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a chiropractic approach that combines spinal adjustments, postural correction, And spinal remodeling exercises to improve spinal alignment and overall health. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And scientific principles to identify and correct abnormal spinal curves, aiming to restore normal spinal function and reduce pain.
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 techniques to assess and treat neurological disorders by improving communication between the brain, spine, And body through specific adjustments and therapies.
Chiropractic X-Ray is chiropractic X-Rays are specialized medical images taken by chiropractors to examine the spine, joints, And bones. These images help identify misalignments, fractures, arthritis, Or other structural issues that may cause pain or limit movement. Chiropractic X-Rays use low-dose radiation and focus on areas relevant to chiropractic care, such as the neck, back, And pelvis.
Cox Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain and improve mobility. It uses a specialized table to apply slow, rhythmic stretching motions to the spine, reducing pressure on discs, nerves, And joints. This method is commonly used for herniated discs, sciatica.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, drug-free treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and affected nerves. Decompression Therapy uses a motorized table or device to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within spinal discs to promote healing, reduce pain, And improve mobility for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, primarily through manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic focus on improving overall health by enhancing the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, often addressing pain, mobility.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses controlled electrical impulses to cause muscle contractions. These impulses mimic signals from the nervous system, helping to reduce pain, improve circulation, And promote muscle recovery. It's commonly used in physical therapy, sports medicine, And chiropractic care to aid healing and relieve discomfort.
Extremity Adjusting is a chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments in joints outside the spine, such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, And feet. Extremity Adjusting uses precise manual pressure or gentle instruments to restore proper movement, reduce pain.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain and improve mobility. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine, reducing pressure on discs, nerves, And joints. This method is often used to treat herniated discs, sciatica.
Gonstead Technique is a precise, hands-on chiropractic method focused on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine and joints. Gonstead Technique uses detailed analysis, including X-rays, palpation, And instrumentation, to locate specific areas of dysfunction. Adjustments are delivered with controlled force to restore proper alignment and improve nervous system function.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by 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 in musculoskeletal conditions.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks through a tear in its tough outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs, depending on the disc’s location. Herniated discs commonly result from aging, injury.
ICD-10 Codes are a standardized system of medical codes used worldwide to classify diseases, injuries, And health conditions. These codes help doctors, hospitals, And insurance companies communicate clearly about diagnoses and treatments. Each code is specific, allowing accurate tracking of health trends and billing for services like chiropractic care.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers or mechanical devices. Intersegmental Traction targets individual spinal segments to improve joint motion, reduce muscle tension, And enhance circulation in the back. This passive treatment is often used to complement spinal adjustments and relieve stiffness.
Laser Therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses focused light energy to stimulate healing, reduce pain, And decrease inflammation in injured or damaged tissues. Laser Therapy directs specific wavelengths of light into the body, where cells absorb the energy to accelerate repair processes and improve circulation. It's commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions, nerve pain, And soft-tissue injuries.
Ligament Injury is damage to the tough, flexible bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones at joints. Ligament injuries often happen during sudden twists, falls, Or impacts, causing pain, swelling, And instability. Common sites include ankles, knees, wrists, And shoulders. Severity ranges from mild stretches to complete tears requiring medical care.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia is a specialized medical procedure where a trained chiropractor or physician performs spinal or joint adjustments while the patient is under light sedation. This approach helps relax muscles and reduce pain, allowing for more effective treatment of stiff or locked joints that don't respond to traditional chiropractic care.
Medical Lien is a legal claim that healthcare providers, including chiropractors, place on a patient’s personal injury settlement to ensure payment for treatment. Medical Liens allow injured patients to receive care immediately, even if they can't pay upfront, by agreeing that the provider will be paid from any future settlement or judgment.
Motion Palpation is a hands-on diagnostic technique chiropractors use to assess joint movement in the spine and extremities. By applying gentle pressure and guiding joints through their natural range of motion, chiropractors identify areas of restricted mobility, hypermobility, Or pain that may indicate underlying dysfunction or injury.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that gently stretches and releases tightness in the fascia, the thin layer of connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. This technique helps reduce pain, improve movement, And restore function by addressing restrictions in the fascia caused by injury, inflammation, Or poor posture.
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 another driver is at fault. Coverage limits and rules vary by state.
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 support the body’s weight and absorb shock. Dysfunction often causes lower back, hip, Or leg pain, making daily activities difficult.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And promote healing. Soft Tissue Therapy includes techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, release tension.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal discs. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized device or manual techniques to create negative pressure within the discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract, promote nutrient-rich fluid flow, And reduce pain in the back, neck, Or legs.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on technique used by chiropractors and other trained health professionals to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. This force helps improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by addressing stiffness or misalignment in the vertebrae. The procedure often produces a popping sound due to gas releasing from the joint.
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 results from age-related wear and tear. Spinal Stenosis can cause pain, numbness, muscle weakness.
Thompson Drop Technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specialized table with drop sections to assist in spinal corrections. The technique involves a quick thrust applied to a specific joint while the table segment beneath the patient drops slightly, enhancing the adjustment's effectiveness and comfort. It's often used to address misalignments in the spine and pelvis.
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 timely care without proving employer fault. While employers gain protection from lawsuits related to workplace injuries. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy.
