Browse 32 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Brentwood.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Adjustment is a precise, controlled force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part to improve mobility, reduce pain, And restore proper function. Adjustments are typically quick and may produce a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint. They are a core technique in chiropractic care for addressing misalignments and promoting overall health.
Atlas Orthogonal is a chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the spine, using a specialized instrument. Atlas Orthogonal adjustments are precise, gentle, And non-invasive, aiming to restore proper spinal alignment and improve nervous system function without manual manipulation.
Bio-mechanics is the scientific study of how forces affect living bodies, especially muscles, bones, And joints. It combines principles of physics and biology to analyze movement, posture, And injuries. Chiropractors use bio-mechanics to understand spinal alignment, diagnose problems.
Chiropractic Activator is a handheld, spring-loaded instrument used by chiropractors to deliver a quick, low-force impulse to specific joints in the spine or extremities. This tool aims to restore proper motion and alignment without manual twisting or cracking, making it a gentle alternative to traditional hands-on adjustments.
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. Adjustments are often used to relieve pain, improve mobility.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a science-based chiropractic technique that combines biology, physiology, And physics to improve spinal alignment and posture. It uses precise measurements, x-rays.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other non-surgical techniques to improve alignment, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal. It emphasizes drug-free, holistic approaches to enhance overall wellness and mobility.
Chiropractic License is an official state-issued credential that permits a Doctor of Chiropractic to legally diagnose, treat, And prevent musculoskeletal disorders using hands-on spinal adjustments and other non-surgical methods. Licenses ensure practitioners meet education, examination.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part to improve motion, reduce pain, And restore function. The procedure often produces a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint, known as cavitation. It focuses on correcting misalignments, called subluxations, without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on how the nervous system and spinal health interact. It uses non-surgical, drug-free methods to diagnose and treat neurological disorders by improving communication between the brain, spine, And body. Practitioners assess reflexes, muscle strength, And sensory responses to identify and address dysfunctions.
Chiropractic School is a graduate-level educational institution that trains students to become Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). It typically requires 3-4 years of study after completing a bachelor’s degree, focusing on anatomy, neurology, spinal adjustment techniques, And clinical training to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions without surgery or drugs.
Chiropractic Subluxation is a partial dislocation or misalignment of a spinal joint that disrupts nerve function, potentially causing pain, reduced mobility, Or other health issues. Chiropractors identify and correct subluxations to restore proper alignment and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light lasers to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Cold Laser Therapy doesn't generate heat, making it painless and safe for muscles, joints, And nerves. Chiropractors and physical therapists often use Cold Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, And speed recovery from injuries like sprains, tendonitis, And arthritis.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, traction-based treatment designed to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves. Decompression Therapy uses controlled mechanical force to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs. This process helps retract herniated or bulging discs, promotes nutrient flow, And reduces pain in the back, neck, Or legs.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, And preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to align the body’s musculoskeletal structure, enabling the body to heal itself without surgery or medication.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain, especially from herniated discs, sciatica, And spinal stenosis. It uses a specialized table to stretch and decompress the spine, improving mobility and reducing pressure on nerves. The method combines rhythmic flexion movements with manual pressure to restore spinal function without forceful manipulation.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors and physical therapists to detect and treat scar tissue, adhesions, And fascial restrictions. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools that glide over the skin to break down collagen cross-links and stimulate healing in muscles, tendons.
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. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, arms, Or legs. Herniated discs often occur in the lower back or neck and may result from aging, injury.
ICD-10 Codes are a standardized system of medical diagnosis codes used by healthcare providers, including chiropractors, to classify and document injuries, illnesses, And conditions. These codes ensure accurate communication between doctors, insurance companies.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. These rollers move along the spine, applying controlled pressure to each segment, improving joint mobility, reducing stiffness.
Ligament Injury is damage to the tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones at joints. Ligament Injury occurs when these bands stretch too far or tear, often due to sudden twists, falls, Or impacts. Common sites include ankles, knees, wrists, And shoulders. Pain, swelling, And reduced joint stability are typical signs.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia is a medical procedure where a trained chiropractor or physician performs gentle spinal or joint adjustments while the patient is under light sedation. This approach helps relax muscles and reduce pain, allowing for movement that might not be possible during a regular office visit.
Medical Lien is a legal claim filed by a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, against a patient’s personal injury settlement or insurance payout. It ensures the provider receives payment for services rendered before the patient receives any remaining funds from the settlement or claim.
Muscle Energy Technique is a hands-on therapy that uses the patient’s own gentle muscle contractions to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, And restore normal movement. The chiropractor positions the joint near its restricted barrier, asks the patient to contract a specific muscle for a few seconds, then repositions the joint to a new barrier, repeating the process until full motion is restored.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, nonprofit organization that creates 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 receiving a license to practice.
NCMIC is a specialized insurance provider focused on serving chiropractors and their practices. NCMIC offers malpractice insurance, business protection, And risk management resources tailored to the unique needs of chiropractic professionals, ensuring compliance and financial security in clinical settings.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other costs after a vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' coverage because it applies to the policyholder and passengers without needing to prove fault first.
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 upper body's weight and help absorb shock during walking or running. Dysfunction often causes lower back, hip, Or buttock pain that worsens with activity.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal discs. It uses controlled traction to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure that may help herniated or bulging discs retract, improve nutrient flow.
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 (lumbar stenosis) and neck (cervical stenosis). Spinal Stenosis often develops slowly over time due to aging, arthritis, Or wear-and-tear on the spine, leading to pain, numbness, Or weakness in the legs, arms, Or back.
Thompson Drop Technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specialized table with segmented drop pieces to deliver gentle, precise spinal corrections. The technique involves applying a quick thrust to a misaligned joint while the table section beneath the patient drops slightly, enhancing the adjustment's effectiveness and comfort.
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 treatment and financial support while protecting employers from lawsuits related to workplace accidents. Coverage typically includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, And partial lost wages.
