Browse 30 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Brentwood.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Acute Pain is sudden, sharp discomfort that lasts from a few seconds up to three months. Acute Pain acts as the body’s alarm system, signaling tissue damage from injury, surgery, Or illness. Unlike ongoing pain, Acute Pain typically fades once the underlying cause heals.
Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician is a specialized credential awarded to chiropractors who complete advanced training in sports medicine, injury rehabilitation, And performance optimization. These professionals diagnose, treat, And prevent musculoskeletal injuries in athletes and active individuals using non-surgical methods, exercise-based therapies, And evidence-based techniques.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise manual 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 nerve irritation, And restore normal movement. Adjustments are often accompanied by a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a science-based approach to chiropractic care that combines spinal alignment, posture correction, And rehabilitation exercises. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And mirror-image adjustments to restore the spine’s natural shape and improve nerve function, aiming to reduce pain and enhance overall health.
Chiropractic Care Plan is a personalized roadmap created by a licensed chiropractor to address a patient’s specific health concerns, injuries, Or pain. It outlines the types of treatments, number of visits, And expected timeline needed to improve spinal alignment, reduce discomfort, And restore function. Plans are based on exams, imaging.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique chiropractors use to apply controlled force to joints, especially in the spine. The goal is to improve joint motion, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing process without surgery or medication. It's also called a chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal function. Chiropractic Neurologists assess how misalignments or dysfunctions in the spine may affect nerve signals, brain function, And overall health, using non-surgical, drug-free techniques to improve neurological performance.
Chronic Pain is persistent discomfort that lasts for three months or longer, even after an injury or illness has healed. Chronic Pain can stem from conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, Or back problems, And it often interferes with daily activities, sleep, And mental health. Unlike short-term pain, Chronic Pain may not respond to typical treatments and requires ongoing management.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light energy to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Cold Laser Therapy doesn't produce heat, making it painless and safe for muscles, tendons, nerves, And joints. Clinicians use specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, And accelerate recovery from injuries or surgeries.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and affected nerves. It involves gentle stretching of the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within spinal discs, promoting retraction of herniated or bulging discs and improving nutrient flow to the area.
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, to improve function, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal. Their training includes extensive education in anatomy, physiology.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses controlled electrical currents to cause muscle contractions. These contractions help improve muscle strength, reduce pain, promote healing, And restore function after injury or surgery. The treatment is non-invasive and typically administered by healthcare professionals using specialized devices.
Functional Rehabilitation is a goal-oriented treatment approach that helps injured individuals regain everyday movement, strength, And endurance by focusing on real-world activities rather than isolated exercises. It combines physical therapy, chiropractic care, And targeted exercises to restore function, reduce pain, And prevent future injuries after accidents, surgeries.
Graston Technique is a manual therapy method that uses specialized stainless-steel instruments to scan, detect, And treat soft-tissue restrictions, scar tissue, And fascial adhesions. Clinicians apply controlled microtrauma to stimulate healing, reduce pain.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, jelly-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, arms, Or legs, depending on the disc’s location. Herniated discs commonly occur in the lower back or neck due to injury, aging, Or strain.
ICD-10 Codes are a standardized system of medical diagnosis codes used worldwide to classify diseases, injuries, symptoms, And conditions. Developed by the World Health Organization, these codes help healthcare providers, insurers, And researchers communicate clearly about patient diagnoses, ensuring accurate billing, treatment tracking.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a motorized table with rolling rollers. This passive motion helps restore normal spinal movement, reduce stiffness, And improve circulation between vertebrae. 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—caused by overstretching or tearing. Ligament sprains commonly occur in joints like ankles, knees, Or wrists during sudden twists, falls, Or impacts. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, And limited movement. Recovery depends on the sprain’s severity, ranging from mild to complete tears.
Muscle Strain is an injury that occurs when muscle fibers stretch too far or tear due to overuse, sudden force, Or improper movement. It often causes pain, swelling, And limited mobility in the affected area. Muscle strains commonly affect the back, neck, legs.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial Release targets the fascia, a thin layer of tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, And organs, which can become tight or restricted due to injury, inflammation, Or poor posture.
Nerve Compression is a condition where a nerve is pressed or squeezed by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, Or cartilage. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Common locations include the spine, wrists.
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 requiring a determination of fault.
Soft Tissue Injury is damage to the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, Or other non-bony structures caused by sudden impact, overuse, Or repetitive motion. These injuries often result in pain, swelling, bruising, Or limited movement and can occur during sports, accidents, Or daily activities. Proper diagnosis and care help prevent long-term complications.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within spinal discs. This process helps retract herniated or bulging discs, promoting movement of water, oxygen, And nutrient-rich fluids into the discs to aid healing.
Spinal subluxation is a partial dislocation or misalignment of one or more vertebrae in the spine, which may interfere with nerve function, reduce mobility, And cause pain or discomfort. Chiropractors identify and correct subluxations to help restore proper spinal alignment and support overall nervous system health.
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a treatment method used by chiropractors and physical therapists to promote healing and reduce pain in muscles, tendons, And soft tissues. It uses high-frequency sound waves that penetrate deep into tissues, creating gentle heat and vibration. This process helps increase blood flow, relax tight muscles, And speed up recovery from injuries like sprains, strains, And tendonitis.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment method that targets tight, painful knots in muscles called trigger points. These knots form when muscle fibers remain contracted, causing pain, stiffness, And reduced mobility. A trained therapist applies focused pressure to release the knots, improving blood flow and restoring normal muscle function.
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. Workers Compensation ensures injured workers receive prompt care without proving employer fault. While protecting employers from costly lawsuits.
X-Ray is x-Rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that creates images of the inside of the body, especially bones. X-Rays pass through soft tissues but are absorbed by denser materials like bones, producing clear pictures that help doctors and chiropractors diagnose fractures, infections, Or spinal misalignments without surgery.
Y-Strap Adjustment is a chiropractic technique that uses a specialized harness, called a Y-strap, to apply a gentle, controlled force to the spine. This method aims to decompress the cervical vertebrae, improve spinal alignment, And relieve pressure on nerves and discs, often used for neck pain, headaches, Or upper back tension.
