Glossary of Chiropractic Terms
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | W | X
A
Activator Technique
A protocol of evaluation and adjusting which utilizes a spring-loaded handheld instrument that delivers a high speed, low force impulse to restore more normal alignment and function to spinal segments.
Adjustment
A Chiropractic term referring to the delivery of a high velocity, low amplitude thrust given in a specific direction with the intention of reducing spinal subluxation and restoring more normal segmental function.
Aerobic Exercise
A type of exercise that relies on the use of large muscle groups to maintain consistent movement for a certain period of time resulting in a greater need for oxygen use leading to increased endurance, greater lung function, and a healthier heart.
Afferent
Nerves which carry their impulses to the brain.
Annulus Fibrosus
The outer layer of the disc which is formed of tightly interwoven cartilaginous fibers and houses the gel-like center of the disc which is called the Nucleus Pulposus.
Antalgic Position
Abnormal positioning of the body as it tries to lean away from the pain-producing source of irritation.
Anterior
The front part of the body.
Arthritis
Refers to inflammation of a joint. In addition to degenerative changes in the bones of the joint, there are also changes in the connective tissue (i.e. cartilage and ligaments).
Articulation
Refers to the connection of bones- a joint.
Atlas
The first and uppermost cervical vertebrae which is also the most freely moveable bone of the spine.
Atrophy
The reduction in size of tissue (i.e. muscle) or organ associated with impaired function.
Autonomic Nervous System
Comprised of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system which regulates involuntary function such as that which exists in the heart, glands, and intestines.
B | TOP
Bilateral
Pertains to both sides of the body.
Biomechanics
Mechanical laws as they apply to living structures.
Blocks
These are wedge-shaped devices used by practitioners of a technique called SOT for the purpose of balancing the pelvis into a more aligned position lending better support to the spine and head.
Bulging Disc
Occurs when the gel-like center (Nucleus Pulposus) of a disc is forced through a weakness in the outer wall (Annulus Fibrosus) creating a bulge which may or may not press against an exiting nerve root.
Bursitis
Inflammation of a fluid filled sac, called a bursa, which is positioned in tissue in such a way that it’s role is to fight friction that might develop at a joint.
C | TOP
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the Median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist is the cause of this progressive and often painful disorder affecting the thumb, index, and middle finger of the hand. Pain, tingling, and numbness are often the symptoms.
Cartilage
A type of connective tissue found lining the ends of bones and most joints. The facets, or joints, of the spine are lined with this.
CAT or Ct Scan
Short for Computer Aided Tomography, this imaging device uses narrow X-Ray beams and a computer to create a type of three-dimensional X-Ray.
Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord.
Cerebellum
Referred to as the “Hind” brain, it is responsible for fine motor control and coordination.
Cervical
Refers to the neck which is usually comprised of seven vertebrae.
Chiropractic
The art and science of detecting and correcting vertebral subluxation in order to restore more normal position, motion, and function to the affected joints.
Chiropractor
One who has successfully completed a curriculum of study and is granted a “Doctor of Chiropractic” (D.C.) degree. A D.C. diagnoses and treats a broad range of physical conditions in patients with muscular, nervous, and skeletal problems-especially those of the spine.
Chronic
A condition that persists over a long period of time.
Coccyx
Commonly called the “tailbone”, it is a series of small bones at the very bottom of the spine.
Compensation Reaction
In the body’s attempt to respond to a problem elsewhere in the body, a new problem may soon develop.
Compressive Lesion
A malfunctioning spinal segment or segments which create direct pressure on a spinal nerve resulting in disrupted nerve transmission.
Congenital
Existing at, or dating from birth.
Cryotherapy
The use of cold or ice massage to aid in the reduction of the inflammatory response.
D | TOP
Davis Series
A series of seven X-Rays taken of the cervical spine that are helpful in cases of acceleration/deceleration (Whiplash) injuries of the neck.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degeneration of the spinal discs which act as shock absorbers and also play a large role in determining the patency of the canals where the nerve roots pass through as they exit the spinal column. As the disc height decreases, so do the openings where these nerve roots exit which can lead to nerve compression.
Diagnostic Imaging
The use of X-Rays, MRI, CAT Scans,EMG, Thermography and other tools to create pictures of the structure and function of the body.
Disability
Partial or total loss of mental or physical abilities caused by an injury or disease that prevents an insured from engaging in some or all of the duties of his or her usual occupation.
Disc Herniation
Extreme bulging of the Nucleus Pulposus into a defect or weakened area of the fibrous exterior of the disc (Annulus Fibrosus).
Disc
A cartilaginous pad comprised of a gel-like center (Nucleus Pulposus) and a tough outer shell (Annulus Fibrosus) that separates most spinal vertebrae. It acts as a shock absorber and determines the patency of the nerve root canals (known as Foramen).
Discectomy
Surgical removal of part or the entire herniated disc.
Dorsal
The twelve thoracic vertebrae are also known as the dorsal vertebrae. Dorsal pertains to the back.
E | TOP
Edema
Refers to the fluid resulting from an inflammatory response to a damaged joint whether caused by an injury or chronic irritation.
Efferent
Nerve impulses which travel from the brain to peripheral tissues.
Electric Nerve Stimulation
A type of modality which uses various frequencies and wave forms of electrical current that have therapeutic effects on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
EMG
Short for Electromyogram. This is a testing procedure used to detect problems with nerve conductivity as measured by changes in electrical activity as current is run through the nerve along its path (i.e. from the neck to the hand to try to locate the point of nerve flow disruption).
EMS
Electro-Muscle Stimulation is a modality that uses low volt electric current to help reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and reduce muscle tension.
Epidural Nerve Injection
A combination of a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and an anesthetic is injected into the spinal column but outside of the spinal cord.
Extension
To stretch out or to spread to its fullest length or reach.
F | TOP
Facet
The paired joints on the posterior portion of the spine above and below each intervertebral disc. They are part of the stabilizing mechanism of the spine.
Facet Syndrome
A chronic problem of pain resulting from degeneration and excessive stresses placed on the joints of the spine. This causes inflammation and irritation to the pain receptive nerve fibers in the joint capsule.
Fascia
A band of connective tissue separating muscles and organs in the body.
Fibromyalgia
A condition causing pain in muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It is characterized by the presence of trigger points that are located in a specific pattern in the larger muscle groups of the body.
Fixation
An area of the spine with restricted movement. Being held in a fixed position.
Flaccid
Soft or limp.
Flexion
To bend forward or to th side.
Foramen
A small opening. The canal through which the spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column.
Foraminal stenosis
Narrowing of the vertebral canal.
Fusion
Regarding the spine it is a surgical procedure to join two or more vertebrae with bone grafts or metal supports in order to immobilize that section.
G | TOP
Golfer’s Elbow
Also known as medial epicondylitis. Elbow pain originating on the inside part of the elbow caused by tendonitis or a partial tear in the tendon attaching the flexor muscles of the forearm to the bone.
H | TOP
Heat Therapy
Used to increase circulation and relax muscles. It is good for chronic, or long lasting pain that is localized and not radiating to other areas. Moist heat is best.
Health
A state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of symptoms.
Homeostasis
A state of physiological equilibrium produced by a balance of functions and of chemical composition within an organism.
Hypermobility
Excess movement of an area of the spine.
Hypomobility
Restricted movement of an area of the spine.
I | TOP
Ice Massage
A form of cryotherapy whereby ice is applied directly to the skin over the affected area in a circular motion using moderate pressure for a period of approximately six minutes. This will enhance the circulatory effect to the involved area helping to reduce inflammation and increase the flow of freshly oxygenated blood to speed up the healing process. Sprains, strains, bursitis, and tendonitis respond well to this.
Inflammation
The tissue response to irritation or injury. It may include malfunction, discomfort, rise in temperature, swelling, and increased blood supply.
Initial Intensive Care
This is characterized by frequent visits for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the patient’s major complaint.
Instrument Adjusting
A Chiropractic technique in which a hand-held device is used to deliver the adjustment. The Activator is one such example that is a spring-loaded instrument. Another type uses a motor driven unit that delivers a series of high-velocity, low amplitude pulses (approximately 12-14 pulses/second) designed to gently reduce subluxation and increase more normal function to the affected segments.
Interference
Damage or deficit to the flow of nerve impulses.
Intervertebral Disc
The fibrocartilage padding between vertebral bodies that acts as a shock absorber with a pulpy center that acts like a ball bearing.
IVF
Intervertebral Foramen. The lateral opening, or canal, through which the spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column.
K | TOP
Kyphosis
When viewed from the side, the backward curve of the thoracic spine.
L | TOP
Laminectomy
A surgical procedure that removes an anatomical portion of the ( lamina) spine in order to reach a herniated disc or reduce a stenotic canal for the purpose of decompressing an impinged nerve root or cord.
Lateral
The side view of the body.
Ligament
Dense bands of connective tissue that stabilize a joint, connecting bone to bone across a joint.
Lipping
The outgrowth of bone spurs often seen on the anterior margins of the vertebral bodies accompanying degenerative arthritic changes.
Listing
A method describing the motion or position of vertebral segments relative to adjacent vertebral segments.
Lordosis
When viewed from the side it is the forward curve of the spine as seen in the cervical and lumbar regions.
Lumbalgia
A general term meaning low back pain.
Lumbar
The vertebrae of the lower back. There are usually five lumbar vertebrae.
M | TOP
Maintenance Care
A program of care used to maintain a patient’s improved health and spinal function.
Manipulation
The manual movement of the spinal bones or joints for the purpose of restoring more normal function.
Maximum Medical Improvement
The point in a patient’s program of care in which pre-incident or accident condition is achieved.
Muscle Tension
The musculature remains in a general state of contraction.
Muscle Spasm
Sudden and violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. It is pain producing and will interfere with function producing involuntary movements and distortion.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A device which uses strong magnets and radio waves to create an image of the internal structures of the body.
Myofascial Pain
Referred pain caused by trigger points present in the muscle tissue.
Myofascial Release
The use of gentle movements to release the fascia (or sheath) around a muscle.
N | TOP
Nerve Block
The use of an anesthetic injected into a particular nerve site in order to relieve pain.
Neural Canal
The opening in the spine through which the spinal cord passes.
Nerve Roots
The nerve projections that arise directly from the spinal cord and pass through the intervertebral foramen.
Neurologist
A Medical Doctor who specializes in the nervous system.
Nucleus Pulposus
The gel-like center of the intervertebral disc.
O | TOP
Objective Findings
The information gathered by the doctor upon examination.
Occipital
Pertaining to the posterior base of the skull.
Orthopedist
A Medical Doctor who specializes in the preservation and restoration of the skeletal system and its articulations.
Osteoarthritis
This is degenerative arthritis characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and the growth of boney spurs that can be seen on the facets and margins of the vertebral bodies. It is often accompanied by disc degeneration resulting in the loss of disc height and a narrowing of the intervertebral foramen.
Osteophytes
Synonymous with bone spurs, this is the overgrowth of bone resulting from degenerative changes of connective tissue and existing bone structures. Such spurs can sometimes grow into the vertebral foramen and cause nerve impingement.
Osteoporosis
Disease characterized by the loss of bone density leading to a weakened structure that is very susceptible to fracture.
Overuse Injury
Conditions which result from the day in day out activities of daily living such as housework or exercise.
P | TOP
Palpation
Using the fingers to examine the spine and related musculature.
Pathology
A disease process.
Peripheral Nerve System
The system that connects the central nervous system with every cell, tissue, and organ of the body.
Personal Injury
Injury sustained in an automobile accident or a slip and fall accident.
Physical Therapy
The health profession that utilizes exercise and various modalities (ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, traction, hydrotherapy, heat, and cryotherapy) to treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions as well as to help post-surgical patients through rehabilitation.
Piriformis Syndrome
A condition in which the sciatic nerve can become impinged by the contraction of the piriformis muscle. This muscle crosses the sciatic notch where the sciatic nerve exits the posterior pelvis causing radiation of symptoms along the path of the nerve. These symptoms are the same as are found in sciatica.
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the connective tissue which runs from the front of the heel bone through the bottom to the ball of the foot. This can be caused by mechanical stresses that weaken the arch of the foot.
Posterior
Toward the back of the body.
Preventive Care
Care that focuses on early detection and treatment of problems before they get bad enough to create symptoms.
Prognosis
A prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease or the likelihood of recovery from a disease.
Prone
Lying face down in the horizontal position.
R | TOP
Radiograph
An X-Ray film
Range Of Motion
The range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which a joint can be extended and flexed.
Reflex
An involuntary action resulting from a stimulus.
Report Of Findings
A short presentation by the doctor describing the patient’s problem, how long it will take to correct, and the prognosis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An inflammatory auto-immune disease that affects the joints of the body including the facets of the spine, hands, fingers, hips, and elbows. The body literally attacks and destroys its own joints.
Ruptured Disc
Also called a Prolapsed Disc. This is where the gel-like nucleus actually breaks through the annular wall of the disc.
S | TOP
Sacrum
The triangular shaped bone located at the base of the spine.
Sciatic Nerve
The largest nerve in the human body, it is made up of portions of multiple nerve roots of the lumbar spine. It exits through an opening on the back of the pelvis (sciatic notch), travels down the back of the leg, splits into two branches behind the knee and continues down into the foot.
Sciatica
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve which causes tenderness along the course of the nerve through the buttocks, thigh, and leg.
Scoliosis
When viewed from the back it presents as a curve that goes to one side—similar to a parenthesis. i.e. ( or )
Slipped Disc
This is a misnomer. Discs do not slip from between the vertebral bodies. This term has been used to refer to a herniation by many in the medical profession.
SOT
Sacro Occipital Technique. A method of normalizing the relationship between the foundation of the spine and the top of the spine by specifically positioning the body to use its own weight to correct the imbalance. Blocks that are wedge-shaped are placed at specific locations under the pelvis with the patient horizontal and gravity assists in the correction.
Spasm
Contraction of muscle tissue.
Spina Bifida
A congenital defect of the spine which results in the failure of the arches to form on the posterior aspect of the lumbar vertebrae. This leaves an opening over the spinal cord leaving the cord unprotected.
Spinal Canal
Refer to Neural Canal
Spinal Fusion
A process in which two or more vertebrae are joined together. This can be the result of a surgical procedure in which the disc and cartilage are removed and the segments are joined via bone grafts. Fusion can also be congenital or it can be the result of advanced degeneration where the overgrowth of bone causes the vertebrae to attach to each other.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal causing compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.
Spinous Process
The posterior protruding part of a vertebrae that is felt when palpating the spine.
Spondylolisthesis
An abnormality in which there is forward displacement of a vertebra in relation to the vertebra below it. It may or may not be symptomatic.
Spurring
The projection of an overgrowth of bone often seen in osteoarthritis.
Subjective Complaints
The symptoms and problems presented by the patient.
Subluxation
Misalignment of the spine that is less than a dislocation but is causing a disruption in nerve function enough to produce symptoms. These symptoms can be musculoskeletal or they can affect the function of other systems or organs in the body.
Supine
Lying horizontal on the back.
T | TOP
Tendon
Fibrous bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone.
Tennis Elbow
Known as Lateral Epicondylitis. It is inflammation of the tendon that attaches the extensor muscles of the forearm to the lateral, or outside, part of the elbow. Overuse of the extensor muscles of the wrist is the usual cause.
Thoracic
That part of the spinal column that goes from the base of the neck to approximately six inches above the waist.
Traction
The exertion of a pulling force along the long axis of a structure.
Transverse Process
Lateral protrusions of bone from the vertebrae to which powerful muscles attach.
Trigger Point
An involuntary tight band of muscle that is tender to pressure and may cause referred pain to other areas of the body.
W | TOP
Wellness Care
Health care that is not prompted by sickness or injury but by an attempt to achieve or promote an optimum state of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Whiplash
Also referred to as an acceleration/deceleration injury that is caused by rapid hyperflexion and hyperextension. These movements also have a compression component to them that is damaging to the facets or joints of the involved vertebrae. Such injuries are typical of rear-end automobile collisions.
X | TOP
X-Ray
Also known as a Radiograph. A diagnostic imaging method that exposes photographic film to radiation that is passed through the body. It is most useful in the diagnosis of fractures, dislocations, abnormal positioning or other structural problems involving bone.
