Browse 30 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 restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are a core technique in chiropractic care and are often performed using the hands or specialized instruments to target misaligned or restricted joints.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint, usually in the spine, to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore movement. The goal is to correct joint dysfunction without surgery or medication, relying on the body’s natural ability to heal.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine, without surgery or prescription drugs. Chiropractic Care uses hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to help the body heal itself by improving alignment, mobility, And nervous system function.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment performed by licensed chiropractors to improve joint motion and reduce pain. Chiropractic Manipulation uses controlled force applied to specific joints, often in the spine, to restore proper alignment and function. This technique helps relieve discomfort caused by muscle tension, joint stiffness.
Chiropractic Medicine is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through manual adjustments and manipulations of the spine. Chiropractic Medicine emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself without surgery or medication, using hands-on techniques to improve joint function, reduce pain.
Chiropractic School is a graduate-level educational program that trains students to become licensed Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). These programs typically require 3-4 years of study after completing a bachelor’s degree and cover anatomy, spinal health, manual adjustments, And patient care to prepare graduates for professional practice.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized piece of medical equipment designed for chiropractic care. Chiropractic Tables support patients in specific positions to allow chiropractors to perform safe, precise spinal adjustments, joint manipulations, And soft tissue therapies. These tables often include adjustable sections, drop mechanisms.
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 non-surgical, drug-free approaches, such as spinal adjustments, to improve alignment, relieve pain, And support the body’s natural healing abilities. Their training includes a four-year doctoral program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education.
Electromyography is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and the nerves controlling them. It uses small sensors called electrodes to record how muscles respond when they're activated, helping identify nerve or muscle disorders. Electromyography is often used to diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, Or muscle diseases.
Flexion-Distraction Technique is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic method used to treat spinal disc injuries and relieve back, neck, And leg pain. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine while the chiropractor applies manual pressure to specific areas, helping restore motion and reduce nerve irritation. This technique is often used for herniated discs, sciatica.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tougher outer layer. This bulging or ruptured material can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Herniated discs often occur due to aging, injury.
Impingement Syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when soft tissues, such as tendons or bursae, become compressed or pinched between bones in a joint. It most commonly affects the shoulder but can also occur in the hip or other joints. This compression leads to inflammation, pain, And limited movement, often worsening with repetitive overhead activities or prolonged use.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body fails to move or function normally, often causing pain, stiffness, Or reduced range of motion. It can result from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or underlying conditions like arthritis. Joint Dysfunction may affect any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips, Or knees, And can disrupt daily activities if left untreated.
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament—the tough, fibrous tissue connecting bones at a joint—caused by sudden stretching, twisting, Or impact. Ligament Sprains typically result in pain, swelling, bruising, And reduced joint stability, often graded on a scale from mild (Grade 1) to severe (Grade 3) based on the extent of tissue damage.
Mobilization is a gentle, manual therapy technique used by chiropractors and physical therapists to improve joint movement and reduce stiffness. Mobilization involves slow, controlled movements applied to a joint to restore its natural range of motion without forceful thrusts. This method helps relieve pain, enhance flexibility, And support recovery from injuries or chronic conditions.
Muscle Strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching, overuse, Or excessive force. Muscle Strains occur when fibers in the muscle or tendon tear partially or completely, leading to pain, swelling, And reduced strength. Common in sports, work.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy technique that gently stretches and applies pressure to the myofascial tissues—thin, tough layers surrounding muscles—to relieve tension, improve mobility, And reduce pain. This method targets tight or restricted areas in the fascia, often caused by injury, inflammation.
Neuromuscular Re-education is a therapeutic approach that retrains the brain, nerves, And muscles to work together correctly after injury, surgery, Or chronic pain. It uses specific exercises, manual techniques, And feedback to restore normal movement patterns, reduce pain, And improve coordination and strength. This process helps the body relearn proper function and prevent future injuries.
Orthopedic Tests are hands-on examinations performed by healthcare providers to assess musculoskeletal conditions, such as joint injuries, nerve compression, Or muscle strains. These tests involve specific movements, pressure, Or positioning to reproduce symptoms and identify the source of pain or dysfunction. They help guide diagnosis and treatment without relying solely on imaging or lab results.
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. Personal Injury Protection is often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder and passengers without needing to determine fault first.
Posture Correction is the process of identifying, adjusting, And strengthening the body’s alignment to reduce strain on muscles, joints, And ligaments. It involves exercises, ergonomic changes, And professional treatments to improve how a person stands, sits.
Sacro Occipital Technique is a chiropractic method that focuses on the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and the occiput (base of the skull) to improve nervous system function and body mechanics. It uses gentle adjustments, pelvic blocks, And specific body positions to restore balance and relieve pain without forceful manipulation.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And speed healing. Soft Tissue Therapy uses 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 discs. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or traction device to create negative pressure within the discs, which may help herniated or bulging discs retract and promote healing by allowing oxygen, water, And nutrients to flow into the affected area.
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) and is often caused by age-related wear and tear, arthritis, Or inherited conditions. Symptoms may include pain, numbness.
TENS Unit is a small, battery-powered medical device that delivers mild electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin to relieve pain. TENS Units are non-invasive, drug-free tools commonly used for managing acute or chronic pain conditions, including muscle soreness, joint pain, And nerve-related discomfort.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive pain management therapy that uses low-voltage electrical currents delivered through skin electrodes to block pain signals. TENS units are small, portable devices commonly used to relieve acute or chronic pain, including back pain, arthritis.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment technique used to relieve pain and improve muscle function by applying pressure to specific tight knots, called trigger points, within muscle tissue. These knots can cause referred pain, meaning discomfort in other parts of the body. The therapy aims to release tension, restore mobility.
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 covers treatment costs, rehabilitation expenses, And a portion of lost wages while protecting employers from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
X-Ray is a quick, painless imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the inside of the body, especially bones. X-Rays help doctors and chiropractors see fractures, infections, arthritis, Or spinal misalignments without surgery. The test takes only a few minutes and exposes patients to a small amount of radiation.
