Browse 32 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Brentwood.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Activator Method is a gentle, instrument-assisted chiropractic technique used to adjust the spine and joints. Activator Method uses a small, handheld device called an Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver a precise, low-force impulse to specific areas of the body, helping restore motion and reduce pain without manual manipulation.
Adjustment is a controlled, precise force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part. Adjustments aim to restore normal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And improve function without surgery or medication. They're a core technique in chiropractic care.
Atlas Orthogonal is a precise chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. This method uses a gentle, controlled adjustment delivered by a specialized instrument to restore proper spinal alignment, reduce nerve irritation, And improve overall body function without manual twisting or cracking.
Cervical Spine is the uppermost part of the spinal column, consisting of seven vertebrae labeled C1 through C7. These bones support the skull, protect the spinal cord, And enable head movement such as nodding and turning. The cervical spine also houses nerves that control sensation and function in the arms, hands, And upper body.
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 restore proper movement, reduce nerve irritation, And improve overall function without surgery or medication. Adjustments are tailored to each patient’s condition and comfort level.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a research-backed chiropractic approach that combines spinal adjustments, posture correction, And spinal traction to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And individualized treatment plans to address long-term spinal conditions like scoliosis, chronic back pain.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to joints, especially in the spine, to improve motion, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing. It's often called a spinal adjustment and is based on the idea that proper joint alignment helps the nervous system work better.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal health. It uses non-surgical, drug-free techniques to assess and treat neurological disorders by improving nerve function through spinal adjustments, exercises, And sensory stimulation. Practitioners undergo additional training to diagnose and address conditions like balance issues, chronic pain.
Chiropractic X-Ray is chiropractic X-Rays are specialized medical images taken by chiropractors to examine the spine, joints, And bones for misalignments, injuries, Or abnormalities. These low-radiation images help chiropractors plan safe and effective treatments by showing bone structure, curvature.
Coccyx is the small, triangular bone at the very bottom of the spine, often called the tailbone. It consists of three to five fused vertebrae and supports weight when sitting, anchors muscles, And stabilizes the pelvis. Though small, the coccyx plays a key role in movement, balance, And comfort during daily activities.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. Cold Laser Therapy does not produce heat, making it safe for use on muscles, joints, nerves, And other soft tissues without damaging surrounding areas. It is commonly used in chiropractic care, physical therapy, And sports medicine to accelerate recovery from injuries and chronic conditions.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves. It uses controlled traction to gently stretch the spine, promoting healing in damaged discs, reducing pain, And improving mobility. This therapy is often used for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And chronic back or neck pain.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Disc herniation often occurs in the lower back or neck due to injury, aging, Or repetitive strain.
Diversified Technique is a widely used chiropractic method that involves manual adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment and joint function. Diversified Technique relies on precise, hands-on thrusts to correct misalignments, reduce pain, And improve mobility without surgery or medication. It's one of the most common techniques taught in chiropractic education and practiced in clinics worldwide.
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 strengthen muscles after injury or surgery. The treatment is non-invasive and typically administered using small electrodes placed on the skin.
Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique used to treat spinal disc injuries and related conditions. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs to promote healing and relieve pain. This method is often used for herniated discs, sciatica, And spinal stenosis.
Gonstead Technique is a precise, hands-on chiropractic method that focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine and pelvis. Developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead in the 1920s, it uses detailed analysis, including X-rays and palpation, to target specific areas needing adjustment, often with a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust.
Graston Technique is an evidence-based 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, improve blood flow, And accelerate healing in muscles, tendons, And ligaments after injury or overuse.
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 vertebra, improving spinal motion, reducing stiffness.
Lumbar Spine is the lower part of the spine located between the ribcage and the pelvis, consisting of five large vertebrae labeled L1 to L5. These bones support most of the body’s weight, allow bending and twisting, And protect the spinal cord and nerves that control the legs and lower organs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures, including bones, muscles, nerves, And organs. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn't use radiation, making it a safer option for repeated scans. It's commonly used to diagnose injuries, diseases, Or abnormalities in soft tissues and joints.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia is a specialized medical procedure where a trained provider gently moves stiff or frozen joints while the patient is under light sedation, So you can deeper stretching and mobilization than standard manual therapy, helping restore motion in chronic pain conditions that have not improved with other treatments.
Medical Lien is a legal claim that a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, places on a patient’s personal injury settlement or court award to ensure payment for treatment. Medical liens allow patients to receive necessary care without upfront costs while guaranteeing the provider will be paid from any future financial recovery.
Nerve impingement is a condition where a nerve is compressed or irritated by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, cartilage, Or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, Or weakness in the affected area. Nerve impingement often occurs in the spine, wrists, Or shoulders and can result from injury, repetitive motion, 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 vehicle accident, no matter who caused the crash. It covers the policyholder, passengers, And sometimes pedestrians, even if they lack health insurance. Coverage limits and rules vary by state.
Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the iliac bones (the large bones forming the pelvis). These joints act as shock absorbers, transferring weight and forces between the upper body and legs while allowing limited movement to support walking, standing.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And promote healing. Soft Tissue Therapy uses techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, increase blood flow, And relax tight muscles. It's often used alongside chiropractic care to support recovery from injuries or chronic conditions.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or similar device to create negative pressure within spinal discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract, promote healing.
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 spine) and neck (cervical spine). Spinal Stenosis often develops slowly over time due to aging, arthritis, Or injury, leading to pain, numbness.
Thompson Technique is a chiropractic method that uses a specialized adjusting table with drop pieces to assist in spinal corrections. Thompson Technique involves gentle, low-force thrusts applied to specific areas of the spine while the table sections drop slightly, enhancing the adjustment’s effectiveness and patient comfort.
Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the human spine, located between the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). It consists of 12 vertebrae labeled T1 to T12, which connect to the rib cage, providing structural support and protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs.
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 care without proving employer fault. While employers gain protection from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
