Glossary

Biomechanics: The study of the body’s movement and the impact on musculoskeletal health.

Brace: Orthopedic support devices provide stability and reduce stress on injured areas.

Back Pain: Discomfort or distress experienced in the lumbar spine region.

Chiropractic Care Plan: A personalized program outlining treatment strategies and goals for patients.

Cervical Spine: The segment of the spine that is located in the neck consisting of seven vertebrae.

Core Strengthening: Exercises to strengthen muscles supporting the spine, promoting stability and balance.

Degenerative Disc Disease: A condition where intervertebral discs deteriorate, often causing pain and reduced flexibility.

Diagnostic Imaging: Techniques like X-rays or MRIs visualize and diagnose spinal issues.

Disc Herniation: Protrusion of an intervertebral disc, potentially compressing spinal nerves and causing pain.

Ergonomics: Study of workplace or home setup to optimize posture and reduce stress on the musculoskeletal system.

Electrical Stimulation: Therapeutic technique using electrical currents to stimulate muscles or nerves for pain relief.

Extremity Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments targeting joints outside the spine, such as shoulders, hips, and knees.

Functional Rehabilitation: Exercises and therapies to restore normal body function and mobility.

Flexion-Distraction: A gentle chiropractic technique used for conditions like herniated discs.

Functional Medicine: An approach addressing underlying health issues impacting musculoskeletal well-being.

Gonstead Technique: A chiropractic method focusing on precise adjustments to specific vertebrae.

Gait Analysis: Examination of a patient’s walking pattern to identify issues affecting the spine and posture.

Graston Technique: Soft tissue mobilization method using specially designed instruments to alleviate pain.

Holistic Care: A comprehensive approach considering physical, emotional, and environmental factors impacting health.

Headache: Pain or discomfort in the head or neck area, often related to spinal misalignment.

Hydrotherapy: Therapeutic use of water, such as hot/cold treatments, to alleviate pain and improve circulation.

Instrument-Assisted Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments using handheld instruments to apply controlled force.

Injury Prevention: Strategies and exercises to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Intersegmental Traction: A therapy method involving a roller table to promote spinal motion and alignment.

Joint Mobilization: Manual techniques applied to joints to restore range of motion and function.

Joint Dysfunction: Abnormality in joint movement or alignment causing pain and discomfort.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory joint condition affecting children.

Kinesiology Taping: Application of specialized tape to support muscles and joints during healing.

Kinetic Chain: The interconnectedness of joints and muscles in the body affecting movement and function.

Kyphosis: Excessive outward curvature of the upper spine, often resulting in a hunched posture.

Lumbar Spine: The posterior aspect of the spine, often known as consisting of five vertebrae, is commonly associated with lower back pain.

Laser Therapy: Treatment using low-level laser light to reduce pain and inflammation.

Lordosis: An abnormally pronounced inward curve of the spine, also called a kyphosis typically in the neck or lower back.

Manipulation: Using controlled force to adjust spinal alignment and alleviate pain.

Myofascial Release: Soft tissue therapy targeting fascia (connective tissue) to improve range of motion.

Musculoskeletal System: The body’s structural components, including muscles, bones, and joints.

Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on dietary choices to support musculoskeletal health and overall wellness.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: A therapy for conditions like disc herniation using traction to relieve pressure.

Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts to improve gait, posture, and spinal alignment.

Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease causing pain and stiffness, often affecting the spine.

Orthopedic Assessment: Evaluation of the musculoskeletal system to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions.

Postural Correction: Methods and physical activities to help improve posture and alleviate musculoskeletal stress.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care: Specialized care for expectant mothers, addressing pregnancy-related discomfort.

Quality of Life: The overall well-being and daily life satisfaction are often improved through chiropractic care.

Quadratus Lumborum: A lower back muscle often associated with lower back pain and posture issues.

Quantitative Sensory Testing: A diagnostic technique assessing sensory nerve function related to spinal health.

Radiating Pain: Pain that travels from one body area to another, often due to nerve compression.

Rehabilitation Exercises: Customized exercises to improve strength and mobility during healing.

Range of Motion: The extent to which an object can move can be achieved at a joint in various directions, crucial for spinal health.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Discomfort or pain in the sacroiliac joint, often treated with chiropractic care.

Scoliosis: Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often diagnosed during adolescence.

Soft Tissue Injury: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments, treated through therapies like massage and stretching.

Thoracic Spine: The section of the spine that is located in the center, associated with posture and mid-back pain.

Trigger Point Therapy: A technique targeting muscle trigger points to alleviate pain and tension.

Upper Cervical Care: Specialized chiropractic care focusing on the top two vertebrae for various health concerns.

Ultrasound Imaging: Diagnostic tool using sound waves to visualize soft tissues and assess spinal issues.

Upper Cross Syndrome: Muscle imbalance affecting the neck and shoulders, often treated with chiropractic care.

Vertebral Subluxation: A misalignment of vertebrae affecting spinal function and overall health.

Visceral Manipulation: Chiropractic technique involving gentle pressure to improve organ function.

Vitalistic Approach: A holistic perspective emphasizing the body’s innate ability to heal and maintain health.

Whiplash: Neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion, often treated through chiropractic care.

Wellness Care: Ongoing chiropractic care to maintain optimal health and prevent musculoskeletal issues.

Weight-Bearing Imaging: Diagnostic imaging taken while standing to assess spinal alignment and health.

X-ray Analysis: Diagnostic tool using X-rays to visualize bone and joint structures for assessment and treatment planning.

Yoga Therapy: Incorporating yoga poses and stretches into chiropractic care for enhanced flexibility and pain relief.

Zone Therapy: A holistic approach addressing specific body zones to restore balance and improve overall health.

Zygapophyseal Joint: Also known as facet joints, these are the joints connecting the vertebrae, often treated in chiropractic care to alleviate pain and stiffness.