Browse 34 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in McDonough.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Adjustment is a controlled, manual force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part to restore proper motion, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are typically quick, precise movements that may produce a popping sound due to gas releasing from the joint fluid.
Atlas Orthogonal is a specialized chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. This method uses precise, gentle adjustments delivered by a calibrated instrument to restore proper spinal alignment without twisting or cracking the neck. It aims to improve nerve function, posture, And overall health by addressing the foundational bone supporting the skull.
Back Pain is discomfort, ache, Or sharp pain anywhere along the spine or muscles of the back. Back Pain can range from mild to severe and may be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). It often results from injury, strain, poor posture, Or medical conditions like arthritis or disc problems.
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to align the body's musculoskeletal structure, enabling the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Chiropractic care primarily addresses back pain, neck pain, joint pain, And headaches.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise, hands-on procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor to restore proper movement and alignment to joints, especially in the spine. It involves applying controlled force to a specific joint to reduce pain, improve function, And support the body’s natural healing process. Adjustments are tailored to each patient’s condition and health goals.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a specialized chiropractic technique that combines spinal adjustments with postural correction and spinal rehabilitation. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And mirror-image adjustments to improve spinal alignment and overall body mechanics. The goal is to restore normal spinal curves and reduce pain by addressing structural imbalances.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal function. It uses non-invasive techniques to assess and improve neurological health, helping patients with conditions like balance disorders, chronic pain, And brain-body coordination issues by evaluating nerve pathways and brain function.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical device designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables provide adjustable sections, drop mechanisms, And padding to improve comfort, safety, And effectiveness while allowing chiropractors to target specific areas of the spine or joints with precision.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Cold Laser Therapy doesn't produce heat, making it painless and safe for muscles, joints, And nerves. It's commonly used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, And accelerate recovery from injuries without surgery or medication.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and affected nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized device or manual techniques to create negative pressure within spinal discs, promoting healing and pain relief for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And chronic back pain.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks through a tear in the tougher outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, legs.
Diversified Technique is the most widely used chiropractic adjustment method. It involves hands-on, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to specific joints, particularly in the spine, to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, And reduce pain. Diversified Technique is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and is backed by extensive clinical training and research.
Electromyography is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and the nerves controlling them. Using small electrodes, it records how muscles respond to nerve signals, helping identify nerve or muscle disorders, injuries, Or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or sciatica.
Extremity Adjusting is a chiropractic technique that focuses on correcting misalignments in joints outside the spine, such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, And ankles. These adjustments aim to restore proper joint function, reduce pain.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain and improve mobility. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine, reducing pressure on discs and nerves. This method is often used for herniated discs, sciatica, And chronic back pain without requiring invasive procedures.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat fascial restrictions, scar tissue, And chronic inflammation. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to break down adhesions, improve blood flow.
ICD-10 Codes are a standardized system of medical diagnosis codes used worldwide to classify diseases, injuries, And health conditions. Developed by the World Health Organization, these codes help healthcare providers, including chiropractors, document patient conditions accurately for billing, treatment tracking, And statistical analysis. Each code represents a specific diagnosis, ensuring clear communication across medical professionals and insurance companies.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. These rollers move slowly along the spine, creating space between vertebrae, improving flexibility, And promoting circulation to spinal discs. The technique is often used to relieve back pain and enhance spinal health without manual adjustments.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body does not move correctly or loses its normal range of motion. This can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, Or reduced function in the affected area. Joint Dysfunction often results from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or underlying health issues like arthritis. It can occur in any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips, knees.
Licensed Chiropractor is a healthcare professional who has completed accredited doctoral training, passed national board exams, And obtained state authorization to diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions through non-surgical, drug-free methods such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, And rehabilitative exercises. Licensure ensures compliance with safety, ethics, And continuing education standards.
Manual Therapy is a hands-on clinical approach used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And other healthcare providers to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. Manual Therapy includes techniques like joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, stretching, And spinal adjustments to reduce pain, improve mobility, And restore function without surgery or medication.
Muscle Stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses controlled electrical impulses to cause muscles to contract and relax. This process helps reduce pain, improve circulation, decrease inflammation, And promote healing in injured or overworked muscles. It's often used alongside chiropractic care to support recovery and enhance treatment outcomes.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that gently stretches and loosens tight fascia, the thin layer of tissue covering muscles, bones, And organs. This technique helps reduce pain, improve movement, And restore normal function by releasing tension in the fascia caused by injury, stress, Or poor posture.
NCMIC is the largest provider of chiropractic malpractice insurance and financial services in the United States. NCMIC offers liability coverage, business protection, And risk management resources specifically designed for chiropractors, chiropractic students, And chiropractic practices to help them operate safely and comply with legal requirements.
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, often causing pain, numbness, tingling, Or weakness in the affected area. Common sites include the spine, wrists, And elbows, And symptoms may worsen with movement or prolonged pressure.
Orthopedic Tests are hands-on examinations chiropractors and doctors use to diagnose muscle, joint, nerve, Or bone problems. These tests involve specific movements, pressure, Or positions that reproduce symptoms, helping identify the exact source of pain or dysfunction without imaging. They're quick, non-invasive.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other costs for the policyholder and passengers after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' coverage because it applies no matter who is at fault. Limits and rules vary by state, including Georgia.
Posture Analysis is a systematic evaluation of how a person holds their body while standing, sitting, Or moving. It identifies imbalances, misalignments, Or muscle weaknesses that may contribute to pain, injury, Or reduced mobility. Chiropractors and physical therapists often use visual assessment, specialized tools, Or digital imaging to measure spinal curves, shoulder alignment, And pelvic positioning for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
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, ease tension, And restore normal function without surgery or medication.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical, drug-free therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spine and its surrounding structures, such as discs, nerves, And joints. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure, which may help herniated or bulging discs retract, improve nutrient flow, And reduce pain.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on technique used by licensed chiropractors and other trained healthcare providers to apply controlled force to joints in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation.
Thompson Technique is a chiropractic method that uses a specialized drop-table to apply gentle, precise adjustments to the spine and joints. Thompson Technique focuses on identifying leg-length discrepancies to detect misalignments, then delivers quick, low-force thrusts to correct them while the table’s segmented sections drop slightly, enhancing the adjustment’s effectiveness and patient comfort.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment method that targets tight knots in muscles, called trigger points, which cause pain and restrict movement. These knots form when muscle fibers become overworked or injured and fail to relax. The therapy involves applying focused pressure to these points to release tension, improve blood flow, And reduce pain, often providing relief for conditions like headaches, back pain.
Whiplash Associated Disorders is a group of neck injuries caused by sudden, rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, often from car accidents, sports collisions, Or falls. These disorders include muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint damage, And nerve irritation, leading to pain, stiffness, headaches, And reduced mobility.
